KPBJ.COM | Creating opportunities: These women entrepreneurs ...

It’s the dream of many to go out on their own, start their own business, be their own boss. And each year an increasing number of women are doing just that.

According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, firms that are majority-owned by women increased at around two times the rate of all firms between 1997 and 2006. In the state of Washington alone, there are an estimated 158,881 privately-held, majority women-owned firms, accounting for 31.2 percent of all privately-held firms here.

In Kitsap County there are a number of young women entrepreneurs who are making a go of starting and running their own businesses, all before turning 40. And many of these women are looking beyond the “usual” business opportunities and building something entirely new. These are the stories of just a few of them.

Heidi Kaufman, Neighborly Greetings

Heidi Kaufman, 39, started Neighborly Greetings LLC, a community welcome service, with her husband, Geoffrey, in November 2004.

“We deliver welcome gift bags filled with maps, community information and goodies from local businesses to newcomers in Kitsap County,” said Kaufman. “This also provides a way in which local businesses can market their businesses while simultaneously performing a valuable community service.”

Kaufman was a Navy wife and frequent relocating, thanks to the Navy, limited Kaufman’s job options. So she worked primarily as a full-time mom and donated her time to various volunteer activities. But as her children got older, she knew it was time for a change.

“Like many Moms, I lost my job when my children grew up!” she said. “Since I didn’t have a competitive resume, I knew I was going to have to draw on my strengths and create a job for myself.”

And although the Navy life made it challenging to find a career in some ways, it also, to some extent, served as the inspiration for Neighborly Greetings.

“In 1991, after one of our many Navy moves, I literally had a tantrum,” said Kaufman. “I was very tired of having to start all over again, not only locating, but choosing a new dentist, hairdresser, dog groomer…There wasn’t a welcome service in our area, but there was the need for one and that started my idea for Neighborly Greetings.”

Since the company’s inception, a little more than two years ago, Neighborly Greetings’ deliveries have grown from 15 per month in Port Orchard to 200 a month throughout most of Kitsap County.

Being in control of her career and her business is what appeals most to Kaufman when it comes to being a business owner.

“I like having the ability to take my business in any direction I want, creatively or otherwise,” Kaufman said. “I also enjoy having the flexibility to manage my own time. I am always available for my family and, now that my husband has retired from the Navy, we are able to work together.”

Cynthia Land, LMP, RYT, Expansions Yoga

Cynthia Land, a self-described “high-tech industry refugee,” fled her former career as a public relations director after the company she worked for went bankrupt shortly after September 11, 2001.

“The technology we created is currently in use by Sprint,” said Land. “However it was way ahead of its time and the company I worked for didn’t have the ability to leverage its cutting-edge technology into investor dollars, so when 911 hit and investor dollars dried up, we were one of the first companies to go bankrupt. Instead of staying in the high-tech industry I went in exactly the opposite direction and became a yoga teacher.”

It was her success as a yoga teacher that drove Land to found her own studio.

“I was teaching classes at another facility and my classes became so large I had a waiting list,” she said. “I always told myself I’d open a yoga studio but it was more of a five-year plan. I got lucky when a larger space down the street became available. I hired another teacher and we opened up shop.”

Land relocated from the Seattle area back to her “roots” in Kitsap County and Expansions Yoga opened its doors in Old Town Silverdale in May 2004, when Land was 38.

“At the time, Seattle was already becoming saturated with yoga teachers,” said Land. “I saw an opportunity in Central Kitsap where there was only one dedicated yoga-only studio.”

Today the studio offers a full range of yoga classes, from “Itsy Bitsy Yoga” for babies to adult classes, as well as one-on-one instruction. Land is proud of the fact that after almost three years in business, Expansions Yoga is going strong.

“We’re on the verge of a remodel to fit more people into the space,” said Land. “We now have five teachers who have very different approaches to this practice. We’ve hosted two successful yoga retreats. [And] we’ve offered Free Yoga in the Park classes in both Bremerton and Silverdale with massively positive response.”

Kristina Smith, Shangri-la Home Inventory Specialists

In July 2004 Kristina Smith, now 38, married her husband, Trevor. At the time the two worked for the same company, handling different territories.

