Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine Kirkland, Owner of Christine Kirkland Pilates, located in Dundas, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run an online Pilates studio focused on helping my members improve their balance and mobility and build back strength and muscle mass. All key components help their bodies to age beautifully. I offer both weekly Live Pilates classes and an On Demand Studio.
Tell us about yourself
I became a certified Pilates instructor after practicing Pilates myself for 15 years and feeling all the benefits it had to offer. When the pandemic hit, there weren’t a lot of online classes tailored to people over 50, and that is why I started my online Pilates classes. Many times this age group can be overlooked in terms of exercise programs.
However, many in this age group embraced technology during the pandemic and now love online classes more than in a studio. Clean, private & open anytime. Seeing the immense benefits of Pilates in my own life motivates me to show up each day and help make someone else’s day better.
In addition to easing my back pain when sitting, I also grew over 1 inch in height, changed my body composition to a more hourglass shape, and helped quiet my mind through regular Pilates practice.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as an online business owner is managing and learning all the technologies to shoot online classes and build an e-commerce store. I joke that I am also a producer, camera person, lighting director, web developer, and videographer. I would never have thought I'd be an entrepreneur in this space, but it has pushed me outside my comfort zone to learn areas I knew nothing about before.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is not always knowing the right answer. I am a solopreneur, so I can second guess myself often. Luckily I have amazing clients who give me feedback and suggestions on what they are looking for or where I need to make changes to the business. I have learned to trust my gut in many cases and am always open to feedback.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start! We never have all the answers when we begin.
- Be flexible with your business. Businesses change over time, and it is important to pivot (if needed) as you grow.
- Don’t be scared to put yourself out there. You have an amazing gift that the world is just waiting to see!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://my-pilates.ca/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pilateschristinekirkland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinekirklandpilates/
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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