STOCKTON — A Stockton small business owner is living out his dream of helping others achieve their health and wellness dreams.
Lakisha Little Shaw is celebrating the opening of her new gym, The FIT Me, on W. Webber Avenue.
“FIT Me stands for “Focus, Inspire, Transform.” “It’s a small space, but we do a lot here,” she said. “Small group sessions, yoga, Pilates, HIIT workouts. We’re working on mastering Zumba.”
At about 500 square feet, it’s a small space, but Little Shaw has big dreams.
“Having a gym space solidifies the purpose of what I’m trying to do for people’s health,” she said.
Her life’s mission is to improve the physical and mental health of people in her hometown. That’s why she is a mother of five and a survivor of sexual abuse. I opened a small business called The SHAW Bar. It opened next door two years ago and offers personalized meal plans and nutritional counseling.
“We’re going to provide a lot of free stuff to the community because we want to make this accessible to a lot of individuals who wouldn’t otherwise have access to something like this,” she said. .
Little Shaw’s business is in the midst of a so-called food desert, where access to healthy options is limited. She wants her clients to learn how diet and exercise work together.
“She really gave me a solid foundation in how important it is and where to start,” said Stockton City Councilwoman Michelle Padilla. “I ended up going right away and it made sense. I did,” he said.
Padilla, a fan, said Little Shaw’s passion has a purpose. As Ms. Padilla is a teacher, she knows that education is key.
“I applaud her for doing that for our city because so many people don’t want to invest in business. In an economic climate, this is a first step that may or may not thrive. It’s difficult to step out and it’s financially difficult,” she said. “But she’s taking advantage of that opportunity. She’s done that for our city, for our youth, for our community, and all I can say is, ‘Thank you.'”
Padilla is currently working on financing options to provide similar options to other small business owners. Little Shaw said she makes it happen for people who can’t make it.
“These people, for example, don’t have the comfort level to go out and explore this trail,” she said. “They don’t have access to it, so thanks to FIT Me and the Shaw 4 community, we’re going to have access to transportation and be involved in those communities.”
To learn more about grants and other funding sources for small businesses, visit the City of Stockton’s website.
