Dr. Suzanne Haynes, founder of Belle Vitale Wellness in the UK, brings over two decades of experience in medical science and fitness together to help women rediscover health, strength, and confidence in safe, empowering spaces. A PhD in Biomedical Sciences and a certified personal trainer, Suzanne transitioned from the corporate pharmaceutical world to entrepreneurship, building a thriving wellness studio that champions women’s physical and mental wellbeing. Through Humans of Fuzia, we celebrate Suzanne’s story of courage, balance, and purpose—one that reminds our 5-million-strong global community that empowerment begins with self-belief and taking that first brave step.
Q: Suzanne, could you start by sharing a bit about your background and what inspired you to create Belle Vitale Wellness?
A: Absolutely. I’ve spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, and I also hold a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Alongside that, I’ve always had a passion for fitness—I’ve been a fitness instructor and a qualified personal trainer for several years. Belle Vitale Wellness was born out of that passion and my desire to create a safe, inclusive space for women to train. Many women feel uncomfortable in traditional gyms, so I wanted to build a community where they could feel confident, supported, and truly seen.
Q: That’s such a thoughtful vision. What makes Belle Vitale different from other wellness centers?
A: The biggest difference is our approach. We focus on small group training—classes with no more than eight women. Each person has her own space, equipment, and personal attention. That way, we can ensure proper technique, safety, and progress for every member. Our clients range from women in their 20s to their 80s—it’s amazing to see how multi-generational support strengthens the sense of community we’ve built.
Q: How has your transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship been? Was it challenging?
A: It’s been a whirlwind! Walking away from a well-established career in pharmaceuticals was scary at first. But after years of balancing my job, family, and side business, I realized I wanted something more meaningful. There’s never a “perfect time” to take the leap—but sometimes, life gives you that push. And looking back, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Q: You also work on the corporate wellness side. Could you tell us about that?
A: Yes! Beyond personal training, I’m very focused on workplace wellness. After seeing the effects of sedentary lifestyles—back pain, fatigue, low morale—I began working with companies to improve employee wellbeing through workshops and coaching. Sitting has become the new smoking! So we help teams understand how small daily movements can make a massive difference in health and productivity.
Q: That’s such a vital conversation. You’ve mentioned both offline and online work—how do you balance the two?
A: My in-person studio is thriving, and I’m now building the online coaching side to reach more people globally. I plan to expand Belle Vitale’s physical space next year, but I’m also growing my digital presence through online programs, workshops, and one-to-one coaching. The goal is to create a hybrid ecosystem that empowers women wherever they are in the world.
Q: As a working mother and entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge?
A: Time! (laughs) Like many women, I’m constantly balancing work, motherhood, and self-care. My husband travels for work, and my daughter is still young—so my schedule revolves around school drop-offs and pick-ups. The guilt of trying to “do it all” is real. But I’ve learned that progress doesn’t always have to be huge leaps; sometimes it’s small steps taken consistently that build something great.
Q: What role has technology—or AI—played in managing your growing business?
A: Oh, it’s been a game-changer! AI tools like ChatGPT have honestly saved me so much time. I use them for planning social media content, writing, and organizing ideas. It’s like having a personal assistant who helps me stay focused and efficient. It’s also allowed me to create more consistent communication with my audience, without feeling overwhelmed.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: My immediate goal is to expand into a larger studio space by the end of next year and build a strong team that shares my vision and values. For the long term, I want to scale Suzanne Haynes Coaching into a global online platform—offering personal wellness and corporate health programs to clients around the world.
Q: What’s one message you’d like to share with women who want to start something of their own?
A: Just take that first step. There’s never going to be a perfect moment to start. I left a well-paying, secure job to follow my passion, and it was terrifying—but worth it. No job is truly “secure” anymore, so you might as well build something that fulfills you. Believe in yourself, work hard, and shift your mindset from “I hope it works out” to “It will work out.” That’s where confidence and change begin.
“Sometimes life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment—you just have to create it. Take that step, have faith in yourself, and keep moving forward.” — Suzanne Haynes
Connect with Suzanne Haynes
Connect with Suzanne on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about her journey and wellness programs.
