Healthy Mind, Body & Soul Courtney Ryan

I have worked in the fitness industry for the past 11 years and have owned HMBS for the past 3 years. What drives my success is seeing everyone else succeed! Woman come to me to change something, it may be physical (lose weight or get fitter) but most of the time it’s wanting to improve emotionally and mentally. They want to feel better about themselves, to have more energy, patience, confidence and to be an overall happier mum and partner – I get to assist and see the transformations each day with the women I help, it is beyond amazing to see! The most challenging thing about running a business (as I don’t call this work, it’s too much fun to be work!) Is balancing my time between family, friends and business! There is always something to do so it can be very easy to get home, rush around the kids, dinner, chores then get back on the computer! And with having 3 young children this then can get very stressful – so managing time and balancing everything out is my challenge! It is go, go, go! I am running 2-3 fitness classes per day plus a few one on one sessions too. Then there are always follow up emails to send plus all the back end of a business; sales, marketing, accounts etc! Time management and diarising everything is key for me! My children! I knew I always wanted to work with mums and women in the fitness industry, but it wasn’t until I had my own baby that I realised (and believed all my past clients) you really don’t have much time, after tending to the baby and house all day - mum is always the last on the list! So, becoming selfemployed, to be able to work around my kids and do something I love was a no brainer! My hubby’s support and understanding of what I do and why I do it, has been amazing as well! Make sure the business is something you are passionate about. Ensure you do your homework first with a good business plan and check it twice to make sure that it will work. Employ great support people around you including a good accountant and listen to their advice. Remember good staff are an asset to your business, so look after them from the start. Your business may not be profitable at first so have some contingency backup funds available. Heather: I studied at Kays Hairdressing College in Auckland and then completed an apprenticeship and gained Trade Certificate in Hairdressing in a salon in Howick, Auckland. I also have a Diploma in Business. Charlotte: I Studied at the Yorkshire College of Beauty Therapy in Leeds, UK. Throughout that time I gained 3 international qualifications. CIDESCO, ITEC & CIBTAC, all in Body & Beauty therapy. I also have a National Vocational Qualification in team leading and management. Heather: Having clients leave the salon looking and feeling fantastic and knowing that I have a big part in that. Charlotte: I have many, but being trained by international trainers plays a big part in those.