“We had decided that Washington was going to be home,” said Smith. “There was only one rep for the Pacific Northwest, me, and my husband was the rep for Northern California, so, one of us had to go. I quickly volunteered, of course. We had our youngest daughter in February 2005, so that worked out well.”

But as much as Smith enjoyed being a mom, she missed working with people, and so set out to find something new.

“When I was coming up with ideas of what I wanted to do there seemed to be a recurring theme between all of them: working with people and somehow helping to protect them and all of their hard work,” Smith said. “While I was pondering, I found that every time I sat down to watch the news or read the paper they were filled with stories of people just like me that had experienced a traumatic event in their lives. House’s burned down, businesses were ruined…The same thought kept going through my head: that it could be me or my family at any time.”

On top of this, Smith found herself struggling to follow her insurance company’s recommendation to inventory the contents of their new home.
“I found that I would stop and start and sometimes it was hard to get started at all,” she said. “It was time consuming and I wasn’t sure if I was doing it right. I thought, ‘if I’m having this kind of trouble I bet others are, too.’ Wha-la: I found my new business.”

Smith opened Shangri-la Home Inventory Specialists for business in October 2005, providing inventory services to homeowners and businesses.

“We gather critical data including: video, photos, model numbers, serial numbers, item descriptions, item values, and then the information is placed into an organized format,” said Smith. “If our clients experience a loss of property they are prepared to quickly and accurately fill out their insurance claim forms.”

Shangri-la also has a full line of emergency service preparedness kits, first aid supplies, and other relevant items, which will be available for sale through Shangri-la’s Web site mid-March.

Shangri-la incorporated in February 2007 and Smith finds that entrepreneurship suits her just fine.

“I really like being able to take my ideas and make them reality,” she said. “I am a really creative person and enjoy people. I find that I get to interact with people on a whole new level.”.

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Health & Wellness « YMCA of Northwest North Carolina

Home   Locations   William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA   Health & Wellness

At the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA, we offer a wide variety of Wellness programs from Personal Training to Group Exercises (including Group Cycling, Aerobics and Yoga & Pilates) and Specialty Programs.


Transformation Nation Triad Results

On behalf of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, the branch where you participated in Transformation Nation Triad, and your YMCA trainers, we are so grateful and humbled that you chose to participate in the program.

We have tallied up the Transformation Nation Triad results from the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina branches.

Congratulations to Kelly Lewis at the Jerry Long Family YMCA and Blue Group #4 as the winning team with a 13.83% weight loss.

We would also like to recognize:

The Yadkin Family YMCA with having the highest percentage of weight loss (6.11%)

The Wilkes Family YMCA with the most pounds lost (1781lbs)

Alex Justice’s class session of 25 from the Davie Family YMCA had the highest percentage of weight loss (9.18%).

Click here to see the final Transformation Nation Triad results for the Triad.


Ladies Triathlon Training Program

Ladies this one is for you! Train with the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA and Fleet Feet Sports – we will get you ready for the swim, bike and run! Join other beginners in training, get the coaching support you need to feel ready, and have all your triathlon questions answered!

Training program includes 

  • 6-week training plan with detailed daily workouts
  • Coached group swim, bike, and run sessions
  • Bike maintenance & Gear Clinic with Ken’s Bike Shop
  • Race Day Prep & Transition Set-Up
  • Gear Up for Tri Shopping Night at Fleet Feet Sports
  • Oodles of support from dedicated coaches
  • Full access to the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA during the 8-weeks of training
  • Technical training shirt
  • Childcare available at the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA facility (when childcare is open, click here for hours)

This training program will prepare participants for the Ramblin’ Rose triathlon on Sunday, August 19 in Winston-Salem.  This 225m pool swim, 8-mile bike ride, and 2-mile run is the perfect race for a first time triathlete.  The Rablin’ Rose is a Women’s only triathlon that is perfect for any female wanting to try out the sport for the first time.

Kickoff meeting: Join us and train for a Triathlon with the Tri 4 Women Training program kickoff meeting on Tuesday, June 26 at 7:30 pm at Fleet Feet Sports.

