Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Stuart, founder of Balance Fitness Solutions, located in Burlington, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Keeping bodies fit and conditioned with Medical Exercise and Personal Training. My clientele is quite the range: outdoor gym classes for kids, challenging exercise sessions for the over 30s, and fun, functional fitness for my 40-90s.
Tell us about yourself
My first studio opened in 2003, servicing the Halton region and surrounding areas. Exercise has always been a huge part of my life. I left the corporate world to have a family. When the time was right to return to work, I chose to go back to school to study and pursue a career in fitness. Since then, I have added to my practice many interesting specialties with my clients in mind. From Pilates to Yoga, Cancer exercise, Fascia Release, and Medical exercise, to name a few. People want variety with a qualified eye, and my practice is specifically built on sessions that are fun, challenging, yet functional for real life outside the gym activities.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I guess when the pandemic hit and gyms were closed, and people were isolating, I decided to get creative and take my services outdoors. I conducted balcony training for seniors outside their retirement homes. The media got wind of the balcony trainer conducting exercise sessions outdoors, and our sessions made the paper and TV news. It was such joy and privilege to help them stay fit, connected to their community, and create a little joy. Truly was the “feel-good story” during uncertain, hard times!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Juggling the business while working the business. Managing behind-the-scenes “hats” from social media engagement, video content, scheduling, accounting, reports, and program design.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your niche and go after it with gusto. Separate yourself from the pack, and people will find you.
- Work “the” business every day to stay organized and creative and to keep a competitive edge on top of working “in” your business.
- Make sure you are creating joy for yourself and your clients. Be sure to leave your clients very satisfied, wanting more, and always ask for referrals.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.balancefitsolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.stuart.779
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanlstuart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanSt02915991
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-stuart-389b7751/
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.