My London: Amanda Amato, founder of Fitness Community Move & Meet
Name: Amanda Amato
Instagram: @__amandaamato/
Moved to London: 2016
Occupation: Self-employed – Founder of Move & Meet and Network Marketer running a holistic network marketing business.
Live in: Upminster, London
Amanda with her partner and dog outside their home in Upminister
What motivated you to move from Sweden to London?
Oh boy, haha! I took a year off from university to travel & work in Australia, and at the end of my travels, I met a lovely man from London. After I had finished university, I decided to move to London in the summer of 2016.
Amanda moved to London in 2016
What’s the best thing about your area?
I live in Zone 6, and I prefer living slightly outside of London. We have a lot of greenery, forest and parks around us, away from the hustle & bustle, but only 25 minutes away from the City of London.
What do you do in your spare time?
- I love working out! Since a few years back, I have been obsessed with CrossFit! After the lockdown and many home workouts, I couldn’t face going to the gym and having to make up my own workouts anymore. Both my partner Ricci and I decided to try CrossFit, and it’s been a great challenge.
- Brunching is a big passion of mine! Especially after some sort of movement with friends! There is no better way to start the weekend.
- I am also obsessed with activities & games, and I love a day out to Flight Club, Electric Shuffle, Top Golf or other quirky activities, including great fun, delicious food & tasty drinks.
One of Amanda’s Favourite brunch places, TAB X TAB on Westbourne Grove
You started Move & Meet, a Fitness Community combining workouts with brunch and socials!
How did you come up with the idea of Move & Meet?
My husband Ricci and I were desperate to meet new friends who shared our passion for fitness. In late 2021, two of our closest friends moved to Australia, leaving a big gap in our social lives. Making new connections as adults, especially in a busy city like London, isn’t easy. I remember feeling the same way when I first moved from Sweden in 2016, it was tough, lonely, and hard to find meaningful friendships.
In London, people always rush to work or home, making it difficult to chat before or after a workout. That’s when we decided to create Move & Meet, a social fitness community where like-minded people can come together to work out, enjoy brunch, and make genuine connections in a fun & relaxed setting.
What were the initial goals?
We started this community because we were looking to make new friends ourselves but found there wasn’t an easy way to combine fitness with socialising. At most gyms or fitness studios, people are often on their phones before class or rushing off afterwards, leaving little room for connection. For nearly two years, we hosted a Move & Meet event every month, and the incredible feedback and testimonials we received made us realise that we weren’t the only ones in London feeling lonely and struggling to make new friends.
It became clear that loneliness and the challenge of building friendships as an adult were much bigger problems, and our community had the potential to help combat them. What started as something personal quickly grew into a mission far beyond just us, it’s now about creating a space that brings people together, fostering meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
What challenges did you face when setting up your business in a new country?
- There were definitely many challenges at the start, and there still are today, that’s part of the journey. One of the things I love about running my own business is that you’re always learning and evolving; there’s no moment where you feel like you’ve “arrived.”
- Early on, I realised how crucial it is to have a strong network. When I started Move & Meet, I spent a lot of time attending events, meeting new people, and building relationships, as I only knew my husband Ricci when I first moved to London. Networking became my priority because, in business, your connections are everything.
- The language barrier was another challenge and still is at times. Expressing myself in English hasn’t always been easy, and I’m sure many Swedes can relate. For a long time, I lived under the belief that “I wasn’t good at English,” which made me hold back before even trying. But I’ve learned to believe in myself and let go of the need for perfection. It doesn’t have to be perfect, what matters is how you make people feel, not every word you say. Letting go of that pressure has been a huge part of my personal growth.
Amanda and Ricci at one of their meet-ups
What are the aspirations for your fitness community in London?
- Our vision for Move & Meet is to become the leading global social fitness community, addressing the growing need for genuine connection in a world that’s more disconnected than ever. As a society, we’re spending more time on our phones and in front of screens than we do interacting face-to-face, which has contributed to rising levels of depression and widespread mental health struggles. The focus on likes and views has replaced meaningful relationships, and the impact is clear—loneliness, mental health challenges, and physical inactivity are at an all-time high.
- Our mission is to take socialising off social media and foster real-life friendships through movement and social brunches. What started as a personal journey for Ricci and me has transformed into a larger purpose: helping people build lasting connections and improve their well-being through social fitness. We believe that by combining fitness with authentic social interaction, we can create a space where people feel connected, supported, and part of a community.
Amanda and her husband Ricci runs Move & Meet together
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs looking to start a business in a new country or city?
The advice I’d like to share with other entrepreneurs comes from my own journey and the lessons I’ve had to learn along the way. I wish someone had told me these things early on, as they would have made the path a little smoother.
- Grow yourself as a person: Personal growth directly impacts your business growth. As you push yourself out of your comfort zone, develop new skills, and build confidence, your business will naturally reflect that progress. Invest in yourself, whether it’s through mentorship, learning new skills, or simply getting comfortable with the discomfort of starting something new.
- Surround yourself with inspiring people: The people around you have a huge influence on your success. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you, who you can learn from, and who have already walked the path you’re on. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or guidance; it’s incredibly valuable to learn from those with experience. I have learned that many successful people are more than happy to share their knowledge.
- Build a strong network: Building a strong network has been essential for me. Connections really do matter, especially when you’re growing a business. Attending events and engaging with the community has allowed me to meet so many professionals and like-minded individuals who have become part of my support system.
When you have a great network, it makes running a business so much easier. If I don’t know the answer to something or if I’m looking for a specific resource, I have a solid portfolio of contacts and friends I can turn to for help and advice. Having that kind of support has been invaluable, whether it’s for business strategy, finding the right person for an event, or even just getting feedback.
- Be patient with the process: Starting and growing a business takes time, and success doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve learned that trial and error is a big part of the journey. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. Failing isn’t bad, it’s simply an opportunity to find a better way to run your business. The key is to stay open to trying new approaches and solutions, and to be patient as you figure out what works best. Trust the process, embrace the journey, and remember to have fun along the way. It’s all about learning, evolving, and enjoying the ride.
On November 16th, Move & Meet, in collaboration with LondonSwedes, is hosting a meet-up that combines a workout at Train Yard followed by a social brunch at Bubba Oasis !
Get your tickets here to join us!
