From Corporate Chains to Personal Gains: My Journey to Becoming an Entrepreneur
The Early Hustler
Looking back, the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit were planted early on. Even in grade 7, I was a little hustler, selling chocolate milk at school for a profit. Those early ventures taught me the value of self-reliance and creativity. It wasn't long before I was creating my own opportunities, such as working as a personal support "friend" while in university or setting up a paid mobility class at a kids camp in England.
The Turning Point
At the age of 23, I found myself working at Goodlife Fitness. It was a comfortable job, but I quickly realized that corporate life was not for me. Six months in, I quit and embarked on a six-month world tour—a decision that was as liberating as it was enlightening. Upon my return, I took a position at F45 but felt unsatisfied. I toyed with the idea of going into trades or back to school, but then COVID-19 hit, changing everything.
With gyms closing and uncertainty looming, I questioned my future in the fitness industry. Then, a family friend asked if I could train her online. Around the same time, someone from F45 reached out about working on mobility exercises. This was the turning point I needed. Word of mouth began to spread, and soon enough, I had built up a solid client base.
Challenges Along the Way
The entrepreneurial path is rarely smooth. Taxes, invoices, and lead generation were my kryptonite. While I excelled in training, the business side posed significant challenges. I'm also committed to ensuring my clients stay on track, which requires constant learning and developing soft skills in behavioral psychology.
Despite these hurdles, word of mouth remained my greatest ally. Once a client signed with me, they tended to stick around. I've found that meeting clients where they are and celebrating even their smallest achievements is vital.
Lessons Learned
As I reflect on my entrepreneurial journey, several key lessons stand out:
Take it One Day at a Time: It's essential to think big picture while also focusing on daily progress.
Plant Seeds and Make Connections: People observe what you do, so always put your best foot forward.
Give Back: Offering free community classes is a great way to build connections and give back to society.
Practice What You Preach: Lead by example in your lifestyle choices.
Provide More Value Than You Charge: Prioritize delivering exceptional value.
Learn and Adapt: Every experience is a learning opportunity.
Self-Care is Essential: You can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself.
Be Open to Risks and New Ideas: Don't get stuck in a box; always be open to trying new things.
Success Stories
The best success stories come from clients who find themselves free from pain, stronger, and healthier both physically and mentally. I focus on helping clients build sustainable habits rather than chasing quick fixes. The fact that they keep coming back to work with me is the most rewarding part of my job.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If you're considering striking out on your own, my advice is simple—just do it for the sake of doing it. Don’t chase money; focus on mastering your craft. Remember, no one cares how bad you are when you start. What matters is perseverance and dedication to continuous improvement.
In conclusion, while the road to entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, it's also incredibly fulfilling. I'm grateful for every step of the way and excited to continue growing alongside my clients. If you're on the fence about taking the plunge, trust yourself and take that first step.