Evolve Wellness Studio
Stories of Downtown
Evolve Wellness Studio – Jessica Purchase
When visiting the businesses of Downtown Belleville you get to take in the beautiful facade of the store front, discover unique local and international products and dine on delicious food. You may catch a glimpse of the owner as they whiz by, the life of a small business owner is hectic – They want to engage with the customer though they also must be the boss, the marketing expert, the cleaner, the server, the accountant and that could be all before noon! We wanted to give those business owners an opportunity to slow down for a moment and share their stories. Because behind each storefront are people who had a dream and put in a whole lot of work to make it come to life. These are some of the stories of Downtown Belleville.
Located on the second floor of 139 Front Street, Evolve is a bright, open space filled with natural light, exposed brick, and a feeling that you’re stepping into something special. It’s more than just a wellness studio—it’s a place where movement is celebrated, bodies are respected, and every client is encouraged to feel good in their own skin. At the heart of it all is owner and operator Jessica Purchase.
Born and raised right here in Belleville, Jessica has always had a passion for movement. A former athlete, she’s spent her life tuned into the power of physical activity—not just for performance, but for joy and self-care. Along the way, though, she noticed a troubling trend: so many people talking negatively about their bodies, especially in fitness spaces. That didn’t sit right with her. So she set out to build something different. A space where people could Move, Fuel, Respect, Challenge—but above all, Love their body. That’s the mantra at Evolve, and it shows up in everything they do.
Jessica opened her first location on Pinnacle Street in 2019 with two young kids at home—just 9 months and 2.5 years old at the time. In 2023, Evolve found its new home downtown, in the historic building that once housed the Park Theatre. With the help of her landlord, the space was transformed: walls were opened up, brick was exposed, skylights were uncovered, and the result is a light-filled studio that feels both grounded and expansive. Today, Evolve Wellness Studio offers a wide range of services including registered massage therapy, physiotherapy, respiratory exercises, group fitness classes, yoga, strength-based pilates, personal training, and more. Whether you’re recovering from injury, starting a fitness journey, or just looking for a fun way to move, the Evolve team is there to support you. Jessica and her staff are not only highly knowledgeable, they also know how to adapt for every body—ensuring everyone feels safe, capable, and empowered.
Outside of the studio, Jessica shares her expertise as a professor at Loyalist College, teaching fitness and health to the next generation of wellness professionals. Her commitment to movement and education is at the core of everything she does. When asked what she loves about being downtown, Jessica lights up talking about the community spirit. The events, the collaboration between businesses, the accessibility for clients—Downtown Belleville offers the perfect backdrop for Evolve’s inclusive mission. With clients traveling from all over the central location is both convenient and full of charm. Jessica encourages everyone to come check it out. Whether you’re curious about yoga, need support from a physiotherapist, or just want to try a group class in a beautiful space, Evolve has something for you. As she puts it, “Everyone’s there to enjoy and get stronger—while having fun.”
It was wonderful getting the chance to chat with Jessica and learn more about another amazing business in Downtown Belleville. Before we left we had to ask one last tough question, which is her favourite cafe/restaurant downtown? She responded with a perfect day of eats in downtown “Tropical Blends for breakfast, The Kafana for lunch and a tie between The Lark and Capers Restaurant for dinner!”
Keep following along for our next Story of Downtown!
Find out more about everything offered at Evolve Wellness Studio
Click here to follow Evolve Wellness Studio on Facebook and Instagram!
For a fun behind-the-scenes look, visit Downtown Belleville on Instagram and Facebook!
Stay tuned for more Stories of Downtown coming your way!
Funded by Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board