Coached workouts: Workouts begin July 10 and run for 6 weeks leading into the Ramlin’ Rose.  Group bike/run workouts are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm at Fleet Feet and GC Hill park; group swim workouts are offered on select Thursdays at 7pm at the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA.

Cost: $150 (does not include race registration)

For additional information: Stop by the Wellness Desk or email e.davis@ymcanwnc.org


Hot Hatha Yoga

Hot Hatha Yoga

Hot Hatha Yoga Studio at the Robinhood Family YMCA
Our new state of the art Hot Yoga Studio provides a place to improve your balance, strength and flexibility. Take your fitness and health to a new level as you strengthen every muscle, tendon, gland and organ in your body. The heated room provides a safe place to enhance flexibility and proper alignment while detoxifying the body through sweating.

What is Hot Hatha Yoga?
This class is a 90-minute challenging sequence of Yoga postures designed to strengthen the spine. The lineage comes from 84 postures in Calcutta, India. Through a series of standing, balancing, floor and breathing exercises, you will safely achieve greater strength, flexibility, overall health and vitality as you breather from one posture to the next. The room is heated in order to help safely align the body, allow for deeper stretch and opening and aid in detoxification. In other words, the heat will enhance your yoga postures. You don’t have to be flexible to do this class. All you need to do is breathe and try the right way.  Be prepared to sweat and try your best. Beginners and advanced yogis will enjoy this class. Avoid eating approximately 2-3 hours prior to class. Bring your  yoga mat, big towel, water, positive attitude, and a smile!

 Click here to download the Class Schedule

The Robinhood Road Family YMCA Hot Hatha Yoga studio is operated by Triad Hot Yoga.


Racquetball Lessons

Racquetball Lessons are available twice per month. Lessons are conducted by Head/Penn Advisory Staff Member, Ted Freshwater. Racquetball is a great way to have fun and get in shape with friends or on your own, so reserve your free group lesson at the Welcome Center today!

Ages
14 – Adult

When

Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
13th
6 p.m.
14th
6 p.m.
11th
6 p.m.
9th
6 p.m.
6th
6 p.m.
10th
6 p.m.
8th
6 p.m.
12th
6 p.m.
10th
6 p.m.
7th
6p.m.
5th
6 p.m.
25th
8 a.m.
24th
8 a.m.
21th
8 a.m.
19th
8 a.m.
16th
8 a.m.
20th
8 a.m.
18th
8 a.m.
22nd
8 a.m.
20th
8 a.m.
17th
8 a.m.
15th
8 a.m.

Where
Racquetball Courts

What to bring
Equipment is provided by the YMCA

Registration
See the Welcome Center to register!

Contact
Luke Harris at l.harris@ymcanwnc.org


Body Composition Testing

Body Composition Testing

The William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA is now offering body composition testing using the skin fold caliper method (7-site testing (Jackson & Pollack) method). This method for testing is among the top testing methods for accuracy.

Our trained staff will be using a 7-site testing method (Jackson & Pollack) testing the following sites:

  • Triceps
  • Midaxillary (along the ribcage under the arm)
  • Chest
  • Subscapular (under the shoulder blade)
  • Suprailium (above the hip)
  • Abdominal (near the belly button)
  • Thigh

Cost: $10.00

Time: 30 minutes

To sign up:
Visit the Membership Desk or call (336) 721-2100


Massage Therapy

After your workout, enjoy a relaxing massage!

Types of Massages:
Relaxation (Swedish) Massage:
Techniques that use light and medium pressure to create the ultimate experience of relaxation
Mother-to-Be Massage: A nourishing massage developed for the needs of both mother and baby (not recommended during 1st trimester)

Cost:
30 minutes: $30
45 minutes: $45
60 minutes: $55

*Gift Certificates available at the Membership Office (located by the Adult entrance)

Who are the Massage Therapists?
Bobby Clark: Massages Men ONLY; Massage Room in the Men’s Locker Room
Constance Caldwell: Massages Women ONLY; Massage Room in the Women’s Locker Room

To sign up:
Visit the Welcome Center or call 721-2100 x 2063.


