The next chapter for Solidore founder Anne Marlum is supporting young yet established fitness and wellness brands with expert guidance and potential financial support.
Solidcore founder Ann Mahlum and wellness real estate pro Jay Siano have launched a new consulting firm for health, beauty, fitness and wellness brands.
The new venture, A. Jaybird, will work with companies with at least three existing locations or $2.5 million in annual revenue and will help brands through all phases of their business, from launch to exit.
“From founder to CEO to Chairman of the Board of Solid Core, I understand all aspects of building, scaling and selling a national fitness company,” said Malam. “We started A. Jaybird because we wanted to see other entrepreneurs focused on consumer health and wellness win and achieve extraordinary success.”
The fitness entrepreneur sold the Pilates-inspired brand for nearly $90 million in early 2023. Reuters reported last month that fast-growing Solidcore was considering a sale that could value the brand at more than $750 million, including debt.
While the company is focused on guidance, a spokesperson told AthleteNews that A. Jaybird could potentially participate in the investment if there is a good fit.
As a testament to his belief in healthy living, Malam recently invested $500,000 in Chinese herbal medicine brand Apothecary. He’s banking on longevity and is especially interested in alcohol-free products that support optimal health. He shared his thoughts with ATN in a wide-ranging interview in April.
“Investing in Apothecary is more than just a financial decision for me; it is a commitment to support innovation and back entrepreneurs who are reinventing their industries,” Malam said of the deal.
She’s also invested in The Athletic Clubs, a New York-based group fitness startup, and Ice Barrel, a maker of cold therapy ice baths.
Similar to Malam’s success in the fitness and wellness space, Ciano played a key role in expanding Soldicore beyond the Washington, D.C. area. Ciano is also co-founder of Sabre Real Estate Advisors.
“Having spent decades leading real estate programs for some of the world’s leading brick-and-mortar brands, I am fortunate to have an unrivaled understanding of the entire process that is so crucial to achieving unparalleled corporate growth,” Siano said, adding that when Malam approached him to combine their expertise, he didn’t have to think twice.
“This new venture with A.J.Bird aligns closely with Sabre’s national real estate platform, which has played a key role in the successful expansion of many leading brands across the country,” Ciano said.
