Balancing buttercream and barbells one cupcake at a time

By Caleb Francis

Jul 16, 2023

Sweet triumphs and fit ventures: Owners Keegan Donovan, Tegan Crawford and Harley Tempest are the trio behind Origin Athletics. Photo by Megan Fisher

Tegan Crawford is the force behind Tegan’s Custom Cakes, a fitness enthusiast and now the part-owner of Origin Athletics.

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The 25-year-old business owner is redefining the boundaries between sweet treats and sweat sessions, proving that one could have cake and eat it, too, all while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“I’ve got my cupcake business and recently I’ve come on in the last few weeks as an owner here at Origin, which is pretty awesome,” Miss Crawford said.

Having her cake and eating it too: Tegan Crawford has recently bought into Origin Athletics. Photo by Megan Fisher

She recalled a time five years ago when she contacted the owner Harley Tempest, her now business partner as she was on the verge of cancelling her gym membership due to financial strains after a breakup.

“I actually couldn’t afford to pay for my gym membership anymore,” she said.

“Harley said that he was looking for somewhere to rent."

“So, Harley moved in with me, and we were housemates for probably a few years.

“I obviously stayed here – I never cancelled my membership and we’ve pretty much been good mates since."

Squats, sprints and sprinkles: Tegan Crawford proves it's possible to enjoy sweet rewards without compromising a healthy lifestyle. Photo by Megan Fisher

A former personal trainer, Miss Crawford’s passion for fitness never faded even as her cake business started to grow.

“I’ve always been involved in fitness, and I love that sort of thing,” she said.

“I pretty much live here at the gym.

“I love the people here.

“I love the atmosphere.”

From frosted delights to fitness heights: Owners Keegan Donovan, Tegan Crawford and Harley Tempest. Photo by Megan Fisher

Miss Crawford said her days were busy, juggling her cake business and her responsibilities at the gym.

“I’ve already been so busy the last few weeks with my cakes and now I’ve taken this on board as well, but I love it so much,” she said.

“I probably feel slightly overwhelmed at times, but it’s a good overwhelming feeling.”

Miss Crawford also said that leftover cupcakes often made their way to the gym, underlining her belief in balance.

“You don’t want to be restricting yourself because that’s when you’re going to binge,” she said.

Beyond the icing: Tegan Crawford is the new part owner of Origin Athletics. Photo by Megan Fisher

After running her successful cake business for five years, Miss Crawford was actively seeking balance in her life.

With a trip to Europe on the horizon, she was looking forward to stepping back and re-evaluating her path.

As for the secret to her success?

“Just give 100 per cent to everything you try, grab opportunities and put into them as much as you can,” she said.

Miss Crawford said that Origin Athletics continues to grow, with Hannah’s Remedial Massage running out of the gym’s premises, as well as other personal trainers.

With Miss Crawford, Mr Tempest and business partner Keegan Donovan at the helm, one thing is clear: this gym is as committed to community and balance as it is to fitness.

And yes, there might be cupcakes.