Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gail Williams, owner of Simply Fitness, located in Trenton, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I inspire like-minded people to be healthy, strong, and a better version of themselves. My clients are primarily women, although a few men are part of my tribe via a referral or a spouse/partner. Training men allows me to vary my normal routine but keep them guessing, just like my core group of women. Through a personal partner, small group, outdoor large group training, and mindset coaching, my passion for keeping people fit is my purpose.
Tell us about yourself
My career turned into my life’s work to inspire women, primarily of color, but all women to start and stay healthy and fit. My background is in Finance, which is my undergraduate degree. I worked for a private corporate firm for 14 years after graduating college, but during that time, I pursued my personal training certification because I was getting many questions about fitness while I worked out. I said to myself, why not get paid for this, so while working in corporate, I worked part-time three nights a week at a large box fitness chain as a personal trainer. My schedule was always full as one of two or three women on the schedule. I took that model and knowing what clients were paying, and decided to branch on my own after about a year. I did my research, pursued my Masters's in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, and took that leap of faith from corporate to being a solopreneur in 2005. It was rough at first, but I had a spouse that supported my decision, which helped the process. Today, I am thankful for my guts to take that leap. There is no looking back.
What motivates me each day is the change I am making in my clients' lives. I often receive text messages stating how people feel about their gains and accomplishments. That keeps me going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is that I have been successful for many years. The beginning was a question mark about what I was doing. I will always remember a quote I heard that "when you love what you do, the money will follow." This is true, but you have to be good at what you do. I know this, I feel it, and I exude it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things as a business owner for me was the direction of my programming. I connected with a friend in the industry, and she has helped shed light on options for change and directions. Never be afraid to ask for help or connect with others.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be confident, knowing this is what you are meant to do to change lives.
- NEVER compare yourself to anyone else. Your unique voice and gift will reach your audience.
- Be prepared to work hard, face failure, get up and succeed!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://simply-fitness.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyfitnessllc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailgwilliams/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.