SculPT Studios: how our newest Harlow resident has hit the ground running.
While Amy Stevenson of SculPT Studios only joined our Harlow community in November with a fledgling business, she is a seasoned expert in her field. By combining a decade of personal training experience with a loyal client base and a healthy social media strategy, she has built an impressively robust business foundation in just a few short months.
Most entrepreneurs dream of hitting the ground running, but how do you turn a decade of expertise into a successful physical space? For Amy Stevenson, the answer lay in moving away from the “one-size-fits-all” commercial gym model to create something more intimate and intentional. By focusing on community and professional consistency, Amy has quickly transformed a blank workshop into a thriving fitness studio at Greenway Business Centre.
What type of training does SculPT Studios provide? 
Amy’s business isn’t just about fitness; it’s about accessibility. Based at the Greenway Business Centre in Harlow, SculPT Studios serves a dedicated community from across Essex and Hertfordshire, drawing clients from as far as Epping and Bishop’s Stortford.
Amy: “The main offering here is small group personal training and conditioning. These groups are capped at six people, which I have found to be the ‘sweet spot’ for ensuring everyone gets the tailored attention they deserve while still enjoying a group atmosphere. We also offer one-to-one sessions and have specific memberships for those looking for a mix of strength and cardio. My focus is entirely on performance-based training and ensuring people move with correct form and intention, but I have also watched a really lovely community grow, in which everyone helps one another.”
What is your background? And what made you take the leap into starting your own business?
Amy is no stranger to the gym floor. Her journey began at just 16 when she started her Level 2 qualification while still in sixth form. After ten years of working for other commercial gyms and private studios, she reached a point where she knew she had the experience and the client loyalty to go it alone.
Amy: “I’ve been doing this for over a decade, so I knew the industry inside out, but I reached a ‘now or never’ moment. What makes SculPT different is that it’s designed to be a non-intimidating space. Commercial gyms can be very overwhelming, particularly for women. I wanted to build a female-founded, aesthetic studio space where people feel comfortable to learn.
Thankfully, since I had built such strong relationships over the years, the biggest challenge was the transition and setting up the space. Once I was in, my one-to-one clients moved with me immediately. Now, the growth is coming from social media, such as Facebook and Instagram and local word-of-mouth. It’s a very supportive, non-cliquey environment where a total beginner can train alongside someone more experienced, and they’ll both be cheering each other on.”
Why Greenway Business Centre? 
For a new business owner, the financial commitment of a long-term commercial lease can be the biggest barrier to entry. Amy needed a professional home that offered both high-spec facilities and the ability to scale without the weight of a five-year contract.
Amy: “It was a big jump to take, so when I was looking for a business centre in Harlow, I found the flexibility was the biggest selling point for me. The monthly rolling license at Greenway made the move feel much safer as a new business.
The support from the Greenway Business Centre staff has also been invaluable. When I was setting up in November, I had huge deliveries of gym equipment arriving while I was busy elsewhere. Knowing the reception team was there to handle those deliveries was a massive weight off my shoulders. The facilities are great too, and the management team is constantly investing in the site, like the new kitchen and upgraded toilets, which are vital for my members.”
You’re probably still settling in, but what are your future plans for the business?
Despite her rapid success, Amy is focused on sustainable, quality-driven growth rather than expansion for expansion’s sake. She takes a similar attitude to business success as she does to fitness: finding the balance and improving holistically for all-round and long-term success:
Amy: “I’m looking for steady growth. I recently held an event called ‘Unwind,’ which combined Pilates and a sound bath. We had 15 women attend, and it was a huge success. I want to bring more of that mindfulness and low-intensity work into the studio alongside our strength and conditioning. My strategy is about balance: helping people find that middle ground between being physically strong and mentally well. I want to keep this a ‘safe space’ for people who are scared of big gyms.”
Amy’s tips for steady business success
Drawing from her successful launch, Amy emphasises that success in a saturated market comes down to two things: expertise and visibility.
Amy: “My main tip is to make sure you have solid experience before you jump in. You need to know your market. Beyond that, you have to be on your ‘A-game’ with social media. Consistent social media engagement is key for small businesses to build brand awareness, and I’ve seen that first-hand. Stay active, stay interactive, and make sure your brand message is clear and authentic. It takes constant effort, but it’s the best way to build trust with your audience.”
Just as a strong physical foundation is essential for injury prevention and long-term health, a solid business foundation is vital for a startup to thrive. By choosing a space that offers both professional support and financial flexibility, Amy has been able to focus on what she does best: building a stronger, healthier community in Harlow.
