ELEANOR Douglas-Meyers
For many people, when you think of a successful businesswoman, you picture someone tough, no-nonsense and entirely focused on results. That’s not quite the energy you get from Darushka Chetty Williams, the woman behind the DCW Fitness brand.
Spend even a short amount of time with her and it becomes clear that her approach is different. There’s a sense of care, of understanding, and of intention behind everything she does. What she’s built isn’t just about fitness. It’s about how women feel when they walk into a space, how they see themselves, and how they carry that with them long after they leave.
For her, this has never been about fitting into last season’s jeans, it’s about self-acceptance, self-love and creating something that other women can step into and feel safe in.
It started with her
Her journey into fitness is deeply personal, and it’s something she speaks about with honesty.
“I would say I am a personal trainer that is deeply passionate about helping other women reach their fitness goals and become the best version of themselves. I’ve been doing this for the last 15 years of my life. It’s my passion and calling.”
That passion started with her own experience.
“What first motivated me was my own journey. I realized how much better I felt, not just physically, but mentally when I started taking care of my health. The transformation sparked something in me, and I knew I wanted to help others experience that same confidence and strength in their own lives.”
Creating the space
The studio came at a time when people were rethinking how they engaged with fitness.
“I created the studio after COVID cos ppl didn’t feel comfortable to walk into a gym facility and we all were still in hermit mode. I also saw the need to create this space for women, to make it an only women’s gym so that women can feel like this was their safe space as I worked in commercial gyms and saw the need for this.”
That intention runs through everything she’s built.
“It was important for me to create this safe space cos many women feel intimidated or judged in commercial gyms so I wanted to build a comfortable safe space for them, where they felt the need to be free to move and stay consistent to their goals. Cos as women if we comfortable we can push more and this is where confidence and strength comes from.”
Consistency over everything
If there’s one thing she emphasises, it’s consistency.
“I always tell clients that motivation doesn’t last but consistency is where it’s at. It creates results and structure. They also need to remember their why, the reason that they walked through my doors.”
It’s a simple message, but one that sits at the core of how she trains and guides her clients.
Changing the narrative around fitness
She’s also very clear about the misconceptions she sees every day.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that fitness is all about quick results. A lot of people expect drastic changes in a short time, but real, sustainable progress takes consistency and patience.”
And when it comes to food and lifestyle:
“Another misconception is that you have to restrict yourself heavily or cut out entire food groups to see results, when in reality it’s about balance, proper nutrition, and sustainability. It all comes down to balance, accountability and consistency, also building systems that work in your favour.”
More than just fitness
For her, fitness doesn’t stop at the workout.
“I think wellness events are important because fitness goes beyond just training. It’s about lifestyle, education, and community. These events create a space where people can connect, learn more about their health, and feel inspired outside of their normal routine.”
It’s also about shared experience.
“It brings people together, which strengthens the sense of community and support, and that plays a big role in keeping people consistent.”
The impact
When she reflects on her journey, it’s the people that stand out.
“Looking back, the most rewarding part of my journey has been the impact I’ve been able to have on people’s lives. Seeing clients transform not just physically, but in their confidence, discipline, and mindset is incredible.”
And the space she’s built around that matters just as much.
“Building a strong, supportive community through DCW Studio has also been a highlight for me. It’s more than just fitness, it’s about helping women grow into better versions of themselves, and that’s what makes it all worth it.”
The reality behind the brand
Like any business, it hasn’t come without challenges.
“Building a brand comes with challenges, especially in a competitive industry. Gaining trust, staying consistent, and managing both the business and clients at the same time were key challenges.”
But those challenges shaped her approach.
“I used that to grow by becoming more structured, focused, and intentional. Those challenges helped to build the brand to where we at and we still have a long way to go but we up for the challenge.”
Her advice
Her advice is direct and honest.
“I would say don’t overthink it, just do whatever it takes to get to the version of you that is unstoppable. Move through all the uncomfortable feelings. Don’t stop when it get hard, those are the days you must push even harder.”
She also highlights the value of guidance.
“Get a trainer, it’s an investment. Once you learn the form, the basics and can be strong enough to hold yourself accountable, you then can train and do it on your own. Now you have developed a skill that makes you capable of reshaping your body composition.”
And as she puts it:
“Nutrition is key. 80 percent nutrition, 20 percent exercise. Nutrition fuels the body, training shapes it, they work hand in hand.”
Life outside the studio
Outside of her work, her lifestyle is much slower.
“I would be lying if I said hiking or running. No, I’m a coffee, supper, bookshop, walks on the beach type of girl. Oh and a night at the movies and love road trips.”
What’s next
Looking ahead, there’s more on the horizon.
“The next for DCW is probably another product launch and the DCW Sweat Fest 3.0 now in August that we so excited about as it’s going to be one of the best fitness events in the GQ.”
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