Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Peeks and Caitlin Rodriguez. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Our story began at a fitness club in Gainesville, Caitlin ran workout classes and Sandra was a regular participant. It took many months for Sandra to actually walk through the door of Caitlin’s fitness club, but many fewer months for the both of us to become great friends! Unfortunately, the pandemic caused the closure of that location in March 2020. A few months later, we were both missing our community so much that we decided to open a new nutrition bar together! Now no longer coach and client, but as friends and business partners, we opened Rise Up Nutrition in Flowery Branch on June 12th, 2021. The name reminds us that life will knock us down, but we will continue to rise up in pursuit of that which matters most.
Prior to opening Rise Up, Caitlin was a teacher for six years but had always had a passion for spreading positivity and educating those around her about nutrition. (Caitlin was actually Sandra’s son’s second-grade teacher, which was how the pair originally met.) Sandra had 12 years of customer service experience, prior to being a stay-at-home-mom for almost nine years, and was ready to get back into the workforce to serve others.
Along with partnering with local non-profits, businesses, and schools, we are both dedicated to providing an uplifting and welcoming space for the local community to grab a healthy drink and learn about nutrition. We want our customers to fall in love with not just the products we offer but also with the spirit of positivity and serving others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening a new business is always challenging and this has been no exception. This location is different than the last, so the learning curve was steep. We had many setbacks during the build-out process, shortages of supplies, and finding balance as working moms. However, through those challenges we have learned what to expect and how to adapt. We love running this business and setting an example for our kids. It was worth all of the struggle!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are known for our wide selection of drinks and customizable options. We customize drinks for clients to meet their health needs and personal preferences. We love educating our clients on nutrition and supporting their goals. We strive to have personal relationships with our clients. Our clients often remark on the unique atmosphere and become regulars at Rise Up.
How do you think about luck?
The location of Rise Up is sheer luck. We both lived in the area for the past decade and passed by this spot daily. The suite for Rise Up sat empty for 12 years. We were surprised when we got approved for the location and it has been perfect! It was meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Email: riseupnutrition.oakwood@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rise.up_nutrition_
- Facebook: @riseupnutrition.oakwood
