Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Kraft, Owner of Goddess Pilates, located in Morris Plains, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a boutique fitness studio offering Pilates, Barre, and Yoga Classes, Private Sessions, and Online Classes in our studio. We're privately owned, and I design your entire studio experience from start to finish, from the ambiance in the studio, and the awesome result-driven workouts, to supporting the local community. Everyone is welcome in our judgment-free space. We want everyone that comes to work out with us to feel like they are living their best life, and our studio is part of that for them.
Tell us about yourself
I always wanted to own my own shop or boutique. I would visit the little shops in my favorite beach town growing up and always took note of how the shop owner put out a display or made their customers feel welcome. I always knew I would do that too, and then after I found Pilates owning a place where I could help people feel good about themselves came naturally and brings me so much joy and satisfaction.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been embracing the changes that have occurred in fitness over the last few years. We developed an online component to go along with our in-person classes. Although learning new technology and film techniques were challenging, we now have something very dynamic to offer clients both in person and online.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When you own a business, you are never really off! If you love your business and are inspired by it, you're always coming up with new ideas and keeping an eye on things day to day. It's a 24/7 job, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask yourself if people need what you're selling. Is your product or service in high demand? If not, how can you advertise and gain interest in what you do?
- Write out your plan and make sure it makes sense both financially and for your lifestyle. For example, I'm a mom- so a lot of my work and schedule I have to make coincide with being a mom.
- Write out your business plan and refer back to it every few months to see if what you originally intended is working. If it's not, what's the new edit to your plan? You're allowed to adjust!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Our studio is a great fit for you if you love working out as part of a self-care routine. We're located in Morris Plains, NJ but have an online program you can do from anywhere.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.goddesspilates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepilatesgoddess/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepilatesgoddess/
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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