by Stella Shepard
Rhonda Gallant of Souris is a long-time entrepreneur with a holistic approach to healthy living. She previously owned and operated Evergreen Café and Wellness to offer access to nutritional food choices and health products in Souris. As well, she offered nutrition coaching and fitness classes.
Since 2018, Rhonda has been offering a licensed fitness program called Groove in Souris. In 2020, she expanded the fitness program and launched a new business.
Wingspan Wholistic offers personalized wellness plans, realistic meal planning, wholistic wellness workshops, life coaching, complete personal fitness planning, and supplement guidance. There are also programs for pain reduction and weight loss.
“I have been passionate about supporting others on their wholistic healing journeys for many years,” says Rhonda. “I have been a certified fitness facilitator since 2003 and have trained as a Natural Nutritionist since 2006. I became a Certified Life Coach Practitioner in 2020.” In April 2020, Rhonda received a practitioners’ certification from The Mind Rebel Academy.
“As a Fitness Facilitator, I have been honoured to witness many clients over the years, women mostly, improve their health and quality of life through wholistic nutrition and fitness practices.”
COVID-19 impact on the business
“It is very early in this new business model, and Islanders are still trying to navigate themselves and their families through these strange and unusual times,” says Rhonda.
“Locals are slowly starting to discover just what Wingspan has to offer, and new clients are starting programs and seeing results in their physical and mental health already. I believe many are feeling that the pandemic has helped them see the importance of taking personal responsibility for their health and wellness.
“We are whole beings, capable of amazing things. To heal any part of ourselves, we must balance all parts of ourselves,” says Rhonda.
“By approaching illness or imbalances in the body in a ‘whole’istic way, you can support the mind, body, and soul for true healing. Stress and mental health issues are possibly more damaging to us than the COVID-19 virus.
“I feel very strongly that people can benefit by practicing methods to reduce overall stress, especially in these uncertain times. Groove Fitness or other low-impact movement programs, as well as support from a life or wellness coach or other mental health support professionals can help a great deal.”
Community supports
In February 2020, Rhonda attended a business plan workshop and secured a start-up loan with Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) East in Montague.
She also received a 50 percent training grant from SkillsPEI to expand her services to offer life coaching.
Wingspan Wholistic became a member of the Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce in June of 2020.
“The business plan to launch Wingspan services was based on local market studies that supported the need for more safe outlets for locals to learn and practice methods for healing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” says Rhonda.
Hiring needs
“Currently, I’m a one-woman show, but as I have already expanded my Groove classes to offer weekly sessions in Charlottetown. The Souris studio is about to launch classes for teens and families, and Chair Groove will be offered to seniors or anyone with mobility issues. I plan to hire another Groove Facilitator to Wingspan’s class schedule in the future.
“Also, as I continue to grow my weight loss, nutrition, and life coaching client list, I plan to hire an Administrative Assistant to help with accounting and scheduling, as well as marketing and promotion.”
For more information about Wingspan Wholistic, contact Rhonda Gallant at 902-327-1035 or email [email protected].
Visit www.wingspanpei.com or www.facebook.com/wingspanpei.
For more information about Community Business Development Corporation East (CBDC) call 902-838-4030 or visit www.cbdc.ca.
For more information about The Eastern Prince Edward Island Chamber of Commerce (EPEICC) contact Lori MacGregor, Executive Director, at 902-3131 or visit www.epeicc.ca.
For more information about SkillsPEI visit www.skillspei.com.