Running a Social Impact Brand While Navigating Mental Health With Tony O'Neil

What happens when your business is rooted in purpose - but your own wellbeing starts to suffer?In this episode, I’m joined by Tony O’Neil, founder of Animalia Apparel - a Glasgow-based fightwear brand with a powerful social heartbeat. Tony started Animalia after working in youth sports development and seeing first-hand how much his local community needed more support and connection.Now, he partners with world-class fighters, reinvests profits into youth-led community activities, and even invites locals to help design products. But behind the impact is a raw, honest story of what it really takes to build a business while managing poor mental health.In this episode, we talk about:The origin story of Animalia and its community-driven missionWhat it’s like to fall into entrepreneurship without a clear roadmapHow Tony navigated burnout and mental health challenges while leading a brandWhy your wellbeing must come first — even when others are relying on youThe power of going back to basics and building stronger business foundationsWhether you're running a mission-led brand or just need a reminder that it's okay to slow down - this episode is honest, human, and full of heart.🥋 Check out Animalia Apparel:Website: animaliaapparel.co.ukInstagram: @animalia_apparel🎧 If you appreciated this vulnerable conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a founder who needs it.Support the showThe Freedom Method Podcast is for women on a journey to find freedom through online business. Whether you're in a 9-5 or you're already a female entrepreneur, but your business is feeling anything but free - this podcast helps you build an online business that works for you, not one you work for.Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff - online business coach, strategist, and founder of the Freedom Model Method.Subscribe for real female entrepreneur stories, practical strategies, and conversations about building an online business.Find Your Starting Point:🔍 Take My FREE Quiz: https://onlinebusinessschool.itssophiebiggerstaff.com/freedom-seekers-quiz📖 Grab My Playbook: https://onlinebusinessschool.itssophiebiggerstaff.com/freedom-founder-playbook🎓 Work With Me: https://www.itssophiebiggerstaff.com/#workwithmeConnect:🗣️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-biggerstaff-business-coach/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/itssophiebiggerstaff