How Roma Van Der Walt is the Entrepreneurial Quintuple Threat (at Least)
How is a woman expected to age in the year 2025? Are we even allowed to?
In the world of women's health and the pursuit of a long, healthy life, few names stand out as boldly as Roma van der Walt.
As a former elite athlete turned entrepreneur, Roma has dedicated her career to empowering women with science-backed tools that enhance their well-being.
Through her company, Vitelle, Roma is pioneering a new approach to health optimization. Among other offerings, Vitelle shares the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their bodies — and their futures.
Roma Van Der Walt courtesy of X
Roma van der Walt’s Journey from Athlete to Innovator
Roma van der Walt’s journey is anything but conventional.
She spent seven years representing Team Germany in Modern Pentathlon, a sport that demands peak physical and mental performance. So you don’t have to take a break to Google pentathlon, we did for you.
A pentathlon includes:
Pistol shooting
Fencing
Freestyle swimming
Show jumping (yes, on a horse)
Cross-country running
Her experience as a professional athlete only underscores the critical role that data, diagnostics, and tailored training play in achieving excellence.
Building on her athletic foundation, she pursued a Master's degree in Sports Science, Media, and Communications on top of her Bachelor's in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching from Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln.
These credentials, coupled with her experience as a well-rounded athlete, gave her the expertise to bridge the gap between elite performance training and everyday health optimization.
Founding Vitelle: A Vision for Women's Health
In April 2022, Roma co-founded Vitelle with a clear mission. She wanted to provide women with the scientific tools they need to optimize their health and longevity.
In a world (and a healthcare system) that doesn’t seem to prioritize female health, Vitelle is built on the belief that women deserve access to personalized, data-driven health insights. But it doesn’t stop there. Vitelle is designed to help them thrive at every stage of life.
Vitelle leverages cutting-edge research and technology to offer solutions that address women's unique health challenges, from hormonal balance to overall longevity.
By equipping women with actionable information, Roma and her team empower them to make informed decisions about their well-being. Instead of leaving their health to outdated medical models, women can take a personalized approach to their health.
A Career Dedicated to Women’s Health + Empowerment
Just like her athletic career, Roma didn’t stop at “just one” event or business venture. She applied her skills and expertise to help women everywhere.
She has previously coached over 200 athletes annually for Every Mother Counts, an initiative aimed at improving maternal health worldwide. Her work with the United Nations in public information campaigns further highlights her dedication to global health and well-being.
Before launching Vitelle, Roma founded Chitta Wellness (2013-2021), a business centered on functional training and pre/postnatal health.
Roma has consistently used her expertise to uplift women. Her career is a testament to the power of combining scientific knowledge with real-world experience to drive meaningful chang—both on a personal label (through 1:1 coaching) and through a broader approach (a thriving business live Vitelle!)
How to Transform Expertise into Action like Roma van der Walt
At Carter House Copy, we’re tickled by the kind of leaders who break barriers and use their expertise to uplift others. As marketers at heart, we especially love the data-driven approach Roma has taken with Vitelle.
Roma van der Walt is a shining example of how women can channel their unique skills to create businesses that drive real-world impact — especially when the business fills an outrageously frustrating gap (ahem, healthcare)!
Her leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry (sports science and health optimization) is proof that women can bring valuable insight and innovation to a table that was previously empty.
Roma has proven — many times over — that expertise, passion, and determination can reshape industries.
Here are seven quick (but important) lessons from Roma and Vitelle, and how an entrepreneur could apply these lessons to their own business (or dream business!)
1. Leverage Your Unique Expertise
Roma used her background as a professional athlete and sports scientist to carve out a niche in women's health. Entrepreneurs should tap into their own experiences and specialized knowledge to create solutions that address real-world problems.
2. Identify Gaps in the Market
Vitelle was born out of Roma’s recognition that women’s health needs are often underserved or misunderstood. Successful businesses identify gaps in the market and offer innovative, data-driven solutions that truly add value.
3. Prioritize Science and Data
Roma’s approach emphasizes science-backed tools rather than guesswork. Entrepreneurs should build credibility by relying on research, data, and proven methods rather than trends or assumptions.
4. Create a Mission-Driven Brand
Vitelle isn’t just about business — it’s about empowering women to take control of their health. Companies with a clear, purpose-driven mission tend to resonate more with customers and foster long-term loyalty.
5. Adaptability is Key
From being an athlete to running multiple ventures, Roma has shown an ability to pivot and adapt. Entrepreneurs must be willing to evolve their strategies in response to market needs and emerging opportunities.
6. Empower Others Along the Way
Roma’s leadership extends beyond her company — she actively uplifts women through coaching and advocacy. Entrepreneurs should seek ways to mentor, support, and create opportunities for others, especially in industries where representation is lacking.
7. Break Barriers in Male-Dominated Industries
Sports science and health optimization have historically been male-dominated fields, but Roma’s success shows that expertise and innovation can challenge industry norms. Entrepreneurs should embrace leadership in spaces where diverse perspectives are needed.
By following these principles, aspiring entrepreneurs can build businesses that are not only profitable but also impactful and transformative.
Roma’s work with Vitelle exemplifies how women can support each other by creating solutions tailored to their needs. More women leaders can follow her example by leveraging their specialized knowledge to build companies that empower, educate, and uplift their communities.
Be a Trailblazer like Roma van der Walt
Roma van der Walt is more than just a founder — she’s a trailblazer.
Through Vitelle, she is revolutionizing how women approach health, wellness, and longevity. Her dedication to evidence-based solutions makes her a leader worth watching—and celebrating.
At Carter House Copy, we believe that stories like Roma’s deserve to be told, because they inspire women everywhere to take charge of their futures. We can’t wait to see how she continues to break boundaries, scale hurdles (whether or not atop a horse!), and redefine what’s possible for women’s health.
