Gail and Linda
We have been so fortunate throughout our twenty years in the wellness business. It always seemed of one door was closing, another was opening and October became our “lucky” month. We opened each of our three locations in October of 1991, 1995 and 2000. Twelve years ago we had out grown our space and were given the opportunity to relocate to the new Interiors by France building. We felt this was a perfect spot, due to the abundant parking and central location.
How many employees do you have?
Our staff is made up of an array of individuals to meet the needs of our clients and implement our unique services, including Wellness Coaches, Massage Therapists, Aestheticians, and Service Technicians. Without them, we wouldn’t have the success that we do. We are both very organized and upfront, with no surprises. We feel we have created an environment in which we would want to work in.
What has been your biggest challenge?
We are not only business partners, we are the best of friends. When we started The Body Connection, we were told that partnerships don’t last. It was said that it will ruin our friendship. We thought that was going to be our biggest challenge, but it wasn’t! We both have the same work ethic and thoughts on what we expect out of our business.
In the beginning there was not the competition we have today. Now it seems there is a spa, massage business, gym or weight loss clinic on every corner. We are constantly thinking of new services to provide our clients and keep it exciting. As business owners we have to stay on top of it!
When did you realize you had finally ‘made it’?
When we opened our second location and saw new clients coming through our doors, we knew we had made it. We had spent the time researching what was needed to make it happen – the advertising campaigns, floor plan, equipment buying, it all fell into place.
What is your vision for the future of your business?
We look ahead everyday in terms of reinventing our business, having fun and enjoying life! One of the major changes we have seen in the past 20 years is that obesity is at an all-time high and continues to rise, for adults and children. With both families working and their crazy schedules, families need help making healthy choices. We designed a new program three years ago called “Nutritional Boot Camp 101” which helps families or individuals create a healthier grocery list, fast affordable meals and offers them healthier dining out choices. The response has been incredible and parents are amazed at how much their children love the newer, healthier versions of their family recipes.
What makes your business different/unique selling proposition?
We individualize our programs to fit our clients’ needs. We don’t have a “one-size-fits-all” program. We also offer shopping services from healthy grocery options to fashion and organization consultations.
We are constantly training and reinventing ourselves to continue to meet the needs of our clients and our business. Being open to change is very important! We recently attended a “Be Well” seminar in Salt Lake City. The new “Be Well” program incorporates online seminars for stress, relaxation and healthy lifestyle choices. We are very excited to combine these classes with our wellness programs this year.
What is the most fun you have at work?
When someone “gets it”. Our health should be number one and it truly is a small part-time job! The rewards are amazing and it can truly be fun and easy to lose weight. We love to give someone the knowledge and power to see just a few changes in lifestyle can provide a huge impact in their health.
We have made so many special friends throughout the years and still receive thank you cards, phone calls and visits from our past clients. Our very first client is still with us today, after 20 years.
What is your proudest moment as a business owner?
Our proudest moments are when our clients are successful in their journey to wellness. One of our clients lost over 50 pounds and changed her life drastically by getting help with her alcohol addiction and leaving her husband who also had a drinking problem. She was stuck in a rut, but now, over four years later, she is living a fabulous life with a new, healthy relationship and maintaining her goal weight. She now has the self esteem to talk to groups about past addictions and her new found healthy lifestyle.
What advice can you give to someone who wants to start a business? GO FOR IT! If it is your passion, you will be successful. We are so glad we followed our passion.
Health, wellness and spa services – who would not want this to be a part of their life everyday? The choices you make today are your future tomorrow! Education, motivation and the desire to succeed in all areas of our life is what it means to really follow your passion and truly succeed.
Located at 2525 East Rosser, Bismarck
bodyconnectionbis.com