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UFIT owner wins BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for Prince Edward Island
Eireann Rigby gives fitness a whole new shape
CHARLOTTETOWN,
Oct. 20 /CNW Telbec
People don't need to wear Spandex to fit in at Eireann Rigby's UFIT classes. Eireann, 34, broke the stereotypical fitness club mold when she developed a business from her vision of an all-inclusive, non-judgmental, fun group activity. With thousands of Islanders from all walks of life embracing her pay-as-you-go, $5-a-class concept, Eireann has earned BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for P.E.I., which she will receive tonight at a ceremony in Ottawa.
"When I started UFIT, I chose the name to mean 'you belong' as well as to refer to fitness," Eireann points out. She had played professional basketball in Europe before starting her business seven years ago and had come to realize that people who weren't involved in organized sports had few opportunities to get active in a group setting. "I had a vision of an equal playing field for all, where it doesn't matter where you come from, who you are, what you do. I wanted to create a place where all feel equal and comfortable and non-judged and excited." One of Eireann's goals was to make it easy for people to attend her classes, and that meant making it inexpensive and flexible. That resulted in the $5-a-class fee on a pay-as-you-go basis. "It hasn't changed a bit in seven years," she says. "I have fought hard not to raise the price, even with costs going up."
As the UFIT approach caught on, the business expanded. Eireann now employs eight instructors who provide 20 classes per week in eight locations across the province, with average attendance of 100 people per class in a big street party atmosphere. "We have people of all shapes and sizes from all walks of life, ranging from young children to grandmothers in their 70s."
For Eireann, the success of UFIT is due in large measure to the team of instructors and volunteers she works with, including her husband, Gordon McNeilly, who is both a master trainer and a motivational leader. "Gord and I work together and UFIT wouldn't be what it is without both of us," she says.
Feedback from class participants is what continues to drive Eireann and her team. "Nothing beats the feeling you get when people tell you that you have changed their life."
Beyond the gym Building on its growing success, the company has branched out into providing motivational seminars that help organizations manage change, under the banner "The Power to Believe," and has produced two fitness videos.
It has also created its own foundation, UFIT CARES, fuelled by the enthusiasm of UFIT participants. "People who had been helped by UFIT wanted to give something back," says Eireann. "We created the UFIT Foundation when we decided to do something at Christmas for needy families. Last year, we gave food, toys and clothing to 125 families."
Five years ago, UFIT put together a team in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. From a small start, the team grew to well over 100 and went on to win the Society's team spirit award. This year, the Cancer Society developed an award in their name to be presented to the most spirited team.
"Eireann had a vision and, with hard work and conviction, she has turned it into a growing concern. It's more than a successful business; she has also infused it with passion that she is igniting in others," says BDC President and CEO Jean-René Halde.
"We've realized that UFIT is more powerful than an average aerobics class," says Eireann. "It has been a lifesaver in so many ways for so many people."
Eireann, I cannot say to you, how excited that you have won and been honored in this way. Ufit has changed my thinking about working out, making it exciting and most of all fun. I cried at my first class not because I couldn't keep up with your amazing energy, or because I was in pain, but because I loved it so much. My heart was just exploding with excitement. Their was no judgment in that room, people of all ages, sizes and strengths did what they could. I looked around in amazement as you shared your enthusiasm and happiness for life, as people smiled! I couldn't believe what I saw. People smiling while working out? How could this be? I think it could be because of your contagious smile, and energy. I encourage everyone to try just one class of UFIT because I know you will be back!
I am proud to say I am a huge supporter of UFIT along with a friend of you and Gord's. Congratulations on the award Eireann, it is well deserved.
Eireann Rigby gives fitness a whole new shape
CHARLOTTETOWN,
Oct. 20 /CNW Telbec
People don't need to wear Spandex to fit in at Eireann Rigby's UFIT classes. Eireann, 34, broke the stereotypical fitness club mold when she developed a business from her vision of an all-inclusive, non-judgmental, fun group activity. With thousands of Islanders from all walks of life embracing her pay-as-you-go, $5-a-class concept, Eireann has earned BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for P.E.I., which she will receive tonight at a ceremony in Ottawa.
"When I started UFIT, I chose the name to mean 'you belong' as well as to refer to fitness," Eireann points out. She had played professional basketball in Europe before starting her business seven years ago and had come to realize that people who weren't involved in organized sports had few opportunities to get active in a group setting. "I had a vision of an equal playing field for all, where it doesn't matter where you come from, who you are, what you do. I wanted to create a place where all feel equal and comfortable and non-judged and excited." One of Eireann's goals was to make it easy for people to attend her classes, and that meant making it inexpensive and flexible. That resulted in the $5-a-class fee on a pay-as-you-go basis. "It hasn't changed a bit in seven years," she says. "I have fought hard not to raise the price, even with costs going up."
