On International Women’s Day, we celebrate small business owners who not only survived the pandemic, but learned to thrive. A year ago, the Bar Method gym on Central Street in Wellesley threatened to close after 20 years. Until three instructors – all women – stepped on the plate: “We all jumped in with both feet and here we are. We’re still driving, ”said owner Neely Dodge. Dodge, Courtney Sawicki, and Rachel Stoff say restarting a business in the midst of a pandemic was generally not ideal, it helped them switch quickly to meet the needs of their customers and their community. “We had to keep turning and using creative methods to reach people and keep them busy,” said Stoff. All three women balance other full-time jobs and families, but haven’t missed a beat. “I think the love of this fitness and this community and our close camaraderie really kept us together,” said Stoff. Now they are celebrating a year full of success and a bright future. “It was about building a community that supports and encourages women – all women. And men. In fact, we have men coming, ”said Dodge. Her advice to other small business owners – especially women – is to never doubt your ability to pursue your dreams. “It’s really important to follow your passion no matter what,” Stoff said. “I think for all of us it’s a passion and that’s what got us into it, “said Dodge. If you’ve always wanted to try Bar Method, first class is always free.
WELLESLEY, Mass. –
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate small business owners who not only survived the pandemic but also learned to thrive.
A year ago, the Bar Method gym on Central Street in Wellesley threatened to close after 20 years. Until three instructors – all women – stepped on the plate.
“We all jumped in with both feet and here we are. We’re still driving, ”said owner Neely Dodge.
Dodge, Courtney Sawicki, and Rachel Stoff say restarting a business in the midst of a pandemic was generally not ideal, it helped them switch quickly to meet the needs of their customers and their community.
“We had to keep turning and using creative methods to reach people and keep them busy,” said Stoff.
All three women balance other full-time jobs and families, but haven’t missed a beat.
“I think the love of this fitness and this community and our close camaraderie really kept us together,” said Stoff.
Now they are celebrating a year of completion and a bright future.
“It was about building a community that supports and encourages women – all women. And men. We actually have men who come too, ”said Dodge.
Her advice to other small business owners – especially women – is to never doubt your ability to pursue your dreams.
“Following your passion is really important no matter what,” said Stoff.
“I think it’s a passion for all of us, and that’s what got us into it,” said Dodge.
If you’ve always wanted to try Bar Method, first class is always free.
