Why Small Businesses Matter Reimagined
Small businesses matter - now more than ever. They are answering the call with innovation and determination like never before.
We hope you join us in supporting them by sharing their story far and wide and shopping local! We are thankful to Fairfield County Bank for their continued support and making this series possible.
Step inside Bells Pilates
Three questions with Janelle Biggs, founder of Bells Pilates.
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What do you want the community to know? Are there ways for the community to help you and other local businesses to prosper?
My hope is that the Fairfield community will continue to consider local businesses first. Like many local businesses, we strive to provide excellent customer service and personalized service. This is because unlike big business, we have a relationship and are connected with every customer we serve! Also, local businesses often support other local businesses, which keeps more money within the Fairfield economy. Communities often define themselves through the presence of their one-of-a-kind establishments. Therefore, continued support of local businesses will help keep Fairfield the unique and special community it is!
Are you offering any new products or ways for customers to purchase your products or services that are popular during this crisis?
As a result of this crisis, we have offered more training options. These include virtual Group Mat classes for all levels and private training appointments thru Zoom. The group classes have been a wonderful way to provide new and existing clients with a cost-effective option in which to receive Pilates training. Offering virtual one-on-one training to clients has also been a way to accommodate those who may still be uncomfortable being in the studio, or simply enjoy the convenience and flexibility of being able to do a workout in their home. As far as new ways for clients to purchase training services, we have created an online shopping option on my website to accept payment, so the purchasing process can be touchless.
Are there certain individuals or organizations that supported you and your business through this trying time?
We are fortunate that our business model provides a setting that greatly reduces the risks involved with working out in a public setting. While large enough to accommodate two trainers and their clients, we have always limited the studio to 1 trainer, 1 client (we do offer duet training, which adds 1 additional person to the studio). We did this originally to create a spacious and individualized experience for our clients. However, now this allows us the ability to provide clients with an environment where they can easily maintain social distancing and the ability to avoid crowds. Maintaining a clean and comfortable studio has always been of paramount importance to me. However, we have implemented further procedures to provide enhanced safety. Clients enter the studio without having to contact door handles because the door is left propped open. Once in the studio, clients can use hand sanitizer, which has been provided. Along with wearing masks, trainers wipe down equipment when appropriate during the session, and always between sessions.
Bells Pilates is located at 85 Mill Plain Rd, Bldg. V in Fairfield. Visit Bells Pilates online here.
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!