Wellness Studio Brings a New Safe Space to Haines City

C&B Wellness Studio & Café Inc. of Polk County

What started as an idea inspired by the desire to help women prioritize themselves has become a reality for Ashley Miller, founder of C&B Wellness Studio & Cafe, a new wellness-focused business in downtown Haines City.

Created as a welcoming environment where women can focus on both physical and mental well-being, C&B Wellness Studio & Cafe offers a variety of fitness and wellness services designed to help women recharge amid the demands of everyday life.

“So as women, we’re mothers, we’re wives, we’re sisters, we’re friends, and while we’re pouring into everyone, we’re not pouring enough into ourselves,” Miller said. “I wanted to create a safe space where they can work on not just their wellness, but their mental health. This is a safe space from their home that they can come to and just really relax.”

The studio features Pilates reformer classes, mat Pilates, yoga, Zumba and twerk fitness. In addition to its fitness offerings, the business includes a cafe component that will serve coffee, protein shakes and other beverages.

As Miller transitioned from corporate America to entrepreneurship, she found guidance and support through the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida.

Working with Florida SBDC at USF business consultant Randy Hayes, Miller received assistance navigating every stage of the startup process, from establishing the business structure to developing a plan for growth.

“Florida SBDC at USF has been phenomenal,” Miller said. “Randy Hayes really guided me through this whole transition of leaving corporate and becoming a business owner. He was able to provide me with tools and resources I did not know were out there. It was a lot of handholding, and I was appreciative of the time that he took out for me.”

Hayes helped Miller formalize her business concept, register the company and secure the necessary business credentials. During that process, he also encouraged her to define the story behind the business.

Miller explained that the name C&B Wellness reflects a personal legacy. “C and B are the last names of my two boys, Clark and Blanc,” she said. “I wanted something that can be a legacy impact that has my boys’ last name.”

Beyond helping establish the business, Hayes connected Miller with resources that proved critical to launching the studio, including referrals to a commercial realtor who helped her secure a 2,000-square-foot location in downtown Haines City.

Once the location was secured, Hayes worked with Miller to develop financial projections, discuss operational goals and prepare for opening day. “He asked me a lot of hard questions, but he made me feel very comfortable when he asked those questions,” Miller said. “It really guided me and let me know exactly what it is to be a business owner.”

Throughout the process, Miller also received assistance with opening a business bank account, connecting with local networking opportunities and identifying contractors needed to complete the buildout. Most recently, Hayes has helped Miller navigate licensing requirements for the cafe portion of the business.

For Miller, successfully launching C&B Wellness Studio & Cafe is already a major accomplishment. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, she faced uncertainty as she invested personal savings and worked to transform her vision into a sustainable business.

“My biggest success so far is just really getting C&B off the ground,” she said. “As a small business owner, you’re frightened with what’s to come. You’re probably taking from your savings, and that’s something your family relies on.”

Today, Miller is focused on building an inclusive community where people feel welcomed regardless of their background or fitness level. “I want all shapes, sizes, colors, wherever you’re from, to come here because this is a safe space,” she said. “This is a wellness studio that is not a mean-girl studio.”

Looking ahead, Miller hopes her entrepreneurial journey inspires others to pursue their own business dreams and take advantage of the no-cost consulting services available through the Florida SBDC at USF. “When Randy and I met, I had an idea. I had a thought process, and he was really able to assist me with making that dream a reality,” she said. “Even if it’s an idea, that idea can blossom into more and really show you that it can become reality.”

Miller encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to seek support and mentorship as they begin their business journeys. “Florida SBDC at USF is really a partner,” she said. “It’s a free service that they really pour into you. If you don’t have friends, family members or mentors that can assist you, you definitely have a consultant that believes in your dreams and will really assist you in being more as a small business owner.”