Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tina Chandler, Founder of NORMAL TO BE FIT®, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The name of my business is NORMAL TO BE FIT®, and I am an IFBB Professional Bodybuilder and Fitness Coach. My customers range from beginners to pro athletes to people with disabilities and injuries. Primarily, I can coach anyone through challenges to still reach their goals. I have clients well into their 80’s and 90’s, but I target people in their 40’s trying to get ‘back into shape.’ “It’s NORMAL TO BE FIT®, no matter the challenge!”
Tell us about yourself
I have always been an athlete, from gymnastics as a young girl to sports in high school and then bodybuilding later on. As I reached 8th in the world as a bodybuilder, I really wanted to help other people achieve their very best. By being a fitness coach since I was 17 years old, I found myself in a rhythm using the saying NORMAL TO BE FIT® and noticed how much it really helped my clients stay consistent. It is a mindset, and when people start to think of fitness as a ‘normal’ part of life, they stop resisting and rebelling so much and accept their healthy lifestyle.
I have also started a non-profit called NORMAL TO BE FIT® Charitable Foundation along with my husband, Carl Ducena. We help people with disabilities workout safely and improve their quality of life. We generally raise money so we can provide this service free of charge!!!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Recognition from the City of Houston on numerous occasions for the work in the community we do!!! We hold an annual event free to the public called the NORMAL TO BE FIT® Expo and Education Day, where we have classes, workshops, speakers, and vendors. We also host our big competition between the HPD and HFD, where they compete for a big trophy we provide for them to hold for a whole year. It is a big success where the Mayor and council members attend, and everyone has a great time learning about fitness in the inclusive atmosphere.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In my opinion, one of the hardest things for me is delegating responsibilities to others so we can expand and grow. I’ve learned not to try to do everything myself and find others that are good at things I am not to complement the array of duties. When you care so much about something, sometimes it is hard to trust others to do the job as well as you. Learning to let go and let God and trust.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start small and be passionate about whatever business you start, or you won’t really follow through and put the work in that’s needed.
- Learn to recognize moments that don’t serve you and stay focused on what does help move you forward. Learning to say no can be a very good skill to have.
- Network!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.normaltobefit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinaChandlerPro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinachandlerpro/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaChandlerPro
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-chandler-273a183b/
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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