Meet Meche Haradon | Fitness Trainer, Massage Therapist and Founder of FitBody Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meche Haradon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meche, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a young adult I had my own fitness journey and knew that feeling healthy breeds confidence and a more fulfilled life. One of my earlier fitness experiences was working at an all women’s gym as an aerobic instructor. The camaraderie and support was an incredible time. Post graduation of my degree in Exercise Science I worked for a family owned gym. There were some pro’s and con’s in the business details, but that journey helped me determine that my future business would create a supporting and encouraging fitness platform for those feeling intimidated or uncertain on “how” to begin their fitness path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My passion for the fitness industry began at an early age. I loved the opportunities I had to train with other fitness enthusiasts and coaches. After college and working in other fitness businesses and the corporate world, I began the concepts for FitBody Studio. I decided I wanted it to feel like a family atmosphere for all those whom participated and to design it as more of a boutique style fitness and massage studio. My background to provide sound treatments came mainly from a degree in Exercise Science, experience as a fitness competitor and as a Certified Massage Therapists. I continued to grow in knowledge through resources from the American Council on Exercise and Erik Dalton Body Work education resources. My business and accounting knowledge was very limited and this was the most challenging hurdle to overcome. As technology advanced with POS and scheduling softwares, as well as utilizing expert bookkeepers and CPAs, this helped support some of my backend responsibilities. The property investment I choose in a location for the practice was another big endeavor. I purchased a property that had been built in the 50’s and was modeled to be a chiropractic office with treatment rooms. The improvements and development of the property became a big undertaking, and was transformed to matched the needs of the business, but does continue to be a challenge as the health industry evolves. However, the setting has been shared by our patrons to be very inviting and welcoming. I hope those whom come across our business see the culture as a place to find their wellness and healing path. We have sought to bring on high-level talents of certified and degreed trainers and massage therapists to give the best coaching and treatment strategies possible. As well, we have walked into more of the healing space by adding additional treatments such as Infrared Sauna, Red Light Therapy, PEMF Therapy and Salt Therapy all of which help with recovery and inflammation needs. We truly hope people find refugee and support in our practice. In the face of changes during 2020 when our practice was closed down due to Covid, we reimagined the purposes for the building and re-branded it to the name of Moxie Suites, with the intent to invite other wellness business to be a part of the community. Now, we have a community of wellness businesses at the reinvented location of Moxie Suites along side FitBody Studio.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
An itinerary would include a tour of Garden of the Gods, a tea party experience at Glen Eyrie Castle. Hikes near Stratton Open Space and Cheyenne Mountain area. A visit to the Broadmoor with a walk around the lake and an appetizer on the patio. A dining experience at the Golden Bee for music and fun. A stroll through old colorado springs and manitou springs. If they are interested in a fitness challenge…a “march” up the incline. A tour of cave of the winds. Other dining experience would include the Urban Egg for breakfast, Dozo Sushi Restaurant, Peppertree Steak House and the Heart of Jerusalem.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, Carol and Steave Evans, whom believed in me and had financial support through my initial loan. My friend and graphic designer, Shane Wagoner, who was instrumental in creating the design presence for FitBody Studio. Former co-workers at Help Desk Institute who encouraged my journey as I left the comfort of the corporate word to venture into my own passions. And, so many friends and acquaintances that trusted me in their fitness journey as I launched my initial business at a small studio in downtown Colorado Springs operated by Coach Chad Snow.

Website: https://www.fitbodystudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitbody_studio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063855698761

Image Credits
Photos of Meche Haradon and Shay Gann taken by FitBody Studio staff.

All photos taken by FitBody Studio