Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sport and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cary Williams, CEO of Boxing & Barbells, located in Santa Monica, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My company is Boxing & Barbells. We create formatted classes for gyms, certify trainers, and provide continued education for fitness professionals. I started the B&B Method from my nearly 25 years of experience in the boxing and fitness industry.
As a woman in a male-dominated sport and industry, it is important to me to empower other women in this space!
Tell us about yourself
After graduating with an Environmental Science degree, I realized that working for the government was not for me. Growing up, I had always been an entrepreneur thinking about the next thing I could make and sell! After one year after college, I decided that I wanted to start a business offering something that had not been offered yet.
A friend of mine was a boxer, and I thought more people should be able to learn how to box without wanting to actually fight. I hired this guy as my head trainer and opened the first-ever Boxing & Fitness gym in 1998. My motivation came from hearing that I could not do it! Still, today, I get motivated by the same thing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Opening my first boxing gym at 26 years old with no assistance, experience, or education in business. Grossing nearly $1M with my first company. Franchising my first company.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
This changes depending on if this is your first business or second and at what stage of your business you are in. For me, presently, it can be challenging to stay positive and keep pushing forward when the wins are small. But, I force myself to look at those wins and know that they will add up to the big wins!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never give a shit about what others think of your idea or you.
- Use social media, but get off once you post and respond to engagement.
- Find mentors who have already been down your road and listen to their advice.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Whatever business you decide to start, make sure you enjoy what you do. Your quality of life is more important than making millions!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.boxingandbarbells.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caryleewilliams/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caryleewilliams/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryleewilliams/
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.