Louise Oliver
Franchisee Case Study

Louise Oliver has run the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchise in Oxford since August 2005 after previously working in Management Accounts for a housing association for ten years.

Following the birth of her twin boys in 1993 and her daughter in 1998, Louise found that her weight had grown to an unhealthy 17 stone, so, when she decided it was time to do something about it, Louise went along with two friends to her local Rosemary Conley Class in Oxford, where she succeeded in shedding 4 stone.

The franchisee who ran the class was so impressed with Louise, she urged her to become an instructor, and with that suggestion, Louise’s life began to change! With the local area up for sale, and excited by the thought of changing her career, Louise attended the next Rosemary Conley Open Day, which was being held just two days later!

After finding herself impressed by the opportunity, Louise and her husband, Harry, who did not have much prior knowledge of the franchising industry, began to research the idea fully. It was not long before Louise made up her mind to invest in the franchise and she soon began her training. As well as gaining a brand new career, Louise gained a brand new figure as, with all of the exercising she was doing, she succeeded in shedding a further three stone in weight!

Louise worked tirelessly to promote her business throughout her first year and, since then, it really began to fly: she has not looked back ever since. Together with her two employees, Louise runs 14 classes a week and life has never been better. She says: “The best bit is my members! When they tell you they have come off medication due to the weight they have lost at my classes, it’s an incredible feeling, and I often get very emotional!

“One member who sticks in my mind is a lady of 80 years of age, who, on joining my class, was only able to sway to the music with the use of two sticks. Three months later, the sticks were left at the door and she was able to move incredibly well to the music!”

One aspect of running the franchise which Louise really enjoys is organising events and special occasions for her members. Together they have raised thousands of pounds for her local special care baby unit through aerobathons, pamper events and Christmas parties.