Meet Melissa Rivera | Owner/Operator of The Camp Transformation Center in Davie, FL.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My husband Willie and I have always wanted to open a business, and since we have always been athletic, a gym was always top of mind. But, like most people new to starting a business, we didn’t know how or where to start, so we put it to the side, and continued to work for Corporate America. It wasn’t until Willie saw an Ad for a 6 week weight loss transformation program with The Camp Transformation Center, and did a couple of challenges back to back, then became a member, when we thought, WOW, this would be a great opportunity to do what we love, as we had fallen in love with The Camp. That was the beginning of our Camp Ownership story.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We own a Camp Transformation Center in Davie, Fl. We are part of a Franchise. We are a fitness Studio focusing on transforming and improving the health and wellness of the members in our community. We offer not only weight loss and toning options, but Nutritional help, and truly helping individuals along their Health and fitness journey. I believe what sets us apart from other gyms is our Community. We have built a Community of empowered individuals that are part of a family. Our culture sets us apart from our competition, in that we have set the bar for our standards of how we as a Franchise run our studios very high. I would have to say I’m most proud of our culture, and how we’ve built an amazing community within the Camp. Everyone knows and helps one another, they support one another and motivate and encourage each other.
Today business wise, we are very different from where we were 4 years ago. I feel like we’ve grown so much, from being completely inexperienced, to having a lot more experience than when we first started. It definitely was not an easy journey, and I know it’s not over. There is still so much to learn, and I feel like we are learning something new everyday.
In terms of the difficulties we had to overcome, I think they are similar to most entrepreneurs that are just starting. Learning to manage your business finances appropriately. Using systems to help you in all aspects of your business. We have the benefit of a Franchise that is very approachable, and provides a ton of assistance to help us succeed.
I would have to say that some of the lessons we’ve learned are to be resilient, have thick skin, and have learned sales and marketing. We have learned to not be so afraid to ask questions.
I would love the world to know that if you have the heart and the passion for something, go after it with your whole heart, and truly believe that you will be successful! Surround yourself with likeminded people that will support you, motivate you and stand beside you. If you are going to purchase a Franchise, do your research, make sure you buy into a Franchise that you believe in, and that you are invested in. Owning this Franchise has given us the opportunity to make a difference in hundreds of lives, help them on their fitness journey, and encourage them to live a fit and healthier lifestyle. Seeing their transformations, gives us a tremendous feeling of accomplishment, accomplishment of seeing others achieve the goals they have set for themselves. It truly is an amazing feeling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since we spend the majority of our time in Broward, as our Camp is in Davie, I would start off here in Davie. I would take them to Dania Beach. It is a beautiful beach, it is calm, and it’s great for people watching, relaxing, running on the sand, and has a great restaurant that we could enjoy great seafood.

From a Miami Perspective, I would definitely take them to Zoo Miami, so that we could enjoy the animals, a tremendous amount of walking, people watching, and just a relaxing day talking, hanging out, having snacks, and enjoying each other’s company.
I would of course take them to Miami Beach. I wouldn’t take them to South Beach, as it’s a little too crowded, but the hotels and boardwalk on Miami beach are great for walking, going down directly to the beach, bicycling, and just enjoying the views.

I would take them out to homestead, for a couple of different spots to visit in a day. We’d start out at Robert is here, and enjoy a shake, some fresh fruit, and check out their little animal farm in the back. Next, we’d move on to Shnebly’s Redland’s winery. We could have a great lunch, and enjoy an amazing wine tasting experience. Last we’d check out the Alligator park for an airboat ride with Alligator viewings!!

We would definitely have to go to the keys for kayaking and shell picking. Also Duval street for shopping bar hopping and people watching.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a shout out to The Camp Transformation Center Corporate Support Center, the Founders, and our Corporate partners for giving us the opportunity to own a Camp with this amazing Franchise. An extra special shoutout to our Amazing staff, our Trainers, our Front Desk and of course our Amazing Members!!! We would not be here today if it wasn’t t for the love and support of our AMAZING community!! One more vey special shoutout goes out to our family!!! We work really long hours, and our family supports us in everything we do.

Website: Thecamptransformation.com

Instagram: daviecamptc

Facebook: campdavieTC

Yelp: The Camp Transformation Center Davie