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Inspiring Women of PARC: Meet member Anca Anderson, owner of INCA Organics

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day focuses on accelerating gender parity and is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action. International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century – and continues to grow from strength to strength.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re doing a series of interview with Inspiring Women of PARC.

Our Marketing Specialist Jess de Araugo caught up with one of our inspiring members, Anca Anderson.

Anca has been part of the PARC fam since 2016. She manages to visit the Centre most days, to squeeze in her workout, in between her social life, life chores, and most importantly, running her own business. Anca took on INCA Organics in 2017, when she was just 32 years old. Inca Organics offers premium certified organic protein and superfood powders that stand out from the crowd by being clean, transparent and without unnecessary additives and fillers. She spent 6 months recrafting and developing new products, sourcing eco-friendly packaging and building a new website and distribution model, before moving ahead to launch. And now, the business continues to grow from strength to strength, in fact, next month Anca and INCA Organics will feature in Vogue magazine!

Starting your own business is a massive, daunting, ambitious and exciting step. Let’s learn about Anca’s journey:

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Romania, grew up in Germany and came to Australia in 2009 when I received a scholarship to study here. During this time, I met my husband and chose to make Australia my home. After completing my Business Marketing Degree, I worked for some global and local FMCG companies (such as L’Oreal) before making the decision to start my own business.

What was your dream job as a child and why?

Actress. I enjoyed dressing up as child and taking on the role of different characters. You could be whoever you wanted to be.

What’s something about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I speak 5 languages – Romanian, German, English, Italian, French.

Why did you start your own business?

I always had a dream to have my own brand. I have a passion for beauty, health and wellbeing. I love going into shops and looking at what’s new on shelves. I’m interested in trends and what’s coming up.

I was working really hard, for someone else. You put in so much work, but I got to the point where even when you put a lot of work in, and at the end of the day, it’s not yours… so I felt like something  was missing.

Working for large FMCG companies allowed me to gain knowledge and practical experience working across different fields before taking the leap into starting my own business.

It was a scary decision, but I knew that it was the right time for me. I trusted in the journey. I invested every cent of my savings into the company. But I always believe, you only put in what you are willing to lose. I’m so glad I took the plunge.

What’s one lesson you would tell other women looking to go and do it alone?

Believe in yourself and be resilient. There is never the right time to start a business and you will never be 100% prepared. Having supportive friends and family helps, but ultimately it is the belief that you have in yourself and your resilience that sees you through challenging times.

What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?

I don’t view any decision I make as being ‘bad’, because you can always grow and learn from it.

Saying that, the hardest decision I had to make was leaving my family in Germany to start a new life in Australia.  In turn, this has been the best decision I have made in making such a great country with wonderful people my home. Its where I met my husband, my rock, and a place I now call home. 

How do you balance work, gym and life responsibilities?

Good time management is key. I block out ‘me time’ in my schedule as I would for a business meeting. I view my personal health and wellbeing as primary. Without health you do not have anything.

What do you do at PARC?

Mostly attending cardio or strength-based group exercise classes such as HIIT, Powerzone, GRIT, BODYPUMP, SPRINT and PARC Fit Run. I enjoy the group exercise classes as the instructors are great and I feel motivated and empowered in a group environment.

On hard days, what motivates you to get up and get active?

Besides an Inca Organics Shake or a coffee… haha…

I plan my week ahead and schedule in classes via the My PARC App. This helps me to be committed. After completing a class, I feel my motivation is boosted for the day ahead. Its really important to take time for yourself. I don’t do it to lose weight, I do it for me, to be healthy, strong and live a good, long life.

The theme for international Women’s Day this year is #EachforEqual – What does that mean to you?

International Women’s Day is an important date to create awareness, celebrate women’s achievements, acknowledge pivotal people and the progress made. But there is still a long road ahead. There are still many obstacles to overcome in terms of gender equality.

From my perspective everyone, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or religion, should be respected and have each equal access to opportunities.

What woman inspires you and why?

My mother. She has influenced my life the most. Each day she demonstrates resilience, independence and unconditional love. She has always believed in me and supported me in all my endeavours.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Anca, we are sure you have inspired some to take that leap and start their own business! 

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Spring is here, time to reset 💪🙌️ 
 
We chatted to PARC members Chris and Bree about their PARC favourites and how they are looking to refresh their routine this Spring. 🌼 

Bree wants to revitalise with Reformer Pilates and Chirs wants to strengthen his shoulder at Small Group Training. 

