Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Claire Lo Russo, founder of Carve It® Fitness and Wellness, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Carve It® is a series of trampoline-based classes and a systematic way of training. All classes incorporate rebounding, aka training on mini-trampolines. Rebounding provides unique health benefits and a tremendously fun and effective way to train the whole body. We are women-owned and supported and offer virtual classes that are suitable for all levels. Classes range from rejuvenating to HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and include boxing, kickboxing, and body sculpting classes that will leave you shaking. No matter where you are in your fitness or life journey, there is a place for you in our global yet close-knit community.
Tell us about yourself
I am a wife and mom of 3 and an avid fitness enthusiast. My passion for all things fitness was reignited after a debilitation hamstring tear and the untimely passing of her personal hero, mentor, and coach, her father. Since then, my drive and dedication to create a body that is beautifully strong and functional have become paramount in her life. The carefully planned routines in Carve It® reflect Claire’s varied background in rebounding, strength training, plyometrics, calisthenics, Pilates, barre, yoga, and racing at an elite level.
My motivation is being healthy, living life to the fullest, and feeling amazing. I am committed to doing all I can to keep my body and mind in top shape, and even more passionate about helping others feel and achieve the same results. I genuinely want everyone to live their lives feeling wonderful inside and out. As the saying goes, “Do what you love and never work a day in your life.” I am grateful to have the opportunity to train clients and have created this global community of support and love. For me, there is nothing so profound as watching a client push through barriers that once seemed insurmountable and help others in the process of doing so.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Immediately pivoting when the pandemic hit and putting all of my focus and energy into switching our brick-and-mortar business to a virtual studio platform that today is global in reach. While that sounds like a simple task, it was brutally difficult and involved a tremendous amount of work, discomfort, fear, and risk.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning that you cannot please everyone. Never ever being done.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do not be afraid to fail. Believe in your vision even when others do not. Hold true to your original goals and reasons for starting.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It has always been a dream of mine to create a community of environments where women support each other and genuinely champion each other along. This is what exists here. It is a dream for me, and as a woman and a mother of a little girl, so incredibly important and heart-warming for me to witness and experience.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.carveitfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carveitfitness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carveitfitness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carveitfitness/
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.