Meet the Founders
The story behind Balance + Glo
- The Balance + Glo Story -
Jenny Stewart
Co-Founder, Head of Yoga
Just under 4 years ago Jenny moved on a whim to the beautiful Isle of Wight (she knew no one here but wanted to be by the sea). Quitting her corporate life in marketing, she started teaching yoga on the island full time. Creating a new home, her yoga business flourished into something she’d dreamed about (hello teaching on the beach!).
After meeting Evelyn, the pair began running sell out luxury retreats and events on the island. Earlier this year, Jenny set up her own online platform that then, with Evelyn’s help, morphed into the complete Wellbeing Online Platform that Balance + Glo is today!
In 2021, Jenny welcomed her gorgeous son Freddie into the world and has since created “Bump + Beyond”, the newest addition to the Online Studio Membership that includes pre/post natal yoga, fitness, meditation, and physio for new and expectant mammas.
What do love most about Island life?
Oh goodness, the beaches and the sense of community. I moved here for the beach, of which there are many amazing ones. I also never thought the island would be FULL of such amazing supportive people; I’ve made friends for life here.
What do you think the most valuable thing about Balance + Glo is? What’s your favourite part of the platform?
The sense of community and connection that it builds with the members. We are really trying to keep that sense of personal connection.
I love the On Demand Library of classes - it’s so easy to use and you can pick a class which suits your mood too!
Any advice for aspiring business owners
Just start! Even if the product isn’t perfect, start! And be prepared to work day and night to get there. I’ve realised it’s so important to be SUPER passionate about what you are doing - then you won’t mind staying up to get things done.
Evelyn Joyce
Co-Founder, Head of Fitness
Having spent her summer holidays by the sea, Evelyn ultimately knew that city life wasn’t her natural environment. However, it was not until she fell in love with a sailor that she made the leap to the island - ultimately, she knew it was her calling!
For the first 2 years of island living, Evelyn continued working as a management consultant from home. Qualifying as a Personal Trainer, Evelyn left her corporate position and set-up ‘Train with’ and ‘Eat with’ Evelyn offering group fitness classes, 1-2-1 sessions, seasonal brunch clubs, and delivery of her famous energy balls, alongside running sell-out Balance and Glo retreats.
Evelyn is super excited to be joining forces with Jenny in expanding the Balance and Glo offering to an online audience. It was always the dream to maximise the reach of Balance and Glo, so that as many people as possible could benefit from Evelyn and Jenny’s wellness philosophy - therefore the Online Studio is the perfect next step!
There is so much more to come, and she is so excited to be sharing this journey with one of her closest friends.
What do you like most about island life?
Everything is a little more chilled over here. I love finishing work and heading to the beach for a BBQ with friends whilst the sun sets, going for a run along the cliffs (there really is nothing that is quite as refreshing), and walking Lupa our office dog along Tennyson Down and staring out to sea (it really is a beautiful spot).
The Island is a great place to start a business. So many of us are trying to do something a little different and therefore there is a real sense of understanding that it’s hard, but we can all support one another for the greater good.
What do you think the most valuable thing about Balance + Glo is? What’s your favourite part of the platform?
I love that there is a live element - knowing that so many other people are sweating alongside you and getting that same buzz of endorphins once they have finished a workout is amazing!
Any advice for aspiring business owners
Understand your why - why do you want to set-up your own business, will it make you excited every day, do you believe in it?
If you are passionate about it, this will come across to your customers and this will put you in a good position to develop a successful business.