In a story that’s capturing global attention, a 34-year-old Australian fitness influencer has taken the United States by storm with her astonishing financial success—leaving many Americans in disbelief about how someone so young can accumulate such wealth. But here’s where it gets controversial: her journey and the stories behind her riches reveal insights into entrepreneurship, the pitfalls of selling a business, and how diversification can be your greatest weapon in building lasting wealth.
Meet Kayla Itsines, a name that’s widely recognized in fitness circles, especially as the founder of the popular workout app Sweat. With an audience exceeding 15 million followers on Instagram, her influence extends far beyond social media to inspire many aspiring entrepreneurs. Recently, she was approached on the streets in the U.S. by James Dumoulin, a well-known internet personality known for his TikTok series ‘The School of Hard Knocks,’ where he interviews millionaires and entrepreneurs, probing them about how they built their fortunes.
During this chance encounter, Kayla disclosed that she became a millionaire at just 22 years old—an age that most can only dream of reaching such financial milestones. Her wealth surged even further in 2021 when she and her business partner, Tobi Pearce, decided to sell their company. She revealed, “I was the founder of an app called Sweat, and we sold it for $400 million.”
What’s even more impressive is her background—she did not come from privilege or wealth. Her entrepreneurial journey began modestly, operating out of her parents’ backyard, and she built her business entirely on her own resources, without external investments. This illustrates how grassroots beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
However, the story isn’t just about the riches. When Dumoulin asked her what many people get wrong when it comes to selling a business, Kayla admitted she feels she may have made some mistakes despite the huge payday. She shared, “When selling a company, it’s ideal to be able to detach yourself entirely from it. If I could go back, I’d remove myself from the business so it could stand independently, without my presence.”
She explained that remaining heavily involved in your company makes it challenging to truly step away after selling—something many entrepreneurs do not consider. “You want to sell and celebrate your success, but for me, it wasn’t relaxing. I found it hard to truly let go.”
The conversation then turned to wealth management. Dumoulin asked her how she recommends making money work for you, prompting Kayla to emphasize the importance of diversification. “Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket,” she advised. To illustrate her point, she recalled her first significant investment—purchasing a petrol station (which, in Australia, is equivalent to a gas station in the U.S.). Her explanation was simple: “It’s incredibly satisfying to see rental income coming in from a gas station, because it’s a way to diversify your assets—especially since the internet or one source of income could vanish overnight.”
She also shared a valuable piece of wisdom she’s received: “You are never obligated to be the same person you were yesterday,” reminding us that growth and change are fundamental to success and personal development. When asked if she ever doubted her business’s success, she admitted it was not always smooth sailing. She recalled moments of overwhelm, sometimes crying in her gym, feeling the weight of her ambitions and the stress of scaling her enterprise.
Interestingly, after selling Sweat for $400 million in 2021, Kayla bought it back in 2024 for an undisclosed amount—rumored to be significantly less than the original sale price. This twist adds an intriguing layer to her story, highlighting her resilience and ongoing commitment.
Her story has already earned her the nickname ‘$400 million woman,’ and her incredible wealth continues to astonish many, especially among American viewers unfamiliar with her. Some reactions reveal shock upon hearing she achieved her first million at just 22, while others express frustration or envy, lamenting their own financial struggles. Comments ranged from admiration—calling her “inspiring”—to skepticism, questioning whether her success is a typical story or an exceptional anomaly.
So, what do you think? Is Kayla’s journey a blueprint for entrepreneurial success, or does it sometimes seem like luck and privilege play a bigger role? Would you consider her approach a healthy model for building long-term wealth, or does her story oversimplify the challenges most face? Join the conversation below and share your thoughts—after all, stories like hers provoke important questions about wealth, effort, and the true path to financial independence.
