How a 21-Year-Old Turned Running into a Thriving Business

I’m Philippe, a 21-year-old entrepreneur and full-time International Business student based in Vienna. My journey as a business owner started at the age of 17, when I launched a sustainable bean bag business made from recycled polyester. Teaching myself to sew and later outsourcing production, I managed to generate over €4,000 in revenue within the first year. That experience not only gave me hands-on business skills but also showed me I had a knack for identifying opportunities and executing ideas outside the norm.

Currently, I’m balancing a busy university schedule while pursuing my passion for running by building a vibrant running community in Vienna. This includes organising a run club, creating an activewear brand called Collective Pace, and curating a running newsletter. These initiatives allow me to combine my entrepreneurial spirit with my love for fitness, all while earning enough to cover my living expenses. My focus is on creating value by fostering community, encouraging health, and promoting sustainability through my projects.

My inspiration stems from a combination of personal growth and the desire to have a positive impact. A year ago, I started running as a way to challenge myself both physically and mentally. What began as a personal journey quickly evolved into an idea to share this passion with others and create something meaningful in the process.

The running niche is the perfect avenue for me to pursue projects that are sustainable and community-driven. Organising weekly runs helps me stay fit, connect with like-minded individuals, and create a platform for others to achieve their goals. To complement this, I’m launching Collective Pace, an activewear line that embodies the values of sustainability, inclusivity, and performance. By merging my entrepreneurial mindset with my passion for fitness, I’m creating a business that not only generates income but also promotes wellness and empowerment.

For me, success is about impact, not just numbers. When I see someone break a personal best during one of our runs, make a new friend at a social event, or thank me for inspiring them to start running, I know I’m achieving my goals.

Building a safe and supportive space where people can improve their health, find motivation, and connect with a community is at the heart of what I do. Success isn’t just about scaling the business or selling products; it’s about seeing the tangible, positive changes in the lives of the people I serve. That’s what keeps me motivated and reminds me why I started in the first place.

If I were to start over, I would prioritize documenting my entire journey on social media from day one. Sharing your story transparently not only helps build a loyal audience but also makes it easier to connect with people who resonate with your mission. I’ve learned that being authentic and putting yourself out there is a critical factor for success in today’s business environment.

Another key lesson would be to overcome the fear of judgment early on. At the beginning stages, it’s easy to worry about how others perceive your efforts, but it’s important to remember that every entrepreneur starts somewhere. The people who matter—your future customers and collaborators—appreciate effort and persistence, not perfection.

My advice is simple: stay consistent and passionate. It’s normal to face challenges, especially when you’re struggling to reach people or gain traction. The key is to keep showing up. Passion and perseverance are what will set you apart and keep you going when progress feels slow.

In addition, surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals. Networking and learning from others can fast-track your growth and provide support during tough times. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback, embrace trial and error, and most importantly, believe in your vision. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you’re genuinely passionate about your work, the results will follow.

Follow my entrepreneurial journey on X under @philippemo1. This is my new account so I appreciate all the support!

You can also follow my running club on Instagram here.

Also please check out my running newsletter where I write out weekly 3-minute reads to runners.