Athlone businesswoman helps locals shed the weight

Katrina Jones, owner and qualified counsellor of LighterLife, Athlone and Portlaoise, has helped the people of Westmeath, Laois, Offaly and surrounding counties shed over 380 stone in the past two and a half years. Before opening her LighterLife practice Katrina was an accounting and taxation technician for over ten years. Katrina heard about LigherLife from a friend and was so impressed with the programme and the business model that she made the life changing decision to acquire her own franchise and set up in the midlands. Katrina Jones said: "I went down the franchise route as I truly believe that franchising with the right company with the right product is the key to running a successful business. The support and guidance that comes from a well-established umbrella company is crucial when starting out on your own". Since opening she opened her doors in 2009, Katrina has had over 250 clients through her doors with many of them currently on Phase One Management. She runs her busy LighterLife businesses in Blyry Industrial Park, Athlone. "You need to have strong marketing skills to get your business up and going. Plus be prepared to move out of your comfort zone. I would do it all over again, I really enjoy what I do and get such a kick out of seeing the results my clients achieve. I have met some amazing people and made some fabulous friends along the way". LighterLife takes the stress out of weight management for clients providing two programmes. LighterLife Lite for those with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 and Lighterlife Total for those with a BMI over 30. Clients are happy going into it, happy when on the three step programme and even happier when they have reached their own personal goal due to the weekly support sessions and ease of the plan. There is no calorie counting, no points and no hassle. Clients on the Total programme must be signed off by their GP and are also monitored every month making this weight management programme completely safe. Katrina Jones added: "Before starting a business or buying into a franchise I would advise people to do their research thoroughly on the current market and demand for the product. The support and continuous training I receive from LighterLife head office in the UK is a huge part of what makes my business so successful, even in the current climate".