Get On Your Weigh

Get On Your Weigh

Ages: Adult

Move It, Use It, Lose It! The Get on Your Weigh is a 12-week weight management program created to change your lifestyle into a healthy habit.

Your registration includes:

  • A certified personal trainer
  • Weekly group workouts
  • Weekly weigh-in and bi-weekly measurements
  • Nutrition sessions
  • Food and exercise journal
  • 2 fitness assessments
  • Get on Your Weigh T-shirt
  • Free Calorie King book and YMCA bag
  • LOTS of team and coach support

1st place winner receives a 3-month adult membership! Must be medically 40lbs overweight and have doctor’s consent to participate.

Registration: Forms are at the Member Connection Desk

Cost: $95 member, $190 potential member

Contact: Laura Blackwell, Associate Wellness Director at l.blackwell@ymcanwnc.org or 721.2100.


Active Older Adults

Active Older Adults

Active older adults are one of our greatest resources. We know that they are seeking a comfortable place to stay active, a sense of community and a desire to strengthen social ties. For good reason: socializing and volunteering have been shown to have positive effects on the health of older adults, and exercise has proven to promote mental agility, in addition to longevity and good health. Programs & activities for active older adults include:

Wellness Programs: We offer fitness programs for older adults such as group exercise, yoga and stretching classes, and walking clubs.

Water Exercise: This class has it all! Motivation, aerobic choreography, muscle conditioning, improved cardiovascular endurance and muscle tone by using the buoyancy and resistance of the water. Great workout with no impact or harmful effects on joints/muscles and stay cool. Ideal for all fitness levels, non-swimmers included.

Social Opportunities: Make new friends at the Y as you join a book club, bridge club, or lunch club.

SilverSneakers®: SilverSneakers® is a preventative exercise program that enhances the quality of life for mature adults across the country. One of the largest senior-focused exercise program in the United States, this partnership between HCD and HMOs allows Medicare-eligible members of these these health plans to participate in YMCA programs at no additional cost.

Contact: Laura Phillips, AOA Coordinator, at (336) 721-2100 or l.phillips@ymcanwnc.org.

Additional Info: Please remember to check the membership desks for our newsletter.


Personal Training

Personal Training

Work with a certified YMCA Personal Trainer to achieve your desired fitness goals. Regardless of age or fitness level, one-on-one training can provide:

  1. Weight loss/management
  2. Increased strength, endurance and flexibility
  3. Post-rehabilitation conditioning
  4. Disease management and prevention
  5. Off-season training
  6. Pre-event conditioning

Contact Luke Harris at l.harris@ymcanwnc.org, our Wellness Director at 721-2100, ext. 6264 for additional information and appointments.

Personal Training Rates

1 hour session: $45 Members/$65 Potential Members
1/2 hour session: $30 Members/$40 Potential Members

Personal Training Packages

1 session: $45 Members/$65 Potential Members
4 sessions: $175 Members/$255 Potential Members (savings of $5)
8 sessions: $345 Members/$505 Potential Members (savings of $15)
12 sessions: $500 Members/$720 Potential Members (savings of $40)

Small Group Trainings

2-5 people: $35 per member

Specialty Group Training

6 week “training” with 5(min) – 10(max) people
Cost: $100 Members/$150 Potential Members


XRZone

XRZone

Ages: 8 – 15

The XRZone is our youth wellness center designed for youth and teens ages 8-15. Here they can enjoy our state of the art equipment built specifically with kids in mind. Kids can enjoy dancing on the Dance Dance Revolution, Racing on the Expresso Bikes, Punching on the 3 Kick, Playing Electronic Dodge Ball and much more! The XRZone also offers our very popular rock climbing wall that is sure to challenge people of all ages!

Every week, the XRZone offers a new fitness challenge for all ages. Be one of the top 3 boys or top 3 girls for the week and win a cool prize! Also, ask a staff member about how to get your personal folder to keep up with all of your progress!

Days & Times:
Mon-Thurs: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Friday: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Out of School Days: 9:00am – 12:00pm


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