Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yumi Lee, Owner of Reebok LAB, located in West Hollywood, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a Group Fitness Class and Personal Training facility. We offer Strength & Conditioning, High-Intensity Interval Training, and Abs, Butt, and Core Classes. Our customers are locals who are looking for an effective, safe, fun, and challenging class with incredible coaches and an amazing community!
Tell us about yourself
I opened our doors in November 2012. Before opening Reebok LAB, I had my own personal training business and taught other types of group fitness. I've also worked closely with Reebok since 2002, training other group fitness instructors and personal trainers.
I am truly grateful that I get to do what I do for a living. I have always loved sports and exercise and thrive when I'm surrounded by others who appreciate the active lifestyle. I pride myself on helping others do things they think they cannot. I celebrate the moments when my clients see and feel the difference in their bodies, muscles, clothes, and especially in their mental state. I'm a lucky woman.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a minority female business owner, I have felt the need to prove my competence, intelligence, and power. I am especially proud that I've been able to maintain and grow our fitness community safely and effectively - especially during 2020 and 2021 - when other facilities were closing. I'm happiest when I see our community grow as long-time friends who might have never met.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Team and member management. There are so many personalities, needs, and personal challenges to coordinate, manage and help grow.
Creating and keeping strong boundaries between professional and personal relationships. This seems especially challenging in the gym atmosphere. Everyone is in workout clothes, and the mood is casual with many social outlets. You have to be real friends without crossing boundaries - to be friendly without feeling rigid.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research - make sure there is a true and long-term demand for what you have to offer.
- Start small with room and a vision to grow.
- Be careful if and who you choose to partner with. Friends and business don't always mix.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are coming up on our ten-year anniversary, and we have so many people who have been with us since we opened our doors. We are truly nothing without each other, and we are always stronger together. My motto before opening the gym was "if I build it, they will come," and they did. I am blessed.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.reeboklab.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReebokLAB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeboklab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yumiRBKLAB/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yumi-lee-83b17b27/
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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