As the UFIT approach caught on, the business expanded. Eireann now employs eight instructors who provide 20 classes per week in eight locations across the province, with average attendance of 100 people per class in a big street party atmosphere. "We have people of all shapes and sizes from all walks of life, ranging from young children to grandmothers in their 70s."
For Eireann, the success of UFIT is due in large measure to the team of instructors and volunteers she works with, including her husband, Gordon McNeilly, who is both a master trainer and a motivational leader. "Gord and I work together and UFIT wouldn't be what it is without both of us," she says.
Feedback from class participants is what continues to drive Eireann and her team. "Nothing beats the feeling you get when people tell you that you have changed their life."
Beyond the gym Building on its growing success, the company has branched out into providing motivational seminars that help organizations manage change, under the banner "The Power to Believe," and has produced two fitness videos.
It has also created its own foundation, UFIT CARES, fuelled by the enthusiasm of UFIT participants. "People who had been helped by UFIT wanted to give something back," says Eireann. "We created the UFIT Foundation when we decided to do something at Christmas for needy families. Last year, we gave food, toys and clothing to 125 families."
Five years ago, UFIT put together a team in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. From a small start, the team grew to well over 100 and went on to win the Society's team spirit award. This year, the Cancer Society developed an award in their name to be presented to the most spirited team.
"Eireann had a vision and, with hard work and conviction, she has turned it into a growing concern. It's more than a successful business; she has also infused it with passion that she is igniting in others," says BDC President and CEO Jean-René Halde.
"We've realized that UFIT is more powerful than an average aerobics class," says Eireann. "It has been a lifesaver in so many ways for so many people."
Eireann, I cannot say to you, how excited that you have won and been honored in this way. Ufit has changed my thinking about working out, making it exciting and most of all fun. I cried at my first class not because I couldn't keep up with your amazing energy, or because I was in pain, but because I loved it so much. My heart was just exploding with excitement. Their was no judgment in that room, people of all ages, sizes and strengths did what they could. I looked around in amazement as you shared your enthusiasm and happiness for life, as people smiled! I couldn't believe what I saw. People smiling while working out? How could this be? I think it could be because of your contagious smile, and energy. I encourage everyone to try just one class of UFIT because I know you will be back!
I am proud to say I am a huge supporter of UFIT along with a friend of you and Gord's. Congratulations on the award Eireann, it is well deserved.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Entrepeneur of the YEAR!!! Congratulations Eireann!
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82
Reasons I love "Empower the Dress" Sessions! Even though I stutter the most during these sessions, they are my favorite!
1 - It is a totally relaxed easy going session, no time limits like on the wedding day, although most are around 1 hour a session.
2 - New Locations that may not have been used on wedding day. My couples are awesome at finding these hidden spots.
3 - My brides and grooms are awesome, and will do whatever I need them to do to create fun, beautiful photos.
4 - Couples are more relaxed after the wedding day which makes the session go smoothly and naturally.
5 - The Environmental Elements can be used to create a vision.
6 - I get to roll around on the ground, and act like a fool.
7 - It will give the bride and groom more time on their wedding day to mingle with guests and family, and not have to rush through photos.
8 - These sessions are not necessarily the day after the wedding but within a month of the wedding, depending on when the couple goes honeymooning!
9 - No Limits = Art
10-Empower the Dress sessions with my awesome couples make me smile :-)
1 - It is a totally relaxed easy going session, no time limits like on the wedding day, although most are around 1 hour a session.
2 - New Locations that may not have been used on wedding day. My couples are awesome at finding these hidden spots.
3 - My brides and grooms are awesome, and will do whatever I need them to do to create fun, beautiful photos.
4 - Couples are more relaxed after the wedding day which makes the session go smoothly and naturally.
5 - The Environmental Elements can be used to create a vision.
6 - I get to roll around on the ground, and act like a fool.
7 - It will give the bride and groom more time on their wedding day to mingle with guests and family, and not have to rush through photos.
8 - These sessions are not necessarily the day after the wedding but within a month of the wedding, depending on when the couple goes honeymooning!
9 - No Limits = Art
10-Empower the Dress sessions with my awesome couples make me smile :-)
Jana Rogers:
So pretty! Love these pics!! BLOG ME! LOL!
(10.20.09)
Jennifer Collings:
Oh My! These truly are unreal.
(10.20.09)
Katie Jones:
Your photos are fantastic!
