Schenectady, N.Y., — Mechelle’s Way Taekwondo/Cardio Kickboxing will move to a vacant store front at 1901 State Street with support from a $25,000 loan from the Schenectady County Community Business Center (SCCBC).
Gary Hughes, Chair of the County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee and a member of the SCCBC Board said, “This is another example where we are helping a small business grow. This expansion will help us fill a key retail space on State Street in the Woodlawn Neighborhood.”
“I am excited about this new facility,” said Mechelle Smith-Donovan, owner of Mechelle’s Way. “The new facility will allow us to offer more frequent classes as well as more advanced classes. We will also increase the variety of services offered, such as hosting seminars and other special events related to martial arts and fitness.”
Mechelle Smith-Donovan’s interest in Taekwondo began in high school when a friend introduced her to martial arts. In 1998, she decided to open a martial arts school. Since opening her doors, Mechelle’s Way has grown from 10 to more than 135 students. Her studio is now located at Elite Fitness located just off of Balltown Road in Niskayuna. Due to steady growth, a larger facility was needed and working with the Business Center, the company decided to stay and grow in Schenectady County.
A former state trooper, Mechelle has won many awards during her competitive career. She is a fourteen time United States National Champion in Taekwondo, 1988 and 1992 Olympic Team trials finalist, 1992 Pan American Gold Medalist, three-time International Gold Medalist and 2001 World Champion at the Arnold Swarzenneger Classic. Mechelle is a member of the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
“This expansion loan is exactly what SCCBC’s loan programs are designed for,” stated Alysia Miller, SCCBC’s Director of Business Development, “We are helping small businesses take the next step, while supporting other small firms just starting out. With the larger location and expansion of classes, we expect that Mechelle’s Way will add new energy to Upper State Street adding staff and new customers.”
Mechelle is creator of Mechelle’s Way Fitness Videos, which is a series of cardio kickboxing and self-defense videos. Mechelle has also developed her own line of workout wear. The retail line consists of shirts, shorts, baseball caps, backpacks, warm-up suits, sweat pants and sweatshirts. For more information on Mechelle’s Way, visit www.mechellesway.com.
SCCBC is the Schenectady County’s one-stop center for small businesses. SCCBC provides space for lease, mentoring and technical assistance, as well as small business loans to help start-up as well as existing small businesses throughout Schenectady County. Funding for SCCBC is provided by Schenectady County and by Metroplex. For more information, call (518) 382-3069.