Whitland-based FLOW Fitness delivers a plethora of fitness and dance activities with outreach programmes, as well as a full timetable, under one roof at Studio 17. The Studio was set up by Angharad James, a local dance artist and dance development coordinator for Arts Care Gofal Celf.
FLOW Fitness was launched following a major dance influence and expanded to a fitness and aerial element, bringing fantastic opportunities to the community, including kids, youth and adult community dances, seated dance for all, seated dance for people with learning disabilities, dance classes for people with disabilities, Funky Bounce – Rebound Exercise, Zumba, STRONG, Grounded Aerial, Aerial Yoga, Summer Dance project and half-term activities.
Angharad is the main driving force and artist/instructor who delivers the classes, using freelance instructors to cover weekly sessions to allow time for further development.
What they did
“As a practitioner, I started 8 years ago and over the years I have developed a broad range of skills that allow the community to experience new, unique and current health and fitness programmes. These programmes are accessible and that's the beauty of it, you will find ages 4 - 80+ attending my classes.
The most current project is Grounded Aerial. Being the 1st in the UK, it was a huge risk and with the help of Business Wales and others around me, I was able to structure the launch with a positive outlook and it’s proved to have been a huge success from day 1.
I made sure I researched and travelled to Spain to experience the activity before making big decisions; this was mainly to make sure that I could see this being accessible to all and especially my existing clientele who have been a big support for many years. Not only have I attracted the loyal participants, but I have also had many new faces engage in this new activity and even signing up to some of the other activities I offer.
I wanted to make sure the safety of this project was at its highest, so I involved a fantastic structural engineer who designed the rig, which was the main expense and essential part of the programme. With his help, I found confidence in what I was about to embark on.
Grounded Aerial has now opened doors, and this has been really overwhelming. I’m currently busy delivering regular classes, bookings ‘flying’ in for team-building days, private bookings and children’s parties. Local children are waiting patiently for a project to be created for them! The fact I have a rig has also attracted other aerialists who deliver aerial yoga, circus skills and other fantastic skilful activities
I also collaborate with Arts Care Gofal Celf to deliver projects such as Gwanwyn festival (over 50’s), Community Dance Projects, Hijinx Theatre and Dance Festival workshops. Overall, it has brought a unique, accessible and fun way of working out for all ages and abilities.” – Angharad James, Principal of FLOW Fitness at Studio 17.
What would they do differently
“I previously shared the studio with another business, but the relationship broke down as we had different goals and expectations. I would say I would try and believe in myself more and take my time, ask more questions and be clear about what I wanted to achieve to others who might be involved.
As for the project itself, I feel I did take my time and structured it perfectly and it seems to have paid off. I feel with the help and support of others and Business Wales I managed to utilise the advice and it worked positively for me.”
Their proudest moment in business
“I fortunately work with many groups from all ages and abilities through Arts Care Gofal Celf and my own under FLOW Fitness. I managed to contact a BBC reporter Mike Bushell who was very keen to see Grounded Aerial in action. I gathered children, young people, adults and theatre company Hijinx who I work with regularly to be part of this feature. You stand back and realise how many people are influenced by the opportunities created, how accessible it is. This was a very magical moment – to have everyone under one roof, all ages and abilities supporting each other, taking part and having that feeling of joy through the same activity, that was a proud moment!”
Do they use Welsh in their business
“My first language is Welsh, and I do deliver some classes purely in Welsh, but my main delivery is in English with bilingual for the younger generation. This has helped create more work for me and it definitely works effectively in the dance sessions for ages 4 to 16.”
Describe the type of support (financial / non-financial) they’ve received from Business Wales / Welsh Government
FLOW Fitness was supported by the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service with general business support and sourcing finance. Business Adviser Mark James helped Angharad with her business plan and financial forecasts to assess the viability, marketing potential and financial issues of the new venture.
This was crucial for Angharad’s successful application for a £7,000 start-up loan to buy specialist gym equipment from the USA and set up her new fitness studio in Whitland.
Angharad said: “My experience with Business Wales was very positive. I felt supported, encouraged and driven towards my goals. I felt relaxed and welcomed to ask any questions on anything that came across difficult to understand.
My adviser Mark James has been at the end of the line for me and that gave me a complete feeling of strength knowing I could always ask for help to move forward positively. Mark also believed in my project and that makes a world of difference. I enjoyed Maths in school, but I wasn't the best at it, so numbers were definitely my weakness but Mark helped me improve the financial breakdown making it absolutely clear to me.”
Top Tips
Here are FLOW Fitness’ top tips for anyone else looking to start or grow their own business:
- do your research
- take your time
- don’t be afraid to be loud and proud (realistically) about what you are selling in the social media world
- remember that it’s the drive and the hard work that makes you reach your goals
- keep yourself grounded