What Jiu-Jitsu Athletes Say About Me
“If you aspire to make a living off jiu-jitsu – whether as a competitor, gym owner, or some other stripe of entrepreneur – and don’t know who Meg He is, you should. A highly successful CEO and investor, she’s one of the minds behind revolutionary capsule clothing brand Aday and a board member for LilyAna Naturals, one of the largest independent skincare brands on Amazon. She also happens to be the teammate and partner of elite black belt Margot Ciccarelli, as well as a successful jiu-jitsu competitor in her own right. Now, Meg applies her proven business chops to advising both professional grapplers and hobbyists on smart ways to make a sustainable living in the niche – but growing – jiu-jitsu industry.”
Jiu Jitsu Times: Grapplers’ Career Corner: Meet Meg He, CEO, Investor, and Competitive Jiu-Jitsu Athlete
“Trying to be a professional in a largely amateur sport has been a challenging journey for me. Guidance in such a niche career is hard to come by. Meg has filled that void by combining her proven business savvy with her personal experience with the competitive sports scene. Her approach, "less effort, more impact", allows me to prioritize my training while learning other skills necessary to make a sustainable income as an athlete.”
Brianna Ste-Marie (@briannasm, Black Belt), ADCC Silver Medallist, ADCC Trials and Combat Jiu Jitsu Champion, IBJJF World Nogi Champion, FloGrappling Top 5 Grappler. Sponsored by Hyperfly, Roll Forever and Physiomentum.
“As a co-founder of a successful company and BJJ athlete, Meg is well versed and knowledgeable in both the world of business and jiujitsu. Backed by her experience in branding, social media and marketing, her advice has taught me a lot and helped me in improving my business and brand as an athlete. If you're looking for guidance, Meg is definitely the one to point you in the right direction.”
Junny Ocasio (@junny_bjj, Black Belt), F2W Champion, FloGrappling Top 5 Grappler, Who’s Number One & Kasai Vet. Sponsored by Cruz Combat.
“Thank you very much for your help. It has made SUCH a difference even these past few weeks, really just changing my mentality/approach to it all.”
Michael D'Aguiar (@michaeldaguiarbjj, Black Belt), Polaris and Grapplefest Vet. Sponsored by Scramble.
“Meg is extraordinary at seeing potential in people and bringing them up to the next level. I’ve learnt so much and started to adopt better business practices. It’s making me 3x what I used to make.”
Margot Ciccarelli (@thenomadicmars, Black Belt), IBJJF World Champion (Gi and Nogi), AJP World Pro Champion, FloGrappling Top 5 Grappler. Sponsored by Vanguard Kimono, the Armbar Soap Company, CapoNutrition and Higher Dose.
“As a jiu jitsu athlete, I’ve been having such a hard time funding myself towards competing and my big goals (especially as a purple belt). Meg has helped open my eyes to all the possibilities of making more money and being a lot more confident in asking for what I need! I literally went to my one sponsor and asked for help funding my hotel for my first CJJ match and they covered it!!! Investing in yourself is so important and also educating yourself on finance. I didn’t think about that much, but what Meg has taught me about this important subject has changed my life. I’m so happy to have had the privilege of meeting her!”
Bet Houghton (@fruitjitsu, Purple Belt), Coach at Art of War MMA.
“Meg has given me invaluable advice regarding the business and social media side of jiu jitsu, something I believe many jiu jitsu practitioners dislike and therefore avoid. I have been training jiu jitsu for seven years and have high standards for my competitive goals in the sport, but with a background in engineering and coming from a small club I didn't have knowledge of how to optimise my path towards those goals. With Meg's advice, I have been able to visualise and put in to action helpful methods of reaching my goals in a more professional manner.”
Mara Kelly (@physicsoffitness, Black Belt), IBJJF World Nogi Champion, IBJJF European Champion, IBJJF Pans Medallist.
“Meg helped me to face what felt like an impossible task- speaking out on a sensitive topic in the jiu jitsu community. Meg’s fearless confidence in standing up for what is right combined with her knowledge in a business capacity has exposed the darkness within our sport. So much so that it will never be the same again, I am forever grateful for the support I received from Meg and I nourish this relationship going forward. Meg’s ‘open door policy’ made it incredible easy for me to seek advice and Meg’s ‘can do’ attitude is the kind of leader we need to action change in our beloved sport.”
Samantha Cook (@samanthacookbjj, Black Belt), ADCC Trials Champion, IBJJF World Nogi Champion, IBJJF European Champion (Gi and Nogi). Sponsored by Scramble and Nocco.
“Meg was super helpful with guiding me in the right direction regarding different sponsors. As a jiu jitsu athlete, it’s hard to find good information so I’m grateful to have someone like her to ask.”
Laura Kolm (@laurakolmjj, Purple Belt), IBJJF World Champion.