Bridging Fashion and Wellbeing: A Conversation with Shahili Gomes- McCoy
In today’s segment of Raise The Bar, we speak with Shahili Gomes-McCoy, a globally trained businesswoman, fashion and design entrepreneur, and creative leader. Shahili has translated her international education and experience into The Design Collective, a homegrown platform that nurtures local talent and showcases Sri Lankan design on a broader stage. With an undergraduate degree in International Management from the Manchester Business School including a year at Copenhagen Business School, and a Master’s in Strategic Marketing from Imperial College London, she brings a refined design sensibility and global perspective to her work. As co-founder and Creative Director of The Design Collective and Gandhara, a mother, Shahili uses movement to energize her days and inspire others to embrace both wellness and confidence. Through our conversation, Shahili shares her personal journey with fitness, how it has evolved over the years, and how she integrates wellbeing into her creative and entrepreneurial life while inspiring her followers to bridge the gap between appearance and strength.
Q1. You’ve built a space that celebrates boldness, individuality, and young design talent. How does your personal fitness journey reflect that same spirit?
Shahili: Fitness has always been part of my life. I was a competitive swimmer, represented Sri Lanka in synchronized swimming, and captained my school water polo team. Sports instilled discipline, resilience, and focus from a young age, and I carry these values into my work. Fitness fuels my energy and confidence, allowing me to approach challenges creatively and decisively. My journey in fitness mirrors my approach to fashion and entrepreneurship, it is about expressing individuality while building strength from within.
Q2. What does fitness mean to you as a creative entrepreneur living across cultures and constantly on the move?
Shahili: Fitness is my anchor. I am based in Abu Dhabi but work extensively in Sri Lanka, and I travel frequently to London. Regardless of location, I maintain a consistent routine, whether it is Pilates, tennis, gym workouts, or classes at local studios. It is not about excuses. Fitness allows me to remain grounded, focused, and energized, no matter where I am in the world.
Q3. Running a national retail brand is high pressure. How do you use movement or wellness routines to stay grounded and make clear decisions?
Shahili: Retail is a competitive and high-pressure industry. I prioritize wellness and fitness to maintain clarity and resilience. Some days I cannot do everything perfectly, but committing to movement first thing in the day energizes me, builds confidence, and helps me approach business decisions with focus. Fitness is a foundation for both mental and physical wellbeing, which translates into better leadership and decision-making.
Q4. Many followers admire your authenticity. How do you hope your lifestyle choices inspire confidence in young women watching you?
Shahili: I want women to see that confidence comes from taking care of yourself holistically. Wellness is not about fitting a certain aesthetic; it is about building resilience, mental clarity, and physical strength. When you invest in yourself and maintain balance, it radiates outward, inspiring others to do the same. I hope my followers recognize that confidence is built through consistent self-care and alignment.
Q5. What is one non-negotiable daily ritual that keeps you feeling aligned and energized for the day?
Shahili: I am working on incorporating meditation and journaling into my routine, but what I do consistently is start my day with hydration and movement. I drink a glass of water with electrolyte to start my day and consciously stay hydrated through the day, whether it is tennis, Pilates, or gym workouts. These small but consistent practices energize me and prepare me to take on the demands of my day.
Q6. How has your relationship with fitness evolved as your business grew and responsibilities expanded?
Shahili: Over the years, my approach has shifted from chasing a specific look or size to embracing strength, endurance, and overall wellbeing. When I was younger, the focus was on being thin, which often caused frustration and imbalance. Now I prioritize fitness as a tool for energy, clarity, and longevity. I set boundaries with my schedule to ensure fitness remains nonnegotiable, and I hope to instill the same values in my team.
Q7. As a leader in the creative industry, where burnout is common, how do you protect your mental health while staying productive?
Shahili: Therapy is essential. It is not just for crises but for learning and growth. I also manage my energy by setting boundaries and avoiding low energy or negative influences. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and professional guidance ensures that you can remain productive without compromising mental health.
Q8. One misconception people have is equating looking fit with being well. What are your thoughts?
Shahili: Looking a certain way does not equal being well. Wellness encompasses mental health, nutrition, sleep, physical strength, and sustainable habits. Someone can look slim but be unwell internally. Fitness and wellness are complementary, but the focus should be on balance, energy, and strength rather than solely on appearance.
Q9. When you think about the next decade, how do you hope your approach to health and wellbeing will grow?
Shahili: I hope to include more mindfulness practices and improve my cardiovascular fitness while maintaining strength. I want my wellness journey to grow alongside my career and personal life, ensuring balance, longevity, and holistic health.
Q10. What message do you hope your followers take away about living a life that is stylish but also sustainable, grounded, and healthy?
Shahili: Fashion and style can build confidence, but they must be paired with wellness. Even small daily practices, like movement, mindful eating, or sleep, make a difference. Social media shows highlights, but reality is about consistency and balance. Being kind, honest, and taking care of yourself builds true confidence and resilience. I hope my followers see that strength and wellbeing are as aspirational as any aesthetic.
-----------------------------
Shahili Gomes-McCoy is an inspiration for many fashion-conscious individuals in Sri Lanka. Through her Instagram and other platforms, she shares her fitness journey, encouraging her followers to shift from focusing on appearance alone to embracing strength, resilience, and holistic wellbeing. Her evolution from chasing size to embracing strength reflects a message that is increasingly relevant to young women: wellness is a lifestyle, confidence is cultivated, and true style comes from alignment between body, mind, and spirit. Shahili Gomes-McCoy’s journey with fitness is as relatable and inspiring as her career in fashion and design. From her early days as a competitive swimmer and water polo captain to her evolution from chasing a certain size to prioritizing strength, resilience, and holistic wellbeing, she demonstrates that true fitness is more than appearances. Fitness has been her anchor across cultures, her tool for mental clarity, and her source of energy to thrive as an entrepreneur, mother, and creative leader. Through her daily practices, mindful boundaries, and commitment to sustainable wellness, Shahili not only builds her own confidence but inspires her followers to embrace strength, balance, and authenticity. Her story is a reminder that wellness evolves with life’s phases, and that embracing strength, consistency, and self-care creates a foundation for confidence, purpose, and lasting impact both personally and professionally.
