Sophie onto a winner with Dragon’s Den proposition

On Sunday night, “YogaBellies” teacher Sophie Keil, came face to face with some of the UK’s most successful investors.

Sophie was welcomed into the “Den” to demonstrate the unique yogic techniques which are practised and taught by women’s yoga franchise, YogaBellies.

The business, which is owned by Cheryl MacDonald and her husband Mike, started three years ago and now has over 80 YogaBellies franchisees around the world.

As a YogaBellies franchise owner, Sophie said she believes that the success of her own Newtownabbey and Bangor classes “played a key part in wowing the ‘Dragons’”

Duncan Bannatyne was so impressed with the “socially conscious” business model that he made an offer of £50,000 for 35 per cent of the company, agreeing that he would reduce his stake to 20 per cent after two years.

Sophie said: “I love being part of YogaBellies® and really value what our sessions can bring to women, babies and children. Our classes are about so much more than just exercise, we use authentic yogic techniques in a fun, accessible way. The majority of people who come to YogaBellies® classes are completely new to yoga.”