Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin Schirack, Founder, and CEO of CHI-SOCIETY, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CHI-SOCIETY is your SOURCE to discovering the best of Chicago Health & Fitness. We've meticulously curated a collection rich with the very best studios, instructors, events, workouts, and MORE so you can discover all of the city's best healthy & fit offerings without spending hours searching the internet to find them.
Tell us about yourself
The idea for CHI-SOCIETY has been planted in my brain for years now. Originally from Michigan, I can remember when I first moved to Chicago spending HOURS searching the internet to find a Pilates studio, and the one I eventually fell in love with didn't even land on the first ten pages of Google! I knew there had to be a better way to highlight the truly hidden gems that are in the city. Fast forward to the pandemic, which set my idea into action as I noticed my friends in the industry were being laid off from their studios and forced to start their own companies and brands but had ZERO support. I wanted to create a space for people to not only discover the BEST in Chicago and offer that home for these amazing brands to be a part of and receive the recognition and support that they deserve.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It makes me feel so good when I talk with professionals in the Health & Fitness space and know that I am making a difference in their lives. They are finally getting the support that they need to drive their business. And from the consumer, it makes me so happy to know that I am linking them up with truly the BEST of the best in Chicago.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Oh my gosh, all of it! Lol! Realizing it's a marathon, not a sprint, is the biggest reminder I tell myself. The building is hard and slow- staying consistent, positive, and keeping moving is sometimes a challenge, but you've got to keep picturing what it will be like in the years ahead and remind yourself how far you've come already.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just Start. You might not have all the answers right now, but you will learn as you go.
- Surround yourself with people who support you and have your back.
- Ask LOTS of questions.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.chi-society.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chisociety1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chi_society_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-schirack-17b90416/
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.
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