What do you want Your Pace to look like for the next few months? There is no right or wrong, set yourself up with a routine that works for you. 

To see our tips on how you can reboot your rhythm for Spring, check out our blog. Link in bio

#PARCFrankston #SpringIntoYourPace #CommunityVibes #PARCYourWay #Gym #Health
🚨 END OF WINTER SALE 🚨

We are having a sale of all retail items from 1 – 8 September.

30 % off our entire range excluding Father’s Day Hampers. Don't miss out on this chance to grab some new togs and swim in style. 

Come in Centre to see our amazing range and grab yours today!

#PARCFrankston #Frankston #Sale #Bargain #Freshnewfit #Newfitfeels
Say yes to you 🙎‍♀️❤️ 

Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week is Australia’s largest event dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all women, girls and gender-diverse people. 

From 1-5 September, each day will focus on a different health topic to help women. 

Monday – Every check matters ✅
Tuesday – Take the lead 👯‍♀️
Wednesday – Heart smart ❤️
Thursday – Pain to power 💪
Friday – Be kind to your mind 🧘

This year say yes to you and prioritise your health and wellbeing. For more information, visit the website via the link in bio

#PARCFrankston #JeanHailes #WomensHealthWeek #Health #Wellbeing
Bright bathers = safer swimmers 🌈🩳 
 
Our PARC Swim team demonstrate that when it comes to swimwear for little ones, the right colour can matter! 
 
🟡 Bright colours like Neon oranges, pink’s, yellows or lime green can be easier to spot. 
🔵 While some dark or pale colours and may disappear in busy pools or in open water. 
 
As we head toward warmer weather, help your children stand out for all the right reasons! 
 
Go bright, go bold, and stay safer around water. 
 
#PARCFrankston #WaterSafety #BrightIsBest #swim #watersafety #Saferswimmmer
NDIS Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy services at PARC. 🩺

Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy services are available through Davenport Physiotherapy. Located within the PARC Allied health suites, the team offers a great range of services including: 

 - Hydrotherapy sessions 
 - Support with tailored gym programs 
 - In-room treatments 
 - Home visits for your convenience 

For more information, please visit the website via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #DavenportPhysiotherapy #AlliedHealth #Hydrotherapy #Health #Physio
Small Group Training Come & Try this Saturday 30 August 🏃‍♀️ 

Reset your Spring pace with Small Group Training and learn about our upcoming Hybrid Series. Coaches Jesslyn and Julia will guide you through a dynamic workout and answer your questions. ❓

When: Saturday 30 August 
Time: 8.00am and 9.00am 

Our Come & Try sessions are free and open to our Full Access members. Book your spot through the Peninsula Leisure Xplor app or customer portal via the link in bio

#PARCFrankston #SmallGroupTraining #Hybridseries #10weekprogram
LesMills Workshop, Saturday 30 August 🏋️

Workout with Master trainers this Sunday at our Les Mills Quarterly Workshops! 
The Quarterly Workshops are exciting training events where Les Mills Instructors come together to experience and receive the latest education around the new Les Mills Releases, for the first time. 

The classes are loads of fun, and you get to experience the new music and choreography for the first time as it’s taught by Master Trainers! 
Join us for: 

10:30am Body Step 
11:40am Body Pump
1:45pm Body Attack
2:50pm RPM
2:50pm Body Combat
4pm Sprint
4pm Body Balance

Check our website closer to the date to book your spot.

#PARCFrankston #GroupEx #LesMills #LesMillstribe
POV You join us for a Powerzone class! ⚡️

Kickstart you day with a HIIT session that mixes both body weight and equipment based exercises. Its a full body work out that will leave you feeling strong, energised and ready to power through your day. 💪⚡️ 

Join us for a class:
Mondays, 7:15am & 12:15pm
Tuesdays, 7:15am, 8:00am & 12:15pm
Wednesdays, 7:15am & 12:15pm
Thursdays, 7:15am, 8:00am & 12:15pm
Fridays, 7:15am & 12:15pm
Saturdays, 8:15am & 9:15

Book your spot through the Peninsula Leisure Xplor app or Customer Portal via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #Powerzone #FrankstonFitness #powerzone #groupexerciseclass #groupexerciseclasses #frankston #frankstoncity

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