Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sofia Habity, Founder of CSF Back Recovery Inc., located in North Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a certified corrective exercise specialist and the founder of CSF Back Recovery Inc., which encompasses coachsofiafitness.com and multiple exercise programs focused on helping people fix muscular weaknesses, postural malalignments, and distortions that lead to injuries and chronic pain. Specifically lower back pain and piriformis syndrome.

My customers are men and women who tried all kinds of therapies to manage their symptoms. Many have been struggling for years. Once they learn and fix the hidden imbalances and weaknesses, they achieve long-term relief while learning how to maintain balance.

Tell us about yourself

I was born in Casablanca, Morocco. At age 19, I moved to Canada with 2 suitcases and my laptop to go to university. I started to struggle with hip pain shortly after that. I was diagnosed with disc herniation, piriformis syndrome, and pelvic inflammation. I tried all types of therapies, adjustments, and drugs without any long-term relief. It wasn't until I invested in additional schooling to become a strength coach and corrective exercise specialist that I understood why my body was acting this way.

With the right tools and improving my nutrition and lifestyle, I was able to dramatically change things for the better. I've always been passionate about health and fitness and knew I wanted to be self-reliant and have my own business. I started to share my fitness routines on my blog. People were relating to my stories and asking me to create content tailored to their needs. That's how I created and launched my program Back Pain Control in 2016.

Even though it was challenging, I feel grateful for this experience because I can help my clients better as I've been in their shoes and know what they are going through.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To help over 3k customers worldwide and be part of their healing journey through my programs. I love waking up and getting emails from existing members across the world sharing how much better they're feeling and functioning. I'm also proud of publishing over 183 articles and growing organically to over 200k website visitors a month without any ads. I had to learn everything in the beginning, from graphic design, SEO, marketing, copywriting, and business management. On top of keeping up with my education and providing coaching.

You grow as a person in a short amount of time. There is no such thing as a comfort zone.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Trying to find like-minded people can be challenging, depending on where you live. You may feel like you don't fit in and have a hard time talking about what you do to others. I still have difficulty explaining to people what I do for a living because there are so many moving parts and facets to my business. It's hard to put it in 1 or 2 words.

Also, setting boundaries in your life. Sometimes you can feel connected to your clients and business 24/7. It's essential to create boundaries so that you're not answering customer emails on a Sunday at 10 pm. (I've done that many times)

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Recognize those feelings of fear and uncertainty, but don't let them stop you from moving forward. If your heart is nudging you to start a business, go for it. The first couple of years will be filled with personal growth as you conquer your limiting beliefs and fears. Keep listening to your intuition about what's the next step to take. Keep learning and taking action. And be careful with shiny object syndrome. The online world is filled with distractions. Stay focused and stay the course.
  2. Learn basic sales and marketing. You can have the best product in the world, but if you can't reach your customer and present the benefits of your product, you're doing them and yourself a disservice.
  3. Take care of your health. You can't operate at your best if you're not healthy or lack mental clarity. Invest in nutritional food, therapy, and schedule time for self-care and exercise.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Trust the process. As long as you are following your heart, you will be supported. Your business will look different from what you initially put on your business plan a few years from now. Things will change as you grow and change as a person.

Focus on the journey and who you are becoming as you grow your company.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.coachsofiafitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachsofiafitness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_sofia/

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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