An influencer in the wellness industry who liquidated all her assets to establish a £30,000 garden Pilates studio has alleged that local residents, who have expressed objection to the project, are resorting to creating fake social media profiles to monitor her activities.
Megan Smith launched Luco Wellness in early November, situating the business within her grandparents’ residence in Kings Lynn, West Norfolk. After spending three years teaching and training in Dubai, the 24-year-old entrepreneur decided to venture into owning her own studio. To fund the purchase of Pilates equipment, she sold her car and other possessions.
Despite gaining popularity in the last two months, some locals have expressed discontent over the studio’s opening. Concerns raised include noise disturbances from the studio and the presence of parked cars creating potential hazards. Luco Wellness, which operates from 6am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 12 noon on weekends, offers up to seven classes daily and features an in-house cafe, Luco Nourish, serving coffee, Acai bowls, and matcha.
Approval for the studio’s operations is pending, with West Norfolk Council scheduled to review the application seeking a change in the building’s designated use next week. Despite receiving numerous complaints from dissatisfied locals since the application was submitted in September, Megan proceeded with the opening as she felt the need to start generating income promptly.
In an interview with MailOnline, the influencer stated, “I had devoted extensive time and effort to this endeavor, and I was determined not to let narrow-minded individuals hinder my progress.”
She further mentioned, “I have observed individuals monitoring my social media activities and engaging in online stalking behavior, which I find odd. They are creating accounts solely for the purpose of tracking my movements.”
Some residents have raised doubts concerning the nature of Megan’s business, noting that Luco Wellness also hosts events such as hen parties and corporate functions. The influencer clarified, “It primarily involves yoga and Pilates. It’s essentially a private class. I do not organize hen parties at the studio; participants simply enjoy a coffee or matcha afterward.”
Expressing her vision for the studio, she added, “There is nothing comparable in this vicinity. I have introduced a concept that is typically found in major cities. My aim was to bring such an offering to this area.”
Several locals have enlisted the services of a local planning firm to petition against the planning application, citing concerns about increased vehicular traffic in the area, the consumption of food and beverages, and the formation of gatherings, which they believe would be unsuitable for the neighborhood’s intensity.
According to a letter submitted, “The potential for significant noise and disruption to existing local residents due to the heightened activity levels is substantial and highly likely to impede the peaceful living conditions of nearby residents. The proposed business use, in terms of nature, scale, and intensity, is deemed wholly inappropriate within a residential setting based on the latest information provided.”
One local resident, living opposite the studio, expressed concerns about noise levels in response to the planning application.