Raquel Smith & Verity Milne Founders of YOU Wellness Club – Based In Angus
About the business
Not every business begins with a sudden flash of inspiration. Sometimes a much-loved hobby or pastime can be the genesis of a feeling that it might just be possible to turn that passion into a career.
That was the case for Raquel and Verity, founders of the ‘YOU. Wellness Club’ (‘YOU.’ for short) in Carnoustie.
Both had long been interested in fitness and wellbeing. Having full-time jobs with the Fire Service and Social Security Scotland, the two best friends would meet for playdates with their children, go running together and attend exercise classes. They discovered a passion for group exercise and the sense of connection that comes from being surrounded by like-minded people.
“We were both really into fitness and wellness, it’s something that’s just a big part of our lives and has helped us through some difficult times. The group classes gave us a feeling of community and connection that was inspiring.”
How Business Gateway has helped
By September 2025, they were discussing whether they could open a wellbeing business together. The idea still felt distant, so when they approached Business Gateway, they had plenty of enthusiasm but limited knowledge of the next steps.
“We had all the ideas on paper, but we didn’t even know where to start with leases or the legal side of things and how we actually got the ball rolling.”
Working with Business Gateway adviser Kate Clark helped change that.
“When we first met her, we were like, ‘Oh this is such a pipe dream idea, it’ll never happen.’ But Kate said, ‘What are you talking about? Why not?”
Business Gateway helped give the pair confidence to move forward, supporting them with their business plan and cash flow, providing one-to-one financial advice and help in sourcing funding.
Kate Clark said: “Raquel and Verity were incredibly driven from the outset and had a clear vision for the kind of welcoming, community-focused space they wanted to create. Our role was to help them turn that vision into a workable business, supporting them with their business plan and cash flow, providing financial advice and connecting them with funding. To see YOU. open and growing within months has been fantastic.”
Raquel and Verity soon found a great space in Carnoustie.
They took possession of the space in January and spent the following weeks fitting out what was essentially an empty shell, whilst both continued their full-time jobs and raising their children.
It all took a bit of a toll.
“We just put absolutely everything we had into it to the point where we’ve never been so unwell in our lives.”
But when the doors finally opened, the response confirmed why they had wanted to bring the concept to Carnoustie.
“We got so many people saying ‘Thank you for opening something here. We get forgotten about because everyone goes to the big cities.’”
Community has since become central to YOU.
Alongside Pilates and infrared classes, the business runs a free Monday evening running club, and hosts events including ‘Pilates and Pastries’ and wellness retreats.
The founders have also deliberately tried to create an environment that feels welcoming rather than intimidating.
They say clients have spoken openly about struggling with their mental health or previously feeling uncomfortable in fitness settings.
“We’ve had quite a few people say they feel safe coming in, they feel welcomed and they don’t feel judged.”
The business has grown quickly too. The team has increased from five self-employed instructors at launch to 12, including male and female instructors.
Like any new venture, the journey has not always been straightforward.
Raquel and Verity left their full-time jobs at the end of July, and their first month relying entirely on YOU. proved challenging.
“August was horrendous. Everyone was on holiday. We thought, ‘Oh no, what have we done? It’s definitely not been plain sailing, but we do often remind ourselves of how far we’ve actually come.”
As the two put it: “The bad days here are definitely better than a bad day in the office.”
For a business that did not begin with one dramatic moment of inspiration, YOU. is proof that if it’s something you love, someone is willing to back the idea and you get the right advice, a passion can become a profession.
If you think you could benefit from our support, then contact us today.
