From Cancer to Booming Biz: How Gwynda and Monica Nia Jones Overcame Obstacles to Thrive with Hotworx Franchise

When Gwynda and Monica Nia Jones, a dynamic mother-daughter duo from Chicago, decided to take on the challenge of running a fitness franchise, they never anticipated how much their personal journeys would align with their entrepreneurial dreams. Today, their thriving Hotworx franchise is more than just a business; it’s a testament to resilience, determination, and the life-changing power of infrared sauna fitness.

Their path to success wasn’t paved with ease. Instead, it was filled with personal struggles, moments of doubt, and the unspoken challenges of being Black women in business. But through perseverance and an unwavering belief in the transformative benefits of infrared sauna therapy, they’ve created a successful franchise that’s growing rapidly within their community.

A Personal Connection to Hotworx

The story behind Gwynda and Monica Nia’s franchise is deeply personal. For Gwynda, the motivation to open a Hotworx studio stemmed from an experience no one should ever have to face: a cancer diagnosis that gave her only six months to live. In her fight against cancer, Gwynda turned to holistic treatments, one of which included infrared therapy – a therapy she soon became convinced would not only help her heal but could benefit many others too.

“When I got that diagnosis that I was healed, I called Hotworx and said, ‘Let’s do this,’” Gwynda remembers with a sense of triumph in her voice. Inspired by the health benefits she experienced from the infrared saunas, she knew she had to share this experience with others.

But it wasn’t just Gwynda’s health journey that inspired Monica Nia to join the cause. As a Miss Illinois winner and a successful professional in her own right, Monica Nia had the choice to follow her career path. But instead, she chose to take a leap of faith and join her mother as a co-owner of the Hotworx franchise.

“My mom always reminded me, ‘This is basically like getting your MBA. People pay hundreds of thousands to learn this business school and you’re getting hands-on experience right now,’” Monica Nia reflects on her mother’s wise words.

From Adversity to Triumph: The Joneses’ Journey

While Gwynda and Monica Nia’s decision to embark on this entrepreneurial journey was fueled by personal conviction, their road to success was far from smooth. Fitness franchising, while increasingly popular, comes with its fair share of challenges. For the Joneses, those challenges started with the real estate search, where they faced obstacles simply because of how they were perceived.

“I think there were times where we were turned away just because of how we looked, and maybe we were underestimated in terms of our abilities,” Monica Nia shares candidly. Despite these early setbacks, their grit and determination helped them eventually secure a 10-year lease for their studio in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

Building a Strong Foundation with Hotworx

The Joneses knew that securing the location was just the beginning. The next major challenge was attracting members to their studio and educating the community about the unique Hotworx experience. The concept of infrared sauna fitness was entirely new to many Chicagoans, and the Joneses had to work hard to make their studio stand out.

“Our biggest struggle was that Hotworx was such a new brand to Chicago,” Monica Nia says, adding that many people walking by the studio initially thought it was a sushi restaurant. Educating potential clients about the benefits of infrared therapy was an uphill battle, but through persistent marketing efforts, word-of-mouth, and a little bit of humor, the studio began to find its audience.

But as many entrepreneurs know, growing a business isn’t just about attracting customers; it’s about building a team and making sure everything runs smoothly. The Joneses had to navigate the complexities of staffing, as well as managing franchise operations, while keeping their eye on the bigger picture.

“It’s just too much,” Gwynda admits during a moment of reflection. “But then we hit a breakthrough.”

That breakthrough came when the Joneses made the conscious decision to fully immerse themselves in every aspect of running their Hotworx franchise. They dedicated themselves to learning everything they could about the business model, from client acquisition to staff management.

“We said, ‘You know what, we’ve got to learn this thing, because how can we coach and mentor someone else if we don’t know how our system works?’” Gwynda says, acknowledging that hands-on learning was the key to their success.

What Makes Hotworx Different?

Today, their Hotworx studio is a profitable business with nearly 500 members and counting. Hotworx, which launched in 2017, is a fitness brand that has carved out its own unique niche in the fitness industry. Offering a mix of virtual instructor-led workouts in infrared saunas, Hotworx allows clients to experience Pilates, yoga, HIIT cycling, resistance training, and stretching in a heated environment.

The brand’s distinctive take on fitness has proven to be a hit, not just in Chicago but around the world. Hotworx now has over 700 locations globally, and its franchisees enjoy the ability to earn revenue around the clock, thanks to the 24/7 operation model and app-based booking system.

Hotworx’s target demographic is mainly women aged 25-35, but the studio’s benefits have also resonated with athletes, individuals on a weight-loss journey, and even those using infrared therapy to help recover from illness.

“We target a young lady between the ages of 25 to 35 who’s gainfully employed; everything around Hotworx is designed around her needs,” Gwynda explains. “However, that design attracts professional athletes, people on a weight-loss journey, and people referred by doctors for infrared therapy.”

The Importance of Community and Support

For the Joneses, the success of Hotworx goes beyond fitness. It’s about community, support, and the opportunity to help people lead healthier lives. They’ve also credited the Hotworx corporate team for creating a supportive environment for franchisees, which has been integral to their success.

“Meeting Steve and his team was what really sold me on becoming a partner,” says Monica Nia. “The company culture is amazing, and it’s like being part of a family.”

Looking ahead, the Joneses are not slowing down. While they don’t have immediate plans to open a second location, their eyes are always on future growth. They’re focusing on making their River North studio a long-term success and continue to provide excellent service to their members.

Why Fitness Franchising Is Worth It

Reflecting on their journey, the Joneses are quick to recommend fitness franchising to anyone interested in opening their own business. They highlight the value of having a supportive parent brand like Hotworx and the joy of running a business that truly helps people feel better and live healthier lives.

“I would say to anyone that’s (considering) opening up a business, know your why,” Monica Nia advises. For the Joneses, their “why” is deeply rooted in their personal experience with infrared sauna fitness, and the desire to build generational wealth while helping others improve their health.

FAQ:

How did Gwynda and Monica Nia Jones succeed with Hotworx? They succeeded through dedication, hands-on learning, and a strong belief in the benefits of infrared sauna fitness. Their perseverance paid off, as their studio is now profitable with nearly 500 members.
What makes Hotworx different from other fitness brands? Hotworx offers infrared sauna fitness with virtual instructor-led classes in a heated environment, which provides a unique combination of fitness and recovery.
How does Hotworx work for franchisees? Hotworx operates 24/7 with an app-based booking system, reducing staffing costs and allowing franchisees to earn revenue around the clock.
What is the target demographic for Hotworx? Hotworx primarily targets women aged 25-35, but its benefits also attract athletes, individuals on weight-loss journeys, and those seeking infrared therapy for recovery.
Would Gwynda and Monica Nia recommend fitness franchising? Absolutely. They highlight the support provided by the parent brand, Hotworx, and the personal satisfaction of running a business that helps people improve their health.