At BCL of Texas, we help build strong communities by supporting the dreams of entrepreneurs. We believe that when small businesses thrive, entire communities are uplifted. We recently had the privilege of partnering with Julie Benavides and Nancy Watson, the new co-owners of Blush Boot Camp in Leander, to help them turn their passion for empowering women into a successful business. Their story is a powerful example of how a shared vision, combined with the right support, can overcome significant hurdles.

For Julie, the journey began as a member seeking a fitness outlet and a sense of community. “I had gotten very sedentary, and I needed a space and a community,” she told us. The gym became a crucial part of her life, a place to be “around supportive, fabulous women” who encouraged each other to be better. It was here she met Nancy, and they discovered a shared bond as single moms dedicated to providing for their daughters—physically, financially, and mentally.

When the opportunity arose to purchase the gym from the previous owner, Julie and Nancy knew it was a risk, but their shared passion was the driving force. “We really felt like it was a risk, but we wanted to make sure that we were building on the community. That’s what really pulled at our heartstrings,” Julie explained. Despite still working in their respective careers—Julie in tech sales and Nancy in real estate—they decided to take the leap, seeing it as a passion project that could build a stronger community.

Securing funding proved to be a significant challenge. A planned SBA loan fell through due to policy changes, forcing them to consider a difficult decision. “It meant that we were ultimately going to have to drain a significant amount of our retirement,” Julie said. It was at this critical moment that they were recommended to BCL of Texas. Our team was able to step in and provide a loan that not only secured the purchase of Blush Boot Camp but also prevented them from depleting their personal savings.

Working with our team, particularly Shane, was “a really great experience,” according to Julie. “Not only did he help kind of through the financing process, helping us understand timelines… but also helping us think about other things as well.” Our support extended beyond the loan itself, providing guidance on business development and marketing, such as the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house.

The BCL of Texas loan was the crucial piece that allowed Julie and Nancy to achieve their immediate goals. “Ultimately, we were able to purchase the gym because of the loan,” Julie said. This enabled them to host a successful open house that not only welcomed new members but also supported ten other local small businesses. They were also able to increase open hours, a key request from their members, making the gym more accessible for working moms.

At its core, Blush Boot Camp is about empowering women, which resonates deeply with Julie, who sees the gym as a safe space for women to focus on themselves. “It’s literally just your time for it to be about you,” she stated. Julie and Nancy are committed to building on this foundation, with goals of holding two community events per quarter and, eventually, expanding to other communities.

Julie’s advice to other aspiring women and minority entrepreneurs is simple: “If it means something to you, if it’s a passion to you, then you’ll find a way.” For Julie and Nancy, their unwavering dedication to their daughters was their biggest motivation. “We wanted to show them that no matter what life throws at you, if you care about something and you and you lean into it, you can accomplish whatever you want to,” Julie shared, highlighting how their journey has inspired their kids, including Nancy’s daughter, who “swears she thinks she’s the third owner.”

At BCL of Texas, we are incredibly proud to have partnered with Julie and Nancy. Their story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community. Their success not only created a thriving business but also built a stronger, more supportive community for women in Leander.