Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alia Nasir, Founder of 7x Fitness for Women, located in Brampton, ON, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a women-only gym in Brampton, owned and operated by women! We are here to support all women of any shape, size, ethnicity, beginner to advanced level in fitness. We enrich and build relationships while meeting health and fitness goals. We are a clean and safe space for women who want to focus on being the best versions of themselves!
Tell us about yourself
I was a stay-at-home for 16 years after having a 14-year career in the Financial District. I had aches and pains, brain fog, gained weight, and low self-esteem. I chalked that up to getting old as I was in my early 40s and thought that was the progression to aging. I wanted to get back into exercise and watch my diet; however, I did not want to put myself out there in a coed gym. I hired an in-home Personal Trainer who changed my life forever. I knew that I wanted women to experience what I just had through consistency with my health and fitness. I felt strong and confident. I was unstoppable to do whatever I set out to do, and I felt I achieved anything when I set my mind to. I wanted my friends and family to experience this feeling of contentment and happiness, and I decided to open up a space that I was so passionate about, and so I did!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is when my clients tell me that they are so grateful for this space and that they would not know where to go if I was to shut down. I also feel grateful that I survived the pandemic, as I was very close to shutting down many times throughout the two years of the pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is being a sole owner. Everything relies on me and the decisions that I make, and sometimes you just need that other person to help you through those tuff choices. I also would love to accommodate every client and circumstance; however, that is just impossible to do as this is a business, and I need to make money!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Figure out what you want to do. Put it down on paper and commit.
- Make mistakes and you will, but learn from them and move on.
- Have a mentor who can give you advice when needed.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are a business that builds relationships, and there is nothing in this world that is more important than accepting everyone for who they are and putting our differences aside, learning about each other in a safe and non-judgmental space, where we are women first and foremost, that is the most human similarity we share no matter what our race, religion or ethnicity is.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.7xfitnessforwomen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7xfitnessforwomen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7xfitnessforwomen/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.