Bohemia Village Voice

Marie Dove - new slimming club boss with Rosemary Conley

Slimming instructor Marie Dove is taking over the local franchise for Rosemary Conley’s Diet and Fitness Clubs from Lisa Driver, who has run it for over 14 years. “A franchise is the ideal way to start. There’s very good support from Head Office, but at the same time, it’s my business.”
Previously, Marie has worked for BT, Lloyds TSB, and Allday’s, “so I’m really hot on customer service. When I look back there’s something from every job that I’ve taken strength from, so it seems fated! I was chairperson for Park Road Under Fives last year. It was voluntary, but it gave me experience in running a business, and they sent me on a day course in management. When I did that I had no idea that I was going to buy the Rosemary Conley franchise. I absolutely love being an instructor and taking the classes. Because of that I knew I would love doing the business. It’s just taking that first step.”
Marie has two children aged two and five. “My husband Shane has been so supportive. He’s the manager of Costcutter in Battle Road. My mum Helen, who used to run the child group as well as being a lollipop lady, has also been very supportive and so has my sister.  The ladies at my St Paul’s class have been really supportive as well and have helped me deliver leaflets. There will be lots of work to do in the office. As well as things like book-keeping there’s other things like contacting members if they haven’t been for a couple of weeks, to ask if they’re all right, and letters to go out congratulating those who lose weight. There’s a new diet coming out in January. Rosemary is doing a lot of national publicity. Locally there are four new classes being launched; a second one at St Paul’s School, one in Ninfield and a second class at Filsham Valley School. I’m also launching a lunch-time class for shop and office workers at Mr Bean’s in the town centre.”