blue water woman--fall 2013

Healthy habits
by Patti Samar
Sara Thomas wants to help women become healthy.
As the owner and operator of a Curves franchise located in Fort
Gratiot, Thomas has helped numerous clients over the years.
“I love the clientele I have,” said Thomas. “We are a very social
environment and we’re all here for the same reasons: to be fit and
healthy.”
A mom to two children and two dogs, Thomas enjoys the flexible
schedule that self-employment brings. “I have a very flexible schedule
because I have a great staff,” she said.
Thomas worked for other businesses in the fitness industry prior to
owning her Curves franchise.
“I found there was a market for this type of clientele,” she said,
noting that Curves is a program designed to provide women with a
comfortable workout environment.
Her advice to other women interested in starting a business of their
own is to follow their passion.
“Follow your heart and make sure you are passionate about your
work,” she said. “Your heart has to be in the business.”
The Curves franchise recently partnered with the Cleveland Clinic
to design a weight loss program for Curves members. “We are not
just a fitness center anymore; we are a weight loss center,” she said,
noting that members are provided with a nutritional program to help
them meet their weight loss goals.
“I am not in this business to become wealthy,” she said. “I am in
this to help women become healthy in a comfortable environment.
Helping women become healthy is important to me.”
Believing in
downtown
by Patti Samar
6 fall 2013 BlueWaterWoman.com
Vickie Burgett is a Port Huron gal through and through. That
is why, for more than a decade, she has operated her business,
Victoria’s Hair and Tanning Studio, in downtown Port Huron.
“I like being downtown,” said Burgett. “I love the people walking
by and I love my neighbors. I love to look out the window and see
the people.”
Burgett said self-employment has provided her with a lot of
flexibility in her life, though, as with many small businesses, she
noted that the hours can be long. “As the owner of the business,
you put in more hours, but it is still flexible.
“Working for yourself is great if you are not worried about
money, but as a female, you grow more by working with other
women and you grow as a human being,” she said.
Her advice to those thinking about starting a business is “just do
it. If you aren’t afraid of your finances, it’s the best thing you can
do for yourself.”
Victoria’s offers hair and nail services to both men and women,
and tanning. “We are a full service salon,” said Burgett.
A lifelong resident of Port Huron, Burgett enjoys the great things
she sees happening in the community. “I believe in Port Huron.
It’s just where my heart is.”