Personalized Strength and Circuit Training

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Madeleine Watkins, founder, and owner of 202strong, located in Rockville, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I own a fitness studio called 202strong, which specializes in making strength training welcoming to everyone! Our members are of all ages, ranging up to 80+ years old, fitness levels, and backgrounds, who lift weights, change their body, improve osteoporosis, exercise for the first time, and join a community where we all support one another regardless of ability to Find YOUR Strong!

Tell us about yourself

I opened 202strong over seven years ago and became a personal trainer 12 years ago. I found weightlifting at a time when I most needed to build my confidence and help discover who I was, and the barbell completely changed my life. I wanted to pass that feeling on to other men and women who maybe had never lifted weights before or didn't think they were "able to." I wake up every single day knowing I am lucky to work with incredible people all day long and not only help them feel physically stronger but also mentally stronger as they build confidence through exercise.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is having created a community of members and coaches that have been with me for seven years and continues to grow and evolve. Just knowing that people love and look forward to coming to work or coming to work out at 202strong is how I define success.

We have had some awesome accomplishments along the way, such as being voted one of DC's top HIIT Studios, leading sold-out classes at Audi Field, and creating an online platform of live and on-demand classes because of the pandemic.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

For me, one of the hardest things has been living in the moment and staying present. It is very easy to worry about the "what ifs" and compare your business or yourself to other companies, but I have learned that when you follow your heart and are genuine, authentic, and aim to be a fair business, people will see that and be attracted to you.

Knowing your competition is important, but staying focused in your lane is the most important. Also, don't forget to take a step back and acknowledge everything that you have created.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Be authentic in your reason to serve the community, and don't start a business to be your own boss or make money.
Never fear failure. Every mistake, every anxiety attack, and every failure is a lesson in your big book of business school and a new tool in your toolbox. The next time something similar happens, you will be prepared, and it probably won't even phase you.
No task is beneath you. Learn every role of your business from the ground up so that you appreciate and understand every job that you will hire for. Be a leader through your actions.

I can't imagine doing anything else with my life or my career, and I feel very lucky to have found my calling at such a young age. However, running a business comes with so many ups and downs, highs and lows, wins and losses, and the emotional roller coaster is no joke. Have a support system, your own personal time, and make sure to take care of yourself so that you can remain full and strong to handle anything that comes your way!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://202strong.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/202strong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/202_strong/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-watkins-b1713786/

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.