This month we spoke to Francesca, director of Gymlab.

Gymlab

Hey Francesca! Tell us about your business

We offer gymnastics classes and camps to children from 3 to 11 years old. Our classes are for beginners and during our sessions, children don’t only learn gymnastics skills but they can also discover their unique capabilities, fostering self-expression and reaching their full potential in a space free from pressure.

We are Montessori inspired and we prioritise fun and self-acceptance over the pressure of perfection or competition. Kids come to our class to make friends, to learn teamwork, and to smile.

What drove you to start your business?

As a gymnast at a very high level, gymnastics was my world. It taught me a lot but yet, this world was not without its shadows. The immense pressure, the relentless demand for perfection, and the constant push to outdo not just others but myself left deep imprints on my soul. It was a world where results often came at the cost of personal well-being.

After I stopped competing, I started thinking about all the kids who do gymnastics. I thought about how it feels to always have someone asking you to do better, to be perfect. I knew I wanted to help make things different for them.

I founded my company not as a denial of competitive sports but as a sanctuary for a different kind of growth. I believe that every child deserves to experience the joy of movement – free from the shadows of pressure, expectation, and competition.

I wanted to create an environment where children can fall in love with gymnastics on their own terms. It’s a place where the journey matters more than the destination, where progress is measured in smiles and self-confidence rather than medals and podiums, where children can express themselves freely, explore their capabilities without judgment, and most importantly, learn that being the best version of themselves is the true victory.

What particular challenges did you have to overcome in setting up your business, and since then?

At the beginning, one of the biggest hurdles was getting people to understand what exactly my business was about. It didn’t fit neatly into the conventional categories of gymnastics clubs or sports academies. We were something different, a place focused on the joy and freedom of movement without the competitive pressure. This concept was new to many, and it took time for people to grasp where we stood in the grand scheme of things.

As the business has grown, the challenges have evolved. Currently, one of the more significant issues is finding coaches who truly align with our ethos. It’s crucial that our coaches not only have the technical skills but also share our core values of encouraging children to progress at their own pace and enjoy the process. This alignment is vital to maintain the unique atmosphere of our gym.
 

 
Another persistent challenge is securing decent locations for our classes. Often, these locations are managed by external agencies that may not fully understand or appreciate the needs and constraints of small businesses like ours. Negotiating with them can be tough, and their lack of flexibility can make things unnecessarily difficult for us.

Dealing with parents sometimes presents its own set of challenges. While most are supportive, there are occasions when some parents forget that we’re working with many children, not just theirs. They might request exceptions or special treatment that we cannot always accommodate without disrupting the class structure or fairness to other children. Balancing these expectations while ensuring each child feels valued and included is a delicate task.

Why did you choose The Accountancy Partnership?

Based on the reviews.

Have we helped you overcome any challenges, and if so, how?

Definitely managing my accounts without having to struggle with bureaucracy that I don’t understand at all.

What do you have planned for your business in the future?

Changing one of our locations, improve the quality by training our coaches.

 
Learn more about our online accounting services for businesses just like Francesca’s. Call 020 3355 4047 or get an instant online quote.