Friends Launch Business After Personal Struggles

Working out together has helped childhood best friends Raquel Smith and Verity Milne during difficult times.

Now, the Monifieth mums have gone into business together to let others reap the benefits of group exercise.

The pair, who met when they were just three, left secure jobs to launch You Wellness Club in Carnoustie earlier this year.

However, the risk paid off, and their classes are proving increasingly popular with the local community.

The club offers a range of group classes including Reformer Pilates, Barre and Vinyasa yoga. You Wellness Club, which has 12 self-employed instructors, boasts two studio spaces, one which can be heated up to 25 degrees using infrared technology.

The mother-and-baby sessions are well attended and Raquel and Verity, both 34, also lead a free running club once a week and host sound bath and meditation events.

The duo, who attended Grove Academy together, say they trust each other “implicitly”. Being business partners has come easily and they have agreed on every decision, from decorating the former Scotbet shop on Dundee Street to timetables.

They have also enjoyed the “flexibility” of being their own bosses and being able to do school drop-offs and pick-ups.

Raquel, who worked in operations control with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for a decade explained they have tried to create an environment that feels “welcoming rather than intimidating”.

She said:

“We were both single mums at one point and have had a range of mental-health challenges and found that exercising together and with others really helped.

“It’s about so much more than losing weight; it’s about finding a non-judgmental space and being around people who can support you.

“There are so many benefits to group sessions, and the classes we offer really give people the time to focus on themselves.

“So many people have thanked us for offering classes that you might have had to travel to the city for.”

Verity, who had a previous career in recruitment, admits Pilates helped her when her son was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and underwent surgery two years ago.

She said:

“He was really unwell and I spent so much time with him in hospitals but having that routine kept me sane.

“Pilates saved me, in many ways, and it was then I realised I wanted to get my teaching certification.”

The pair have come so far since setting out on their own and feel proud.

Verity added:

“I am so proud of what Raquel and I have achieved and know it will massively benefit us, our families and, hopefully, the wider community.

“We have been by each other’s side through so much and I couldn’t ask for a better business partner.”

The friends, Who received support from Business Gateway to start up the business, feel strongly about giving back to the local community.

You Wellness Club will be holding free CPR events next Friday and next Sunday.

This article appeared in the Courier on 26 October 2026