Health nut | A conversation with Debra Ann St. Hilaire, owner and president of Mend-A-Body Solutions
Photo/Courtesy Mend-A-Body Solutions
Debra Ann St. Hilaire
Mend-A-Body Solutions
Founded: October 2009
Employees: Three full-time, one part-time, 70 independent contractors
Startup costs: Approximately $50,000
Revenue, year one: $304,000
Projected revenue, year two: $1 million
Contact: 777-3223
24 Pond Ridge Drive, Lewiston
www.mendabody.com
What is Mend-A-Body Solutions?
Mend-A-Body Solutions is a wellness and waistline management company that is committed to providing products and services that promote a comprehensive approach to optimum wellness and weight management. Mend-A-Body Solutions offers a combination of education and wellness coaching on how a low-glycemic, low-inflammatory lifestyle promotes results for effective weight loss and relief from pain and/or inflammation-related disease.
We are different from traditional commercial weight-loss companies because of a three-pronged approach focused on reducing whole body inflammation, which includes one-on-one coaching; healthy food choices, including food from mendabody.com; and a line of supplements designed specifically to work in tandem with our program.
Why did you start the company?
In my mid-forties, I was told to accept that I was considered higher risk for coronary issues because of my blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol readings. A whole variety of medications were recommended for me. I was also told that my unwanted pounds were normal for my age and that I should just enjoy life and accept where I was.
I decided to not accept that as a solution. There were developments in scientific-based European wellness programs that were getting dramatic results and moving here to the States. After graduating from a course on nutritious lifestyles, I was committed to a new way of health. I reached out to programs that involved monitoring my intake of inflammatory and sugary foods.
Not only did my health improve dramatically, but my waistline did as well. I went from a snug size 10 to a comfortable size 4. I began to recommend the changes to friends and family and knew I wanted to offer this opportunity to others.
How do you market the company?
Our clients are our best advertisement. They show the evidence of our weight loss results quickly. Facebook posts by clients and coaches have been a great advantage.
How do you finance the company?
So far we have done all financing out of pocket with the one exception of a small loan.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge has actually been controlling the growth of this company. With each forward progression, we’ve been careful to ensure that we are continuing to provide a superior quality service for our clients. We are currently in 14 states and have expanded from a handful of coaches at this point last year to now approaching 70.
What has been successful about your business strategy?
Our business model is to have our sales force be independent contractors. They are all graduates of an extensive nutrition program and have also undergone training and testing. As independent contractors, our wellness coaches have a vested interest in acquiring new clients. My staff and I spend lots of time with our coaching staff expanding their skills in networking, building and managing their businesses, becoming effective team leaders and more.
What are your goals for your company?
We will soon launch a campaign to establish coaches throughout the eastern seaboard and, over the next two years, the entire United States. In the coming months, we will be launching a new website, which will allow us to meet tax and legal liabilities for allowing some of these out-of-state graduates to become coaches.
Also, a natural migration for us has been to wellness at work programs. We are now working proactively to help business owners reduce health care costs and increase morale and productivity in the work force. Some have asked for consultations on making changes in their cafeteria and vending solutions. Lastly, we are gaining interest from physicians and chiropractors to become part of our health initiatives.
Interview by Carol Coultas
New Ventures profiles young companies, 6-18 months old. Send suggestions and contact information to editorial@mainebiz.biz.
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