(10.20.09)
Allison:
I love all your work but I especially love your empower the dress sessions, they are so fun looking! Keep up the amazing work
(10.20.09)
Haley:
Love these! Not to mention a really beautiful couple too. :)
(10.20.09)
Kim "MSMF":
My favorite is definitely the one on the road.
(10.20.09)
Cassie:
hmmm...they are two great looking people aren't they!! I can tell by the look of them that they're Super In Love!! lol... Thanks again Rachel... you do AMAZING work... but of course, you know that :).
(10.20.09)
Monica Lee:
These are beautiful! Very relaxed! :)
(10.20.09)
Marcie:
So, so, so beautiful!
(10.20.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Cassie & Andrew - Empower the Dress
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76
As we drove along heading toward Goderich, Ontario, I looked out the window. As I watched the fantastic colors go zooming by, I felt extremely thankful. Most days I am full of thanks and great fullness in my world. This time of year, it always increases to maximum capacity.
We stopped a few times, to check out the harvest markets along the way to our destination. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, corn, all for sale, families all together smiling and laughing, and we were doing the same. We each choose a delicious Honey Crisp Apple to snack on. We enjoyed the fresh delicious apple in between stories and laughter and talk of the upcoming seasons and our plans.
The summer full of wonderful weddings, brides, new friends and families are slowing moving past for the year. The air is so fresh and crisp. The sky is always clear and colorful as are the leaves on the trees. I always feel a bit more sentimental this time of year as this beauty is all going to end very soon, and we will be surrounded by cold, and the earths pallet will be monotone. So as I drove along and ate my apple this past Thanksgiving day, I let all the color and love that surrounded me, soak into every inch of me.
We stopped a few times, to check out the harvest markets along the way to our destination. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, corn, all for sale, families all together smiling and laughing, and we were doing the same. We each choose a delicious Honey Crisp Apple to snack on. We enjoyed the fresh delicious apple in between stories and laughter and talk of the upcoming seasons and our plans.
The summer full of wonderful weddings, brides, new friends and families are slowing moving past for the year. The air is so fresh and crisp. The sky is always clear and colorful as are the leaves on the trees. I always feel a bit more sentimental this time of year as this beauty is all going to end very soon, and we will be surrounded by cold, and the earths pallet will be monotone. So as I drove along and ate my apple this past Thanksgiving day, I let all the color and love that surrounded me, soak into every inch of me.
Jennifer Collings:
Wow your writing is as amazing as your photography!
(10.15.09)
Cynthia S.:
Your work is beautiful.
(10.15.09)
janelle:
oh my gourd! i love these pics!!
(10.16.09)
Natalie:
There is one word that comes to mind. Beautiful!
(10.16.09)
Lori F.:
Love them!
(10.16.09)
Jennie Cameron:
I get so excited for each new post. I check everyday. Love your shots
(10.16.09)
Courtney:
I love honey crisp apples. Great shots.
(10.16.09)
Lori K:
Great work, keep it up
(10.16.09)
Pam :
These pics should be in Martha Stewart Magazine.
(10.16.09)
Christian Anderson :
Sounds like a great day! The pictures look great, the colors are so vibrant!
(10.17.09)
SueAnne:
Keep up the great work Rachel...AWESOME!! Oh one thing the guy holding the apples, has nice hands!
(10.20.09)
Nataschia Wielink:
You are great!
(10.20.09)
Matthew:
Nice...nice...nice!!!!
(11.30.09)
kim:
hey I know those hands so very well.....your a great photographer Rachel!
(12.16.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
A little more sentimental
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75
Today is my birthday. I had a wedding. So many people asked me why on earth I would book a wedding on my birthday. I should be relaxing doing something that I love. Their lies the answer on why I choose to do a wedding on my birthday. It is because I LOVE weddings. I love everything about them. I love LOVE.
So today as I approached the brides house, I got butterflies of excitement. This is not unusual as I always get them when I am on my way to the first stop. When i walked in the door the bride and her Maid of Honor were waiting for me. Both of them were so excited. They told me to sit down and close my eyes. Monica said they had a surprise for me! Can you imagine? A surprise for ME on her wedding day? I had at this point forgotten it was my birthday. Then the singing started! They sang me Happy Birthday with the two biggest smiles I ever have seen. Then they presented me with the cutest pink little cake & a card, signed by both Monica & Matt - Becky & Mike (whose wedding I photographed last year)
I cannot believe how lucky I am. Of course I cried....that is no big surprise to anyone who knows me. Not the Oprah Ugly cry, just the bite my lip so hard that the blurriness it my eyes is there and only a few tears fall.
