For many of us, staying in one job is challenging enough.
One job isn’t enough for hardworking Lucy Poole. She has two businesses, and even better, they’re both connected to her passion.
She runs a fitness business, Let Luce, which has opened in a new section of Ketley Business Park.
Lucy does Let Luce
And she is also the proud owner of Lucy Poole Photography, saying both businesses have seen growth since the pandemic lockdown and are now thriving.
Lucy has an infectious and positive personality that has made lockdown work for us.
“I did photography in college,” she recalls. “I always worked in the studio.
“Just before lockdown, I took the plunge and started out as an independent photographer.
“That was great, but a month later we went into lockdown and it was like, ‘Oh my god!’ Weddings, family shoots and everything else got postponed.”
Lucy’s grandfather, boxer George Swanson, appears on the mural
“But I went out and did some doorstop photography when it came to outdoor photography, and the money I made from that actually helped me pursue other passions.
“The weather was nice at that point so I was doing a lot of exercise as usual.
“Once I started making videos and posting them on social media, people started saying, ‘How do you stay motivated? Can you help me?'”
“So I started thinking about it and thought maybe I should get a fitness qualification.
“The money I made from my lockdown photo shoot also helped me fund my qualifications for a new career, so I was able to make the most of my time.
“At the time, I was completing my Level 2 and Level 3 personal trainer qualifications.
“I’ve always been interested in fitness, but I never thought about doing it as a career because I was a little worried that I would lose my love for it.”
When some restrictions were lifted and people were able to venture outdoors again, she started an outdoor boot camp.
“They were great,” Lucy said. “Even though I was new to the field, people took me seriously.
“When we went into lockdown again, I knew I couldn’t stop, so I took sessions online and had people work out in their kitchens or front rooms.
“We once again overcame the restrictions and went back outside. After that, people showed up to cheer me on no matter the weather. I saved up money to live inside.”
She served in Hadley’s unit as the business expanded from the field to a proper facility.
She is currently based in Ketley and opened a new location last month.
Inside the new fitness center
“It’s a great area and I’ve done pretty well so far so I’m proud of myself,” she said.
“I run bootcamps three times a week, with classes varying from eight to 20 people, and I also do one-on-one training.
“I’m still coaching online, and I’ve also launched Let Luce with baby somewhere so moms can exercise in groups.”
Bootcamps include circuit sessions, bodyweight training, and one-on-one core work specific to what the individual wants to achieve.
“This unit is two-story, so I also use the second floor as a photography studio,” she says.
“So everything is working really well.”
Lucy
The two roles are certainly keeping her busy. Lucy says: “I work in fitness from Monday to Thursday, but I always make time for photo shoots.
“From a time management standpoint, I’ve split them up. I work so much, but I enjoy what I do, and it definitely makes a difference.”
When it comes to her photography business, Lucy shoots weddings, family portraits and newborns, as well as corporate branding and marketing.
She also works with schools and daycare centers.
“It’s a big combination,” she added. “I love it and I don’t know where I would be now if it wasn’t for lockdown.
“At that moment, something clicked inside me. I lost my aunt during lockdown, so I knew I had to do what I wanted to do.
“It gave me the impetus to become a full-fledged transplant and make the best out of a bad situation. It allowed me to build my empire.
“During that time, I feel like I’ve been able to help a lot of people both mentally and physically through exercise. I’m really happy to be able to continue exercising and I’m excited to have a new job. ”
