Love Local, Kent Brand photographer with Michelle at The Lavender rooms

This week in Love Local we meet Michelle from The Lavender Room Health Club. She has a lovely Women’s Health Garden studio based in Strood and offers various treatments such as massages, Anti ageing facial massage therapy and Fitness 1-2-1 sessions.

Meet Michelle!

Your name

Michelle Burke

Name of business

The Lavender Room Health Club

What motivated you to start your business and how did you get the idea or concept ?

After working for an investment bank in the city for 20 years, I decided on a change of career. I opted for something that I love and retrained as a fitness instructor and sports massage therapist. I specialise in womens health.

How did you come up with the name for your company?

I work from my garden studio which has a trellis of artificial lavender on one of the walls. It wasn’t really decided it just started to be called The Lavender Room by my children so I added the “Health Club” and there it was !

How many employees do you have?

I work alone however I do have a dedicated number of cover instructors that help me with my classes throughout the year.

What services or products do you offer?

I specialise in Women’s Health. I offer fitness and massage services for pregnancy, the post natal period, the menopause years and also hysterectomy and prolapse recovery. I also teach a womens bootcamp every weekend in Rochester.

What is unique about your business?

I offer knowledge and education to my clients as well as practical work and advice. Having had three children myself I feel I can empathise with all of my clients and understand the struggle to maintain a healthy fitness level whilst juggling a young family. I like to bring the calm to their storm!

What three words would you use to describe your business?

Holistic, Inspiring and Empowering

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

All of it! I love to massage clients, especially stressed mums – its so rewarding watching a client leave my studio feeling refreshed and revitalised after their appointment. I also enjoy helping clients on their fitness journey and achieving their goals, which often they didn’t believe were possible.

Can you describe your typical day at work?

I work every day 9.30 – 3pm and Monday and Tuesday evenings 6-9pm and these are a mixture of pregnancy, post natal recovery, sports or holistic massage. I also offer Reiki treatments and 1-2-1 fitness sessions. Every day is busy and every client has their own story to tell and its my job to ensure that story is heard.

How have you had to adapt during the pandemic and what is the biggest thing you have learnt as a result?

Yes, I moved many classes to zoom and now host an online membership group of 40 ladies – I teach 3 classes online each week which are a mix of low impact, tabata, hiit, bootcamp and stretch. We have monthly fitness challenges and swap recipes and much more. Its very successful and has continued post lockdown too.

How would you like people to remember you and your company?

I honestly hope I will remembered as “the lady who listens”, every woman has their own story and needs their own recovery road. Often women are afraid to go to their GP or have been suffering in silence for many years. I hope I am approachable and understanding to their needs.

What to you envision for your business in the next few years?

I am very happy with the path my business is following. I don’t have huge aspirations as I really feel I have a great work life balance with my family. Perhaps when my children are older I can think about expansion but for now I am very happy with the business.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I feel my greatest business achievement was having my garden studio built 2 years ago, this was a really turning point for me and I am very blessed that it is has become a thriving business so quickly and even through a pandemic.

Plan B – If you could choose any other career what would it be?

Ha ha – I am currently learning to play the piano, so maybe in 10 years ….. watch this space!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An English Teacher

What do you typically tell people when they ask what you do?

I’m a fitness instructor and sports massage therapist

What motivates you?

I am busting with motivation – anything and everything motivates me

What’s your favourite piece of advice?

Life is so short, Live every day like it is your last and regret nothing.

What gets you excited about life?

Holidays