What happens when you grow a million followers a month? For Leana Deeb, it meant building an entire business from scratch—fast. With the help of GCA and manager Saad Aslam, she turned overwhelming virality into a long-term, values-driven brand.

From Gym Vlogs to Global Influence

Leana Deeb didn’t set out to become a business. She just loved fitness.

After playing semi-professional soccer, she found a new outlet in weightlifting. Her no-frills TikTok videos—sweaty, intense, and refreshingly real—stood out in a sea of perfectly posed gym selfies. The result? Explosive growth.

“There was a time Leana was growing a million followers a month on TikTok,” said Saad Aslam, co-founder of GCA (Genflow Creator Agency). “Even TikTok reached out asking how it was happening. It was insane.”

But with rapid growth came real pressure. “It was overwhelming,” Deeb admitted. “I didn’t know how to manage it all.” That’s when she sought out support—not from the flashiest agency, but from the one that aligned with her values.

Building a Non-Transactional Partnership

Unlike many talent agencies focused on fast brand deals and short-term monetization, GCA operates differently.

“We say no very frequently,” Aslam explained. “We aren’t jumping to every deal. It’s not about quick wins—it’s about building a sustainable business.”

That philosophy resonated with Deeb. Before signing with GCA, she nearly joined another agency that promised big-name brand deals and fast cash. But something felt off.

“They were promising me everything,” she said. “Then I found Genflow through another creator, and it just felt real. They didn’t push deals—they cared about my vision.”

Instead of monetizing immediately, Deeb and her team waited 3–6 months before signing any partnerships. The result? Deeply authentic brand relationships, including her flagship collaborations with Gymshark and Bloom.

“The right brands will find you. You just have to be yourself,” said Aslam.

Faith, Modesty, and a Rebrand with Meaning

In 2023, Deeb made a bold and deeply personal change—she began wearing the hijab and embracing a modest lifestyle. It wasn’t a brand pivot. It was a life decision rooted in faith.

“I had the perfect physique, the success, everything—but I felt empty,” she shared. “I realized I needed to find internal confidence, not just external validation. Learning about Islam changed everything.”

That shift came with risks. As a fitness influencer whose image had been central to her brand, she knew not everyone would follow. But her audience stayed—and grew.

Gymshark, one of her earliest partners, embraced the change too. Together, they’re now launching a modesty collection designed not just for Muslim women, but for anyone seeking more coverage and comfort in fitness wear.

“It’s not just about religion,” said Deeb. “It’s about choice. About feeling confident and covered at the same time.”

Scaling the Creator Business: From Content to Company

Leana Deeb is no longer just a creator. She’s the CEO of a growing fitness empire.

Her flagship product is a fitness app that delivers structured workouts, mindset tools, and daily motivation to a global community. The transition from solo creator to entrepreneur wasn’t easy—especially when it meant re-filming over 600 workouts to align with her new modest brand.

“It was one of the hardest parts,” Deeb said. “But everything I do is for my audience. I wanted the app to serve them better.”

Behind the scenes, Deeb now works with a team of 15–18 professionals, from content editors to app developers to brand strategists. GCA helps orchestrate the machine, acting as both management and strategic partner.

“Leana is a business,” said Aslam. “Like any business, she needs structure, people, and a plan. That’s what we provide.”

The Blueprint for Sustainable Creator Growth

So what does it take to turn a creator into a company?

According to Aslam, it starts with understanding. “Some creators move fast, some slow. You have to move with them.” For Deeb, speed has always been part of the story—but so has integrity.

“We’ve launched YouTube together, the app, the Gymshark collection,” said Aslam. “Every step has been intentional.”

Crucially, the relationship between Deeb and her manager is built on trust and honesty. “We don’t always agree,” said Deeb. “But we always communicate. Saad’s not afraid to tell me when something’s not right.”

That kind of radical transparency has been key to their four-year partnership—a rare feat in an industry known for churn and burnout.

“We’re not here to be yes-people,” Aslam said. “We’re here to build something that lasts.”

What’s Next: Global Launches and Deeper Community

Looking ahead, Deeb’s calendar is packed. In 2025, she’ll launch her modesty collection with Gymshark globally, including retail rollouts in Selfridges and Dubai. She’s also introducing a new podcast and expanding her digital community to create more meaningful interaction with fans.

“Everything I do comes back to the audience,” Deeb emphasized. “They’re the reason this exists.”

The Takeaway

The creator economy is evolving fast. The most successful creators are no longer chasing viral moments—they’re building brands, launching products, and leading teams. And the most effective managers? They’re acting like co-founders, not agents.

Leana Deeb’s story proves that sustainable success doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from clarity, conviction, and choosing the right partners.

“This isn’t transactional,” said Aslam. “It’s human. And when you invest in people the right way, the results are tenfold.”