Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Margot Rutigliano, Owner of Vita Vie Retreat Inc., located in Delray Beach, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a fitness and wellness retreat geared at helping people refresh their motivation to live their best, healthiest lives. We thrive on supporting our clients in finding the right balance between the things they love and the things that help them feel and function their best as a way to create sustainable lifestyle habits. Our retreats run approximately 44 weeks out of the year, and we offer flexible packages of 3, 4, 5, and 6 nights to suit the needs of the guests.
We are a co-ed retreat with a variety of age ranges and fitness levels. Our guests come from all over the United States, Canada, and Europe. They are people who are looking to get re-motivated and have a renewed sense of excitement so they can get back into healthy habits. Most of them attend our retreats because they value getting out of their environment so they can focus on taking care of themselves inside and out.
Tell us about yourself
I started out in health and wellness as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. What inspired me to create the retreat was the obvious need for people to get out of their environments so they could spend time focusing on themselves. Day after day, in general personal training, I saw people who were being pulled in so many different directions (work, family, lifestyle schedules, other obligations) and unable to focus on their goals. It really helped ignite the fire in me to create a space that would allow people the opportunity to take the time necessary to focus on their goals.
My motivation comes in many forms. First of all, I'm super inspired by our clients and the fact that we actually make an impact on their lives. There is no better compliment than when someone says we played a role in their renewed sense of focus. Secondly, I have the drive to produce a product that not only touches many lives but also truly helps people change for the better. Lastly, this work has honestly become my passion. I love everything from the backend business processes to the creative aspect of program design and the delivery of the retreat experience. Seeing it all come together synergistically is exciting for me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, just starting and running a business for 16 years. We've stayed alive through a lot of shifts and changes, and being able to adapt and flex through those changes has been critical.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Self-belief. It takes a lot of strength, courage, and a whole lot of resiliency to continue on this road of entrepreneurship. I have been consistently tested and faced with decisions that impact not only my life but the lives of others, so staying focused and grounded has been incredibly important. Believing in myself as a business owner and leader and the purpose of Vita Vie Retreat has been paramount in my continued growth and success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you're truly passionate about what you're doing, it's hard to go wrong.
- Don't let perfectionism get in your way.
- Develop a thick skin. You'll need to believe in yourself even when no one else will.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bvretreat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitavieretreat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitavieretreat/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.