Jennifer Nikolou’s background was in wellness and marketing, but gym ownership was not in her plans – at least, not until she became a Jabz Boxing member. Nikolou was so impressed with the results Jabz Boxing delivered through its empowering, hard-hitting workouts that she decided to look into investing in a franchise. By Cindy Charette
Jennifer Nikolou’s background was in wellness and marketing, but gym ownership was not in her plans – at least, not until she became a Jabz Boxing member. Nikolou was so impressed with the results Jabz Boxing delivered through its empowering, hard-hitting workouts that she decided to look into investing in a franchise.
Nikolou discussed her interest with Jabz Boxing co-founder Kimberlee White. But while she found investing appealing, Nikolou didn’t want to become a trainer, so she asked White if she knew of any potential business partners. White had the ideal person in mind: Marie Miller, one of Jabz’s lead trainers at the Scottsdale, Arizona, location, she had also expressed an interest in owning her own studio. Miller also happened to be one of Nikolou’s favorite instructors.
The two discussed their ideas over a cup of coffee and immediately connected. From there, Nikolou and Miller moved forward and opened their first studio in 2016 in Central Phoenix. After seeing profits ahead of schedule after only three months of opening, the partners began considering a second location. In 2018, Nikolou, Miller and Miller’s husband Brant, invested in the 16th St. & Bell studio, also in the Phoenix area, which was available as a resale.
The Phoenix studio has eight trainers and the 16th St. studio has six. Miller continues to train at both locations, while her husband trains at the 16th St. studio. Miller and another trainer have also developed online classes for clients who choose to work out at home. The online classes are streamed live twice a day from regular sessions so those at home can feel a part of the studio environment. The partners plan to continue online classes for the convenience of members who may be traveling or have a need to work out at home.
“Partnering with Marie was the best decision I ever made,” says Nikolou, who handles the financials and behind-the-scenes operations. Miller oversees all training responsibilities, focusing on helping clients meet their individual fitness goals, as well as day-to-day operations. They share in marketing activities and building a supportive community, which is what Jabz is all about.
“Our biggest success has been the community we’ve built,” Nikolou says. “We’re grateful for each member and proud that we’ve built a studio that’s fun, safe and supportive for girls and women of all sizes, shapes and colors. Our members have helped us support a variety of women’s and children’s charities. In 2019, we donated more than $10,000 to local charities. That was an extremely proud moment for Marie and me, and it’s all thanks to the community we’ve built at Jabz Central.”
Nikolou and Miller are also gratified by the individual achievements of their members. “We’re proud that the girls and women who call Jabz home are realizing their fitness goals, gaining confidence in their abilities, which go beyond boxing and fitness, and sharing their successes with each other and their loved ones,” Miller says. “It’s rewarding to see family members and friends work out together, and it keeps the studio energetic and supportive.”
Jabz Boxing, established in 2012 in Scottsdale, now includes 20 locations in Arizona and three in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Known for intense full-body, circuit-style workouts, Jabz Boxing’s mission is to cultivate an empowering community to help members of all ages and fitness levels achieve their goals.
For more information, visit Jabz Boxing at jabzfranchising.com.
– Cindy Charette