Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Martin Reid, Founder of Personal Victory, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have two core businesses that are both under two years old! They are "COVID babies," so to speak! First is the Reid Method Pilates Studio, which is one of the only Classical Pilates Studios in Mississauga, and the second is The Core Conversations Podcast which is based on my daily Instagram Live show. This podcast features guests from the Pilates space (and beyond) talking about the power of movement at the intersection of ability, anti-racism work, and mental wellness.
Tell us about yourself
I started in the social work field. I achieved my Master's Degree in Counselling, and I enjoyed working with young people in the community. I also had my personal training certificate and a mentor who was growing her business. I reached a turning point where I had to decide whether to make a difference with physical movement or just in the psychology arena. I decided to give the fitness thing a try because I was enjoying helping people make progress mentally and physically in the gym! That was twenty years ago. Personal Victory started in 2002. I have since continued my education with certifications and intense apprenticeships in the Pilates field from 2nd Generation teachers. Movement heals, movement inspires, and I use movement, personal training, Pilates, or counseling to help people achieve their Personal Victory.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is taking my years in community work and wellness and parlaying that into a bid for the city council here in my hometown of Mississauga. I am at the starting line of a Municipal campaign for City Councillor in Ward 9. The election is in October of 2022. I am using the successful blueprint of the global work of Core Conversations, where we support people and their businesses, amplify the amazing work they do and connect them to other like-minded business owners to affect change in my local community. This is my biggest area of growth and my biggest accomplishment at the same time!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is remembering that you are always selling. You may be in it to make a difference or to help people feel better, but you have to sell that in a way that feels good for you. I had to get the fear of being a sleazy salesperson out of my head and believe that my confidence in my ability to help is greater than my fear of hearing a potential client say no.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Find three mentors:
- Someone you LOOK UP to. They have been in the game for a minute and know what challenges and opportunities lie around the next corner, so to speak.
- Someone to LOCK ARMS with. This person is at the same spot as you, professionally or personally, and you can bounce ideas off each other as you are both in the trenches. For example, you may both have a new physical building or an on-demand platform. You may both be parents of young children or graduated at the same time. Learn from each other.
- Someone to HELP UP. Look around in your professional community for that person that is just behind you in their business journey and ask them if they want any help. They can learn from you as you are freshly out of that stage of life.
Having these three people in my life has helped me beyond measure.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always be learning. Thank the people that have been cheerleaders all the way along, and be brave! The world is waiting for your gifts to be on display!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.personalvictory.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personalvictory/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personalvictory/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/personalvictory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/personalvictory/
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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