UWTSD alumna opens luxury wellness studio in Cardiff
University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) alumna Kelly Powling has launched OREN Wellness, a luxury wellness studio based in Cardiff. Recently named one of Wales’ Rising Stars by Insider Media, she is part of a new wave of young entrepreneurs making an impact across the region.
Opened earlier this year, the studio offers a curated mix of fitness and mindfulness classes, including reformer Pilates, yoga, a recovery suite, and an infrared studio. Designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing, OREN encourages visitors to slow down, move with intention, and leave feeling better from the inside out.
Kelly’s path to entrepreneurship began after completing her Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Events Management in 2017 at UWTSD. Following her studies, she spent some time travelling through Asia and Australia - an experience that helped shape her confidence, independence, and sense of direction. On returning to Wales, she founded Fierce Femmes, a women’s network that hosts inspirational events and business brunches to empower and connect women. This thriving community laid the foundation for her next venture.
“I’ve always been drawn to bringing people together,” Kelly says. “Fierce Femmes sparked my passion for creating meaningful spaces, and that evolved into OREN - a place where people come to move, recover, and reconnect with themselves.”
Kelly discovered her passion for creative storytelling through a series of diverse projects, from food blogging to co-founding a podcast studio. These ventures not only sparked her interest in branding and community-building but also equipped her with the skills she now channels into every aspect of OREN Wellness. Her ability to connect ideas and people is a defining feature of her entrepreneurial journey.
Recently named one of Wales’ 2025 Rising Stars by Insider Media - a prestigious recognition celebrating high-achieving Welsh entrepreneurs under 40 – she is making a name for herself as a bold and creative leader, with a vision that’s helping her leave a real mark on Wales’ business scene.
As a business owner, Kelly finds joy in seeing her vision come to life.
“The best part is watching people experience something you’ve built from scratch,” she says. “The hardest part is that it never really switches off - but every challenge teaches you something.”
Though Kelly left university after her first year due to personal circumstances, she credits UWTSD for giving her a chance when others didn’t.
“I didn’t do well in my A-Levels, but UWTSD saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to join the course. That experience helped me figure out what I truly wanted to do.”
Today, Kelly leads OREN Wellness with creativity and purpose, overseeing everything from team management to campaign development. She shows a thoughtful, hands-on approach to building a business, drawing on her experience in marketing, events, and creating community-focused platforms.
We’re proud to celebrate Kelly’s achievements and the positive impact OREN Wellness is already making in Cardiff.
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996