A Day in the Life of...

I had the pleasure of spending a day with? Emily Hughes , the founder of? Jeco Bowl and? Reco HQ , to learn about her impressive career and her newest venture into recovery, which is set to launch near Battersea Power Station.

Emily’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—and it’s clear her drive and vision are only just beginning to take shape. Spending time with her, I was struck by her determination, creativity, and relentless pursuit of turning her ideas into reality.

The Birth of Jeco Bowl

Emily began her entrepreneurial career at 13 years old with a mobile beauty business, and later her travels through Australia?and Asia?were pivotal for her career. In Australia, she was inspired by the country’s forward-thinking approach to health and wellness.

This inspiration led to the creation of? Jeco Bowl —a horse trailer transformed into a vibrant, all-vegan, gluten-free food truck offering delicious brunch items such as acai bowls?and shakes.?What began as a single trailer quickly expanded to multiple setups, becoming a staple at major festivals like Isle of Wight, Wilderness, and Happy Place.

Today, Emily is franchising? Jeco Bowl , allowing her to focus on her ultimate passion: fitness and recovery.

The Vision for Reco HQ

“In Australia, recovery isn’t a luxury—it’s part of everyday life,” Emily explains. “I saw a gap in the UK market for accessible, pay-per-session recovery and spa facilities that bring communities together.”

With wellness spending in the UK up 31% since 2019, Emily’s timing couldn’t be better. Her new project,? Reco HQ , is all about making recovery inclusive, affordable, and social.

In 2024, Emily began laying the groundwork for a state-of-the-art recovery hub designed to meet the needs of a wide demographic. Gone are the days when spas were solely about facials or massages. Instead, Emily’s approach focuses on social recovery experiences—spending an afternoon with friends while enjoying hydrotherapy circuits including infrared and Finnish saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, and ice baths.

“My vision for Reco HQ is to bring that same accessible recovery model here—high-quality, community-driven facilities that make sports recovery and spa experiences affordable and inclusive for everyone,” she says.

What the Market Says

Traditionally viewed as exclusive to high-net-worth individuals, wellness and recovery are now becoming more accessible. To ensure? Reco HQ ?meets the needs of its future clients, Emily conducted a survey, revealing some insightful takeaways:

? 58%?of people never or rarely use recovery facilities, while 95%?would like to use them regularly if barriers like cost, quality, and membership requirements were removed.

? Flexibility is key—people overwhelmingly prefer pay-as-you-go options?rather than fixed memberships.

Emily’s model directly addresses these concerns, prioritising flexibility, affordability, and quality.

The Future of Wellness

Wellness is evolving, and Emily’s work reflects a broader trend toward longevity-focused recovery hubs?as new spaces for social connection. Studies show that social bonds increase survival odds by 50%,?making health and wellness about both the individual and the community.

With digital detox retreats?projected as a 2025 wellness trend—and the average UK?resident spending 4.2 hours per day?on digital devices (I admit, my screen time is closer to 6 hours)— Reco HQ ?is well-positioned to encourage people to unplug. The centre will feature meditation zones, mindful group activities, and facilities designed to promote restful sleep, vitality, and longevity.

Stay tuned for Reco HQ

Emily Hughes is not just building a business; she’s fostering a community where health, recovery, and human connection?take centre stage. Her vision for? Reco HQ ?is more than just a recovery centre—it’s a space where people can recharge, connect, and thrive.

I am so excited to see? Reco HQ ?open, here is a teaser on the vision,?it’s going to be something special!?