Since the Moonflower Wellness Centre’s establishment in late March, business has never been better for the women who provide their own specialized services within the center.
“It’s all really exploded,” Julie Gladney, a lactation consultant of Ebb and Flow Lactation Services, said. “We have a lot of interest in our services, so everyone who is a part of the center has been doing very well.”
Moonflower Wellness Centre, located at 217 Columbus Road, is an fully women-owned holistic wellness center. It’s comprised of three independent businesses within the common area: Gladney’s lactation services, Erica Andrews’ Laughing Moon Midwifery and Dia Osinga’s massage therapy services. Ellie Olin was the first to establish her business in the center, but she will be leaving the center to be a part of Oakview Dermatology.
The combination of services the women provide for their clients is still growing, but they’ve established a loyal following of women who take advantage of the variety of services provided.
“I hold a weekly group called Nourish that deals with educating moms on breastfeeding and any other mom-related issues,” Gladney said. “But Erica has held educational classes on things like herbs, so we’re still looking to build on services to provide.”
Maria Coyle, a senior studying applied nutrition, thinks the services the center provides are important, especially for mothers and newborns who are extremely vulnerable.
“A center that works to educate mothers and empower them to make decisions about their baby’s nutrition could help them set family up for their success,” Coyle said. “Breastfeeding helps mothers build a bond with their baby and gives infants essential antibodies and nutrients that formulas simply can’t provide.”
Moonflower Wellness Centre is not the only wellness center in Athens, but Gladney said it’s distinct from the other center because of its “closer knit” feel.
“Athens is very supportive of small businesses, so small businesses tend to do well here,” Gladney said. “There are other midwives in the area but not many have actual offices so to offer that space to our clients is pretty unique.”
Carl Scott, a sophomore studying education, sees the center as a great resource for families in the area.
“I’ll never understand motherhood the way a mother does, so I could imagine, especially for new mothers, that this center provides a great network for them,” Scott said.
