Wendy Forsyth, owner/director of Even Keel Ltd, trading as Curves, in Perth, talks to The Courier about her path to Business success.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A I had worked in a call centre for 10 years and put on weight, so I joined my local Curves and lost six stone.
One day I noticed that they had put up a ‘for sale’ sign.
My husband Tom convinced me that I had the passion and the drive to succeed and make a go of running it.
We remortgaged the house and took the chance; I couldn’t stand the thought of not having Curves to work out at.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
A Making sure that our members are looked after and are at the forefront of everything we do. Without them, we wouldn’t have a business, it’s that simple.
Q Who else has helped you along the way?
A My husband Tom is very supportive. He’s also self-employed and so understands the challenges and issues, as well as the satisfaction, of running your own business.
I also have a fantastic team of girls Anna, Mia, Jane, Jo and Becky who do a brilliant job of looking after all our members.
Q What was your biggest mistake?
A Taking on a failing club in Stirling it almost made me quit the business entirely.
Q What is your greatest achievement to date?
A Number one has to be my daughter Neve.
From a business perspective, it must be doubling the membership of the Perth Club in the first six months to 500.
We became the fastest-growing club in Europe; not bad for a first-time business owner.
In 2014 I became co-owner of the Dunfermline club with one of my employees, who runs it I’m on hand if needed.
It’s brilliant to be able to help other people achieve their goals and succeed.
Q What do you hope to achieve in the future?
A I’d love to get 600 members in Perth before the end of the year.
Q Do you want to recruit in the future?
A Yes, I do, and we are. I’m currently recruiting for new staff in Dunfermline.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A All the things that are above the core aspects of running a fitness centre, but are vital if you want to succeed: HR issues, managing people and keeping everyone motivated. Without motivated staff, you won’t have motive members.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A Go for it. It’s hard work, but the satisfaction of running your own business and achieving the goals you have set cannot be beaten.
I’d also suggested joining the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses). They have a fantastic range of services for small business owners and advice/ information on every issue you are likely to encounter when running a business.