Newtown Small Business Spotlight: Garage Girls Fitness

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Garage Girls Fitness
• Owner: Donna Moxham
• Website: www.garagegirlsfitness.com

How did you come up with the name?

The name Garage Girls Fitness originated because I made studio space in my garage to train people one-on -one and in small groups (up to six people in a class). I do my consulting work either at Garage Girls or my clients’ homes or offices. The concept of “Garage” was based on my vision to be the opposite of a gym. No frills, no machines, no bells and whistles. Just pure, real, strategized fitness plans for people using free weights, a wide variety of balls and bands, and other creative multi-tasking tools that everyone can easily have access to.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

I chose Newtown to start a business because it is where I reside and I want to be close to my four children when they are at school. I also want to give back to my community and bring health and wellness to other residents.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Garage Girls Fitness is an exercise business where I emphasize strength, endurance and flexibility. I am a certified trainer and exercise consultant with 20 years of experience. I design creative motivating programs for all fitness levels, body types, and ages. I recently became certified in the willPower & grace barefoot method, to add another aspect to the business to offer to clients. I want people to make exercise a part of their daily lives – like brushing their teeth. Exercise is preventive medicine.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

My most difficult challenge is wanting to help everyone and anyone who wants to get healthy. That is not always possible. You can only do what you can do and there are only so many hours in a day.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Like any working mother, the challenge is really the juggle. Is seeing clients going to take away from my family time? Would it be easier to work for someone else than working for myself? These are questions we all ask ourselves, I think, when you own a business of any kind. And even if you don’t own a business – it is always a juggle making sure to prioritize and make choices.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

My proudest moments are when a client who I train personally or who takes my classes tells me that she (or he!) are feeling great and have more confidence, energy and feel stronger. When I hear these words from people I am so proud of them for making the change, and grateful that they empowered me to help them in their journey. The best feeling!

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

I put off having a website for a long time, feeling that Facebook was enough as a small business. But some clients have pushed me and I finally launched my site last month. Another idea a client recommended was to go to people’s homes and offices and do their training session in their own space, rather than at the Garage Girls Fitness space. This helps people see that they can use their own tools to come up with a great workout, with proper guidance. People would be surprised to know that with squats, lunges, pushups, a chair, a wall, a staircase, and a few free weights, that you could get your heart rate up, strengthen your body, increase your flexibility, and more – even in your own living room. I show them how with a personalized plan that works for their level and goals.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I have four kids so I have a great deal of patience. It can be very difficult for people to develop healthy habits. I need to be patient, provide enormous honest encouragement, offer consistent gentle reminders, and keep their expectations in check. I love what I do, and I am very lucky that I have not had any difficult clients so far!

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

I work with people of all ages - teens to senior citizens, and I donate my services to youth teams and local events. As an extension of my business, I also do a weekly blog “Meals at a Glance” which provides healthy and practical menus for busy families looking for creative and simple dinner ideas. I love helping people get their meal planning organized and simplified, with an eye on health and budget. www.garagegirlsfitness.blogspot.com. My personal and business goal is for everyone to become healthy and lead active strong lives.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

Sign up for out newsletter and breaking news alerts by filling out the form below.