Francheska Velazquez
Play to Learn Childcare
The Backstory
When Wanessa Anderson was pregnant with her daughter almost 14 years ago, she never would have guessed that an injury she suffered during this time would ultimately lead her to start her own business.
After Wanessa dislocated her hip while pregnant, her chiropractor advised her to take spin classes at the gym once she was cleared for exercise after labor. While taking part in both exercise and Zumba classes during her recovery period, Wanessa learned that the studio was looking for instructors. A dancer in her youth, she decided to obtain her certification and teach.
Throughout her time as an instructor, Wanessa realized that helping others through her work in wellness was her true passion. She founded W. Rhythm Fitness almost 7 years ago. The classes she teaches prioritize a focus on the connection between mind and body through personal training and wellness sessions.
“It was really like a huge accident, but it was everything that I was dreaming of,” she said.
After Wanessa dislocated her hip while pregnant, her chiropractor advised her to take spin classes at the gym once she was cleared for exercise after labor. While taking part in both exercise and Zumba classes during her recovery period, Wanessa learned that the studio was looking for instructors. A dancer in her youth, she decided to obtain her certification and teach.
Throughout her time as an instructor, Wanessa realized that helping others through her work in wellness was her true passion. She founded W. Rhythm Fitness almost 7 years ago. The classes she teaches prioritize a focus on the connection between mind and body through personal training and wellness sessions.
“It was really like a huge accident, but it was everything that I was dreaming of,” she said.
How Women's Business Development Council Helped
Wanessa applied for a WBDC Equity Match Grant (now Ignite grant) so that she could purchase the equipment and technology she needed to offer online classes. Since receiving the WBDC grant in January 2022, Wanessa has launched two courses online, with a third coming soon.
Through the new online platform, Wanessa has been able to connect with new and different clients, allowing her to grow her business and build her own community.
Wanessa is extremely appreciative of the guidance she has received from WBDC Business Advisors and mentors since receiving the grant.
“We have access to all of these professionals who can mentor us on finance, marketing, and many other things,” Wanessa said. “WBDC Business Advisors helped me to find solutions and put them in place, and that has helped me tremendously.”
“Beyond the money that each awardee will receive, the knowledge you gain has such a beneficial impact!”
Through the new online platform, Wanessa has been able to connect with new and different clients, allowing her to grow her business and build her own community.
Wanessa is extremely appreciative of the guidance she has received from WBDC Business Advisors and mentors since receiving the grant.
“We have access to all of these professionals who can mentor us on finance, marketing, and many other things,” Wanessa said. “WBDC Business Advisors helped me to find solutions and put them in place, and that has helped me tremendously.”
“Beyond the money that each awardee will receive, the knowledge you gain has such a beneficial impact!”
Website
Location
25 N Main St, Kent, CT 06757
wanrhythmfitness@gmail.com
Contact Phone
203-788-7818