They told me I had to blow out the candle and make a wish. My mind went blank. It seems that I have most of what I could ever wish for in my life right now. The only thing I could think to wish was that it all continued for ever and ever.
Thank you guys for having me spend the day with your family and friends. It was a beautiful (despite the rain) day!
So today as I approached the brides house, I got butterflies of excitement. This is not unusual as I always get them when I am on my way to the first stop. When i walked in the door the bride and her Maid of Honor were waiting for me. Both of them were so excited. They told me to sit down and close my eyes. Monica said they had a surprise for me! Can you imagine? A surprise for ME on her wedding day? I had at this point forgotten it was my birthday. Then the singing started! They sang me Happy Birthday with the two biggest smiles I ever have seen. Then they presented me with the cutest pink little cake & a card, signed by both Monica & Matt - Becky & Mike (whose wedding I photographed last year)
I cannot believe how lucky I am. Of course I cried....that is no big surprise to anyone who knows me. Not the Oprah Ugly cry, just the bite my lip so hard that the blurriness it my eyes is there and only a few tears fall.
They told me I had to blow out the candle and make a wish. My mind went blank. It seems that I have most of what I could ever wish for in my life right now. The only thing I could think to wish was that it all continued for ever and ever.
Thank you guys for having me spend the day with your family and friends. It was a beautiful (despite the rain) day!
Sue:
That was so sweet, it made my eyed got all blurry Rachel :)
(10.11.09)
Monica:
Your welcome, Rachel! You totally deserve any wishes you can think you because you are a wonderful person and so talented! Thank you so much for doing such a lovely job! :)
(10.11.09)
JENN:
I hope you had a great b-day rachel. and had a great time at monica & matts wedding. Can't wait to see all the pics! xoxo
(10.11.09)
Jennifer Collings:
Wow, ever sweet. Hope to see more pics from the wedding.
(10.15.09)
little j:
What a sweet story! And the cake looks delicious despite not having any brown icing!
Sweet people are EVERYWHERE and aren't we lucky!
Lori:
Happy Birthday!
(10.16.09)
Kassie:
This is so cute, great that you are so loved by your Brides....:-)
(10.16.09)
Stephanie Martin:
So Cute! Happy Birthday
(10.16.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
This is why.
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74
I met Monica at her best friend's and future sister in law's wedding last fall. She was the cutest freckly, sweetest girl ever. Monica, in her gentle voice, asked me to photograph her & Matt's wedding about a month after I did Becky's. How could I say no?
The setting is going to be the same today. Fall Leaves, nice fresh fall air, smiles, love, happiness....yay....and I get to be a part of it all. I am so excited to be able to be around this group again today.
I took a few engagement pics for Monica & Matt last weekend to get ready for the big day. I love engagement sessions as it gives me a chance to get to know the couple a little better, and let them be at ease with me for the big day. The more couples can be themselves around me the better!
The setting is going to be the same today. Fall Leaves, nice fresh fall air, smiles, love, happiness....yay....and I get to be a part of it all. I am so excited to be able to be around this group again today.
I took a few engagement pics for Monica & Matt last weekend to get ready for the big day. I love engagement sessions as it gives me a chance to get to know the couple a little better, and let them be at ease with me for the big day. The more couples can be themselves around me the better!
Karen B:
Sweet couple, cannot wait to see more!
(10.16.09)
Shawna:
They look so in love, great pics
(10.16.09)
Haley:
Hope your day was amazing. These engagements are lovely, I hope Rachel posts some from your wedding too!
(10.20.09)
Monica Lee:
Our day was AMAZING! Rachel made it complete by taking some awesome pics! :)
(10.20.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Monica & Matt - E - Session...Married today!
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What an eye opener, and awesome story! I have never been to Ufit but look forward to checking it out. I remember doing a Christmas party for ufit as a server a few years back and the energy in that room was contagious.
(10.21.09)Congrats Eireanne....what a great story!! I think I wanna join you Rachel and attend a class or two....for a dance party!
(10.21.09)Oh My God! Eireann's eyes are AMAZING in this photos!! Love them!!!! Congrats Eireann...you deserve it!
(10.21.09)Congrats Eireann! I hope to be back to your classes soon. You guys are amazing.
(10.21.09)Sounds like an wonderful class, if only I was in PEI, I would def be trying it out! Congrats!
(10.21.09)These pictures of Eireann are amazing, you've really captured what a BEAUTIFUL person she is! :) I am so happy that Eireann(and Gord) have gotten this well-deserved recognition! CONGRATULATIONS
(10.21.09)