Meath Style Awards Shortlist: here's how it shapes up for the Best in Health and Fitness award

'My heart is in helping others, exploring the depths of inner peace and self-discovery'

Inspired Souls Wellbeing & Yoga

Tell us about your business

Inspired Souls Wellbeing & Yoga started three years ago when proprietor Megan Neary embarked on a journey via social media to share her story and connect with others. Little did she know, it would grow into something beyond her wildest dreams. Megan says: “My path hasn't been easy. I've faced anxiety, bullying, grief, and trauma. But instead of letting them define me, I turned my pain into purpose.

Inspired Souls Wellbeing is my way of showing others that they can overcome anything life throws their way. I wear many hats – from being a Registered Yoga Teacher to a self-published children’s author. I lead workshops and retreats, teach mindfulness, yoga, and holistic wellness in Ireland and had an amazing opportunity teaching in Italy also.

My heart is in helping others, especially women whether it's guiding them through yoga, dance or facilitating women’s holistic circles and workshops. I'm always learning and growing.

Currently, I've just completed my pregnancy yoga teacher training, adding another dimension to my toolkit. Rooted in my studies in psychology, my approach to wellbeing blends ancient wisdom with modern science. I am so passionate about mental well-being, and this is where my business started from. “

Describe the best thing about your service

Beyond my training and certifications, what matters most to me is the connection I share with each person who joins me on this journey. Together, we explore the depths of inner peace and self-discovery, embracing life's challenges with courage and compassion.

There’s a great quote I like to live by: “Don’t let the world change your smile, use your smile to change the world.” And if I can lend a smile to someone and make them feel like they belong, then that’s what it’s all about for me.

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

Just be yourself and do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life!

What does the future hold for your business?

I hope to one day open my own yoga and wellness studio where I will teach and hold workshops, retreats and classes - where people can connect to mind, body and soul.

I also hope to self-publish my second children’s book in the next coming year or so.

'Prioritising the customer's experience above all else'

Knightsbrook Health Club Trim

Tell us about your business and team

Staff and management at Knightsbrook Health Club, Trim are dedicated to helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals. There are a variety of services on offer including fitness classes, swimming lessons, and access to the gym and pool facilities. The team of experienced instructors and trainers are there to support people every step of the way. Whether they are looking to tone up, improve swimming skills, or just get in a good workout, there is something for everyone.

Describe the best thing about your service

Facilities are well-maintained, providing a comfortable environment for all members. At Knightsbrook Health Club inclusivity is prioritised by offering swimming lessons and fitness classes tailored to the diverse needs of both individuals and children, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive in these programs.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

One of the best pieces of business advice we have ever been given is to prioritise customer experience above all else. We urge other businesses to focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every visitor feels valued and supported in their journey. Listen to feedback from your members and guests and continuously strive to improve and innovate your offerings to meet their evolving needs and preferences. Additionally, we urge them to invest in their team by providing ongoing training and support to ensure they can deliver exceptional service and experiences consistently. By prioritising the customer experience and investing in your team you can set your business up for long-term success.

What does the future hold for your business?

As we envision the future of the Knightsbrook Health Club, we are committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all members of our community. With plans to develop a dedicated sensory room tailored to the needs of children with additional needs, we aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where every child can thrive and enjoy their leisure time. Alongside this initiative, we are excited to expand our offerings to include specialised fitness and swimming lessons specifically designed for children and adults with additional needs. By embracing these enhancements, we not only strengthen our commitment to inclusivity but also reaffirm our dedication to supporting the diverse needs of our members and guests. As we embark on this journey, we look forward to shaping a future where everyone feels welcome and empowered to pursue their health and wellness goals with us.

A natural and holistic approach to helping adults and children overcome illness

The Salt Rooms

Tell us about your business and team

The Salt Rooms was founded in 2019 when both Jessica Aherne’s & Lianne Traynor’s children were on a course of antibiotics from a very young age.

The two mother’s felt really fed up and decided to take a more holistic route to helping their little ones recover, so the The Salt Rooms, Ratoath was born. Salt rooms are a natural and holistic approach to helping adults and children alleviate symptoms of upper and lower respiratory conditions from asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), clearing out mucus to sinus relief. Salt therapy can also provide relief from common skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

The Salt Rooms provides an anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial environment.

Describe the best thing about your service

The best thing about the service we provide is helping people overcome their illnesses through a natural and holistic approach. Children’s rooms provide a fun environment while adult rooms provide a calm and tranquil atmosphere to help relax and destress from the crazy life we all lead.

The best part of our day is the feedback we get from our clients, from people instantly feeling better to parents getting a full night’s sleep.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

The best business advice we have been given was to ensure a customer’s first attitude and to take the interaction with customers from a business transaction to a more powerful personal relationship.

If you can demonstrate to people that you believe in what you are doing, then it will be easy for them to believe in the service you are providing.

What does the future hold for your business?

Since establishing in 2019, the business has been rocked by Covid-19 and inflation. We have and will continue to endure. We see our business expanding from its founding location in Ratoath to covering more parts of Co Meath and reaching into the suburbs of Dublin.

Dream, Believe, Achieve...and Dance!

Dance Mania Studios

Tell us about your business and team

Dance Mania Studios, based in Bective St, Kells has a variety of classes, workshops and events for everyone or all ages. Owner Chantelle Neary wanted to create a space where people can be themselves, where they can express themselves creatively, build new friendships and in the process provide lots of different services to her hometown of Kells. There are a variety of classes including Baby Massage, Kids Dance Classes, Adult Yoga, Adult Fitness & Dance Classes, Teen Stress Relief Class, Role Play Village, along with Wedding Dance Lessons, Seasonal Camps & Workshops and Birthday Parties.

Describe the best thing about your service

The best thing about my studio is that there is something for everyone, from babies to Adult Classes. We also do events, workshops, seasonal camps and birthday parties. I just like to bring something different to Kells. I always do my best to provide different opportunities for my studio kids to be involved in, creating these special memories for them.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

I haven’t really any business advice, but my motto is Dream, Believe, Achieve and I continue to use that motto in my studio, and I encourage the people who come to my studio to dream, believe and achieve....We can achieve all our dreams, we just need to believe.

What does the future hold for your business?

I’m excited to see what’s next for Dance Mania Studios, I am ready to grow. Lots of exciting ideas and projects in mind, now it’s time to bring them to life, so watch this space....

- The 2024 Meath Style Awards in association with Specsavers take place in the Headfort Arms Hotel this Friday (June 7th)