Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Arturo Pacas, Owner of APtransformfitness, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is all about transforming people’s lives into the best version of themselves. In a world where we are so focused on making money and juggling as much stress as possible, it takes a toll on our mental and physical health. My job as a private personal trainer and nutrition specialist is to motivate and teach people how to create healthy habits and increase their confidence to achieve things they thought could only be for the very few. We are all capable of great transformations. Especially our bodies. We just need to believe in ourselves and take action one habit at a time.
Tell us about yourself
I am a fitness enthusiast that also believes in the power of the mind. Growing up, I was very overweight and dealt with depression. When I turned 16, I decided to take action, and I lost 65 pounds! I also practiced martial arts, including taekwondo, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. Since then, I have fallen in love with Fitness. It helped me with my depression and anxiety.
I decided to become a trainer in my 20s to guide and inspire others to change their life just like I changed mine. My clients and their hard work motivate me every day to show up and keep doing what I love to do. The transformations I have seen from them are incredible. It’s so awesome to see clients accomplish personal records and see their faces when they see the obstacles they have overcome.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has definitely been growing my business up after the pandemic started. Before COVID, I worked in a commercial gym and had some private clients. I lost about 90% of my business clientele when Gyms had to close in New York City. After one year of working independently and renting out a space for my clients, I was able to scale up my business to six figures, created an online training platform, and started working with celebrities and actors.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things I’ve had to encounter is the unpredictable state of income flow from my clientele in the slow months of the year. Very different than when I was working at a commercial gym. I have learned that as a business owner, you need to make a long-term plan to increase your leads or take care of yourself financially when you make less than what you forecasted. You might grow as a business and see income flow for months or years, but almost all businesses have a time when sales drop or hit a wall, and it’s in your hands to make sure you are financially stable.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
One, before you start, have a written idea of how you are going to run your business and what is your clientele base. Two, make a professional website and use social media! It’s important that you market yourself to as many people as possible, and with all the tools that are available right now, it will be a sin not to use them to your advantage. And three, have patience. Sometimes businesses don’t grow in just one month or one year; it takes time to learn what’s working or what things you need to change. We all learn from our mistakes when we start running our own business, and so would you. Just keep moving forward and always be open to making necessary changes so your business keeps growing.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It all starts with one idea. Never be afraid to create your own business or do what you are passionate about. Your idea can make a big difference in the world. Believe it and create it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.aptransformfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aptransformfitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aptransformfitness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturopacas/
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.
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