We’re very lucky in Haslemere that so many local businesses give back to the community and our August business spotlight is with Anabel Dorman whose business, Green & Blue Studios, certainly does exactly that.

Anabel grew up in Mexico and in Barcelona in Spain where she went to school, and where movement, family, and community have always been at the heart of her life. From a young age she was involved in sport and physical activity, dancing at the National School of Contemporary Dance in Mexico and working with different professional dance companies in both Barcelona and London. This quickly made her realise that exercise had the power to improve not only physical health but also confidence, resilience, and mental wellbeing.

Fitness is part of Anabel’s DNA. She told us, ‘It has always been part of who I am. I discovered early on that helping people become stronger - both physically and mentally - gave me a real sense of purpose. Over the years, that passion evolved into a career focused on coaching, rehabilitation, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of age or ability.’

Her early career saw her working in the fitness industry in various coaching and training roles, continually developing her knowledge. Her experiences taught her that, ‘Fitness should be personal, supportive, and accessible rather than intimidating.’

She moved to the Haslemere area 4 years ago with her husband and two boys. ‘Like many families, we were looking for somewhere that offered a strong sense of community and a great place to raise children.’ Certainly, she has not been disappointed. She does feel that the sense of community is something very special around here. ‘People genuinely care about one another, and there is a real willingness to support local businesses and community projects. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family,’ she told us.

That’s not to say she doesn’t miss Mexico. Of course, she misses her family very much, along with the culture, the food, the sunshine (although the last few weeks have definitely been an improvement in the British weather which she has appreciated!), and the energy of everyday life. ‘Mexico will always be home in my heart,’ she says, ‘But I’ve also found a second home here, and I’m grateful to have become part of such a supportive community.’

Green & Blue Studios was created by Anabel with the vision of building, ‘far more than just a gym.’ She told us, ‘I wanted to create a community where people could improve their health, build confidence, form lasting friendships, and feel genuinely supported, regardless of where they were on their fitness journey.’ Asked by us to describe her business to someone who had never stepped through the door, she said, ‘Green & Blue isn’t about being the fittest person in the room. It’s about taking that first step. We focus on encouragement rather than judgement, and every class can be adapted to suit individual abilities. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing a health condition, or simply want to feel healthier, you’ll be welcomed and supported from day one.’

Anabel is incredibly passionate about what she does. But her outward positivity hides what has been an incredibly tough few years for her and her family. She told us, ‘The studio was born from one of the most challenging periods of my life. My husband and I made the decision to move near Beacon Hill, where he had grown up, after learning that he was in the final stages of a long battle with cancer. In the midst of grief and uncertainty, I found strength and purpose in creating something positive - not only for my family, but for the wider community.’

‘Green & Blue Studios became a place of hope, resilience, and connection. It reflects everything I believe in: that movement has the power to heal, communities become stronger when people support one another, and everyone deserves a place where they feel welcome, valued, and empowered to thrive. Our mission is simple: to make exercise accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful. We believe movement has the power to transform lives - not just physically but emotionally and socially too. We welcome everyone, from complete beginners to experienced athletes, and we pride ourselves on creating a space where people genuinely feel they belong.’

Anabel loves the connection with people that she gets through her business. She talks incredibly enthusiastically about the feeling she gets from watching someone achieve something they never thought possible. And she is passionate when telling us about the joy of seeing someone recovering from illness regain their confidence, or simply leave the studio happier than when they arrived. She sees friendships develop every day in the gym and she sees first-hand how the community support one another – for Anabel, this is what makes her tick and what makes everything worthwhile.

That said, it’s not all a bed of roses. Running a small business comes with plenty of challenges – Anabel described long hours, endless admin work, rising costs, and balancing family life with the responsibility of running a business. She also always struggles with the inequality in society – she doesn’t like seeing someone who needs support missing out on opportunities either because of financial or personal circumstances.

With this outlook on life, it's perhaps not a surprise that Anabel received a Haslemere Volunteer Award in 2025 for her contribution to our community. A few factors meant she was an extremely worthwhile winner. Anabel’s gym was the location of the Haslemere Community Fridge in its early days before it needed to find larger premises. Anabel also runs free weekly clubs for children from St Bart’s School, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to enjoy exercise from an early age. This programme provides free places for children whose families are unable to afford the fees. Students receive lessons in aerial arts, circus skills, and climbing. Children are safely walked from the school to the studio, where they take part in engaging, inclusive sessions led by experienced instructors. Anabel's aim is to give every child the opportunity to develop confidence, physical skills, creativity, and resilience in a supportive and welcoming environment, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

And finally, the award also reflected the Cancer Exercise Programme that Anabel helped to set up. 

Anabel told is that, ‘Receiving the volunteer award was an incredible honour because it recognised something that has always been important to me: giving back to the community. Supporting local initiatives, creating inclusive programmes and helping people who may not otherwise have access to exercise has always been a fundamental part of Green & Blue’s values. I was genuinely humbled. Recognition is never the reason we do what we do, but knowing that the community values our efforts was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me why I started Green & Blue in the first place.’

Sadly, Anabel’s husband lost his battle with cancer. But Anabel channelled her grief in an incredibly positive way. With the help of others, Anabel set up a cancer exercise programme, designed to offer safe, specialist support for people living with or recovering from cancer. ‘Exercise can play an important role in recovery, improving strength, reducing fatigue, and rebuilding confidence,’ Annabel told us.

Participants are referred by healthcare professionals as well as through self-referral and recommendations from previous participants. The classes are now part of the Cancer Map UK and places like The Royal Surrey County Hospital along with GPs all around Surrey are encouraging their patients to attend. The programme continues to grow – they currently have 25 people attending - and it has been incredibly rewarding for Anabel to see people regain confidence and improve both their physical and emotional wellbeing. ‘There is real need for specialist exercise support within our community,’ Anabel told us. What is more, all classes for cancer patients, survivors and primary caregivers are completely free ensuring that everyone can access them, whatever their financial situation. Find out more about these classes here. 

Each year for the past four years Anabel has also put on an annual Showcase, enabling attendees of the studio to perform in front of an audience. And each year it has raised vital funds for cancer charities, initially Midhurst Palliative Care, whilst this year money raised has gone towards funding more free exercise classes for those with cancer and their families and carers. 

With the support of others, Anabel has raised over £10,000. Of this, £4868 has been donated to Macmillan Midhurst Palliative Care and £2162 to Macmillan Cancer. The rest is used to deliver the exercise classes for cancer patients and their families at Green & Blue Studios.

Anabel is ambitious. Looking to the future, she wants to grow Green & Blue Studios whilst continuing to stay true to its values. ‘That means expanding our specialist programmes, offering more support for people living with long-term health conditions, continuing to develop our children’s activities, and ensuring our studio remains a welcoming place where everyone feels they belong. Green & Blue has never just been about fitness. It’s about creating a place where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to become the healthiest version of themselves. If someone walks through our doors feeling nervous and leaves feeling stronger, happier, and more confident, then we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do.’

We certainly left the studio feeling happier than when we went in to chat to Anabel – her energy and enthusiasm is certainly infectious. Huge thanks to Anabel for sharing her story with us.