Author: Mitchell Santos, BSU student
An interview with owner Stephanie Baker
So, let’s start with are you from this local area?
“Yes, I am. I am from West Bridgewater, MA. I grew up in West Bridgewater. Once I had a child I was planted.”
Tell me about your business? Why did you choose this line of business?
“I started out as a client. This was how I got my baby weight off and it was actually the only program that not only worked for me, but I fell in love with. I was actually a paralegal. When I fell in love with the program here, I proceeded to get my training certification. I started training here one night a week for fun. Two years later, I bought the former owner out. I have owned the studio for two and a half years now. We are small group training facility for women only. This provides a comfortable environment for women to train. It consists of personal training, cardio, accountability, and nutrition. We start where you are, and we help you meet your personal fitness goals because everyone’s is different. “
When did it start? What Year?
“I started training in 2013, two years later in 2015, I bought out the business.”
What was it that made you want to start this business?
“I have a real passion for fitness because I can relate to these women. I went through the same struggles that they did. The former owner was ready to retire, so I wanted to continue the program. There is no better feeling than seeing a woman hop on a scale and having a successful weigh in. Teaching women how to build self-confidence is a great feeling.”
If you had to start over from day 1, what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
“The hardest part is learning how to strike a balance between the business and your personal life. Running a business is more than just full-time job and it can interfere with your personal time. Luckily, I have a great staff that helps me coordinate everything.”
“We specialize in women only. Also, we treat our clients like family. We have a personal touch that other businesses offering the same service do not have.”
What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
“Facebook advertising and word of mouth.”
Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc.) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
“Yes, absolutely. It’s the only way I really advertise now. I used to send out post cards monthly, but that became very expensive and I would usually only get one call back. With social media it is a lot more cost effective, and I get a lot more leads. Social media is the way the world is moving.”
Do you feel that internet technology could play a bigger role in your business if you had the right tools?
“Yes, but I only really use it for advertising for now at least.”
If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future, where would you like to see your business be? Increase or decrease, step away and be more a manager, passive owner, etc? Why? Where do you personally want to be with this business, what is driving you?
“I want my business to continue to do well. My personal goal is to reach 150 clients, I currently have about 100 clients. I would like to repaint the studio and do some renovations. I would also like to purchase more/ new equipment and continue to work with women and pursue more successful body transformations.”
What is the company mission statement?
“To impower women through body transformation.”
Visit Get in Shape for Women at: 180 Winter St., Bridgewater, MA
Contact them via:
Email: bridgewater@getinshapeforwomen.com
Phone Number: (508) 697- 2900
Website URL: www.getinshapeforwomen.com/locations/ma/bridgewater/
Facebook: @GISFWbridgewater
Instagram: @gisfw
View testimonials on YouTube!