Whaddya Say We Do Another Year????

Post by Olivia Martino, Registered Dietitian and Co-Owner, Nourish Northwest

Six years ago, Paula Jahn and I had a vision.  We wanted to create a place where people could come and learn how to live a healthier lifestyle.  We wanted this place to change the way people thought about food, nutrition and exercise.  We wanted to share our excitement over how delicious healthy food can taste and how powerful eating well and moving can make you feel.  Most importantly, we envisioned this place to become a community; a place to gather, prepare wholesome meals, enjoy the company of friends and to sweat.

 

 

Business plan... check!

 

One year ago today, Nourish Northwest opened its doors.  Natalie, Paula and I sat around a table, waited and speculated on who our first “real customer” would be.  I don’t think anyone came to that first TRX class at 5:30 on Monday, May 21st.  But just as we started to feel slightly disheartened, a few people walked in the door ready for our 7 pm Zumba class.  Then they all came charging in and we had a class of 11!  We danced, we sweated, we laughed and we started building our community.

 

An empty Nourish!

 

 

Getting Furnished!

 

 

Our beautiful space

 

 

Opening day specials

 

 

Ready to open!

 

First Zumba class

 

A lot has changed over the past year.  We’ve had just as many trying times as successes.  We’ve had clients and staff come and go and some classes have done the same (who remembers Tabatilates???).  Paula and I worked out A LOT in those early days, just to have some people in every class.  Now, our client list includes a few names that I don’t even know.  But what will never change about Nourish, is that I know I will get to know those clients soon.  They will become friends with our other clients, staff and Paula and I.  We will teach them how to prepare a kale salad one night and then sweat along side with them in a yoga class the next morning.  We are all working toward the same goal of becoming healthier, stronger and happier.

 

The original Nourish Northwest staff

 

Our growing community

 

First cooking class (thanks, mom and dad for being our mentors and a huge source of support!)

 

 

Grand opening party

 

Food is always central to our celebrations

 

 

Yum!!!

 

We want to say a HUGE thank you first to our incredible staff.  Natalie, Jamie, Abby, Kamelia and Megan… you guys are AWESOME.  You know how to push us all, make us feel empowered and most importantly supported.  And an equally big thanks to our staff that has moved on to other adventures… you guys will always be an important part of our community!  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

 

Abby and her best assistant, Zoe

 

 

Jamie!

 

 

 

Natalie!

 

And to our amazing clients… you guys are exactly who Paula and I imagined.  We love your energy, laughter and support.  There’s no way  to say it without sounding cheesy, but Nourish wouldn’t be here without you, or become what it is today.  Paula and I thank you so much.

Also, thank you to our friends and family who have stood by us the past few years.  Your encouragement and support have been amazing.  We appreciate you every day, when we sit at the tables you built and look at our beautifully decorated walls.  Nourish has truly been a community effort.

 

Still smiling, even though Natalie is lying about how long they will be in that squat!

 

 

Getting our TRX on

 

 

 

 

 

Paula teaching a class how to make pizza dough

 

 

 

We love our kale!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have a ways to go, and we can only imagine what the next year will bring us in terms of change and growth.  As always, let us know what we could do better and different.  Your feedback is is so valuable to us and has completely shaped the way we have structured Nourish.  And we can’t wait to see you all at our 1 year anniversary party this summer! Keep checking back for an exact date! This party is going to be FUN!!!!!

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Nourish Northwest Community!!!!!!

 

Eat well, Live well, Be well!

 

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