Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bridgette Ward, founder of Inward Fitness, located in Denver, CO.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own, along with my husband, a fitness and wellness company that started from nothing, and together we have built two fitness center locations, and a national corporate wellness brand that we are very proud of. Over the years we have collected a tight community of Denverites who have become our extended family.
Not only do we provide them with top notch fitness training, we have become a bright spot in their week in which they look forward to coming in to see their friend. A place like 'Cheers' where everyone knows your name - Inward has become a second home to people, even through a pandemic.
Tell us about yourself
My husband and I met on the track and field team in college and were instant friends. We both pursued our degrees in Exercise and Health Science as fitness and sport was a huge part of who we were/are to this day. After college, we went into different areas of the industry but still passionate about what we saw as a long term goal. After marrying and having our first daughter, we merged our careers to build our first physical location in the heart of Denver.
We are motivated each day to provide an outlet to those who come to see us, to help them achieve physical and mental well-being by staying strong and able to do all the things they love whether it be heli-skiing or chasing after grandchildren - all fitness is created equal. Our personal motivations are to provide a positive example to our kids about the importance of hard work, determination, physical and mental well-being and personal growth. We continue to challenge ourselves in our endeavors and we are continually evolving with the ever changing fitness industry. Let's just say, there is never a dull moment.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is making strong personal relationships with employees and clients alike. Daniel is a great teacher, and I am a great nurturer. I enjoy bringing those fresh, young people into the industry and mentoring them along the way. Together, we make a well balanced team.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Hands down the hardest things about being a business owner in finding and keeping the right people on your team. When the business is your own, there is an emotional attachment to it's ongoing success. Finding the right people to support that vision as if it was their own too... well that is the hard part.
We have had great success in finding the right people - but with that said, there is a natural growth trajectory of anyone's career so we see employees come and go. This is hard on an emotional level due to the attachment you create with people you have on your team - which ultimately is your family. The lines are blurred between personal and professional barriers when it is your own business. Truly the hardest part.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1) Understand the sacrifice, grind, and hustle it takes to start up a business. That it may be slow to begin with, but with long term perseverance, it pays off.
2) Try not to take everything so personal. You'll get knocked down, rejected, feelings hurt; but business is business - it's not always personal. This is a hard lesson to learn, and I am still learning.
3) Be passionate about your end goal and always keep that in your mind. In fact, make sure you constantly review your goals, memorize them, and continue to push towards them. Without a future vision of your business, you will stay stagnant.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Find a place in which you envision strong community support for your business, and a community in which you wish to support right back. It is in that space you will find the right path to success.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/inwardfitness/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/inward-fitness-284716121/
https://twitter.com/inward_fitness
https://www.facebook.com/InwardFitness/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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