In 2005, Joan Denizot founded ZIZE Bikes, the only bicycle store exclusively for heavy people. Through ZIZE Bikes, Joan’s thoughtfully designed products and compassionate service has been credited for helping people achieve newfound joy, health, and holistic wellness.Joan Denizot proved that community, care, and commerce could be aligned. As the successes and stories from her community grew, Joan confirmed that she was not alone in her experience. Joan found herself in the positions of advocate, consultant, and credible voice for body inclusivity. Joan began to broaden her scope from just making bikes better to making business better.To take on this new leadership role, Joan researched the surrounding issues and underlying conditions that inhibit big bodied people from being included. Among the findings, the data was clear – obesity in America was on the rise and was not going away any time soon. The societal position that big people should not be accommodated was not only offensive, but simply shortsighted.Joan became convinced that if forward-thinking organizations adopted a new mindset, they could do good for humanity and increase their bottom lines. Denizot committed herself to developing innovative solutions and like-minded partnerships that offer people in big bodies opportunities for more joy and comfort right here, right now. The best part is that science is on her side – joy improves lives.Her mission has led to several prestigious entrepreneurial awards, as well as being featured in diverse publications like New York Times, American Bicyclist, and Gannet Newswire. Joan has been a featured speaker and provides leadership on the board of The Institute for Human Centered Design where she advocates “dignity through design” for people in big bodies.