CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte single mom walked away from a safe desk job to start a risky new business – and was just getting into a groove when the pandemic began. Then a series of personal and professional jolts sent her on a roller coaster ride.
She took a one-two punch trying to keep her fitness franchise afloat but now she’s celebrating because of creativity and perseverance.
It’s a high-intensity workout at 9 Round and the NoDa franchise owner has lived about nine lives since opening the fitness center five years ago.
"I did go through a lot of ups and downs personally," owner Amy Penwell Morgan said. "In 2016 I lost my father to cancer. In 2017, I opened the gym and in 2018 I lost my mother to Alzheimer's. I was also in a new relationship blending families and got married during that time as well."
She finally found her footing – and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
"I was concerned. I was wondering how to pay the bills, she said. "I got no help from the landlord but we still had to keep the lights on."
She and her new husband even had to find a new location in January 2021 during the height of the pandemic.
Now she’s grateful to see customers once again coming through the door.
"I am finally seeing a steady upswing. A lot of people like to get out of the house especially if they’re working from home. I think they enjoy the social aspect," she explained.
And she is hopeful it’s a sign of more good things to come.
"I feel very optimistic. I feel like we made it this far," she said. "People want to support small businesses so I feel really good."
Things are going so well that she’s looking at buying a second franchise in the area.
Contact Michelle at mboudin@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.