DIGBY, NS – Things are working out nicely for The Gym, a facility owned and operated by fitness fan Vanessa Pulley.
It’s been nearly one year since the business first opened Dec. 3, 2016, and Pulley is happy with how things are shaping up.
This is but one of her several fitness ventures – she also teaches regular fitness classes and opened Figures, a fitness studio, three years ago – and not even her main job. Pulley balances these with her school teaching at Digby Elementary School and Weymouth Consolidated School.
“It comes down to time management. It’s been a busy year, but I’m right where I want to be,” says Pulley.
One hundred per cent Vanessa
Pulley says running her own business has been a learning experience, full of twists and turns that can be hard to predict.
She credits her husband Dale Wagner’s support, along with her parents, for helping out when the schedule gets tough.
Things like paperwork, building maintenance, scheduling classes and finances are hard enough to balance when it’s your main job – when it’s your second or third, things can get dicey. But this hasn’t stopped Pulley for a second.
“I’ve dreamed of opening this gym since I bought this building in 2014. I jumped into it with both feet – you never know how something will go until you do that,” she says.
And the business really does come down to her – she is its only staff person.
Keeping up with a growing business
After wanting to open the business for several years, Pulley is doing it her own way.
Despite her busy schedule, Pulley makes time to visit the gym and establish a welcoming atmosphere for its members.
“I try to be present – to be in the gym as much as I can, interacting with members,” she says.
“Gyms can be intimidating, so I want the atmosphere here to be comfortable and accepting for everyone,” she says.
Pulley also plans to expand a part of her building to include a crossfit studio for men and women, and is hoping to start the process early spring.
To celebrate the business going strong after one year, Pulley will be giving away a one-year free membership for anyone who’s been a gym member for at least three consecutive months, or who buys a three-month or longer membership.
For more details on memberships and the contest, see The Gym’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VanessaPulleyFit/?fref=ts.
See also: Working out: Digby fitness studio going strong after first year
