Care Provider, Yoga Instructor Launch Ops in Fayetteville

BrightStar

Owner: Renita Trumbo

Address: 3024 N. Market Street, Suite D, Fayetteville

Phone: 479-443-0600

E-mail: [email protected]

Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday (office); telephone calls answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Web site: www.brightstarcare.com

Startup date: December 9, 2009

Renita Trumbo spent the better part of a decade working in the real estate industry, but it was two years spent as a caregiver for her Alzheimer’s disease-stricken father that changed her career path.

Trumbo opened BrightStar late last year with the aim of providing in-home medical and non-medical care primarily to aging seniors, but also those recovering from surgery or illness, new mothers and children. BrightStar also offers staffing services.

Rates vary depending on services required generally are assigned following a nurse’s assessment. BrightStar also offers a line of companion services that includes light housekeeping, meal preparation, and respite for family members.

“We provide families of loved ones the highest level of home care, with the dignity and personal attention that they need and deserve,” Trumbo said.

Trumbo said she and her husband, Sean, researched the possibility of starting the business for about a year, purchased franchise rights in August, and opened in December. Renita Trumbo declined to give financial details, but said BrightStar has been adding “a client a day” for about the last month.

Trumbo is one of about 10 employees who work full-time schedules, and another 10 to 15 workers are available, depending on the specific type of care needed.

BrightStar is Chicago-based and has opened and/or signed more than 175 locations since August 2005. It’s also a preferred partner of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mojo Hot Yoga Studio

Owner: Erica Martin

Address: 60 Township Blvd., Suite 2, Fayetteville

Phone: 479-236-4186

E-mail: [email protected]

Hours: Classes noon-1 p.m. Monday-Friday; nightly classes Monday-Thursday

Web site: www.mojohotyogastudio.com

Startup date: September, 2009

Hot yoga might be a hot trend, but Erica Martin believes it has staying power.

Martin was confident enough to open Mojo Hot Yoga Studio, a 700-SF space that can accommodate about 35 practitioners, in September. Now she’s conducting nine classes a week, with Claudia Smith also teaching group Pilates classes.

The yoga classes are $8 for students and $10 for adults, or $38 and $40 monthly, respectively, for unlimited sessions. Martin said typical sessions “flow” through more than 25 postures.

Martin’s brand of hot yoga is practiced at about 110 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s “60 percent humidity, 40 percent heat,” according to Martin. Martin and other proponents tout both the spiritual and physical benefits of hot yoga.

“You start becoming more aware of your body, more aware of what you put into your body,” Martin said, “and more aware about taking care of your body.” 

Submit tips about new businesses in Northwest Arkansas to Rob Keys at [email protected] or 479-725-0394, ext. 323.