Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alison Katschkowsky, Founder, and owner of CU Fitness, Inc., located in Raleigh, NC, USA.

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

I own CU Fitness, which is a health and fitness business--I am an innovative expert and focus on a unique combination of fitness, self-care, and mindset. My zone of genius is helping you believe you can do all of what you desire--showing you what's possible, so you can live your best life. We help many groups--the majority of our clients are over 50 and entering the second half of their lives. I am put on this earth to inspire you to live your best life--helping you realize that all of what you desire is within your reach. I am a straight shooter--and do things differently. I offer private coaching and group classes, design amazing, mind-blowing destination retreats in fantastic locations around the world, and have a podcast. Every day my belief is that I embody all of what is possible--exactly what I teach--in my life.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in health and fitness most of my life--I was a competitive athlete growing up and thought I'd want to go to physical therapy school--but after several attempts of being waitlisted and a lot of soul searching, I was advised to consider graduate work in a related field--and I found my home. My top choice of a PT school had a nationally ranked exercise science and health education program, and I was accepted right away--and knew once I began, I had found my path. It's a story I like to say is 'my plan B that turned into a plan A.'

I went to work in corporate fitness and in the gym industry--and after a few years decided to go out on my own. I had only $1000 in the bank and a clean credit card, but I knew I had to give it a go--I told myself if I made it a year, I'd never go back. That was nearly 25 years ago. I knew I had a unique gift for helping others and a different way of helping them reach their goals. My business has changed over the years--after four moves and multiple pivots and redesigns, I have the health and fitness business doing all the things I love.

I have a unique way of working with clients--we get clear on a vision plan, a mindset plan that aligns with it, and then we design a 'compass path' that leads them to their future self--and the life that goes with it. Fitness and self-care are more than just the daily action steps--it's the small things that we must practice daily to help us reach our potential and, ultimately--the life we want to live.

Life is more meaningful when we feel good, have energy, look after our bodies and our minds, and engage in activities that feed our souls. What motivates me daily? That every soul on this planet has been put here for a purpose--and we have all of what we need within us--if we trust that we can access it. That's where I come in--I help you believe you can access and do all of what is your potential and purpose--I show you ALL of what is possible so you can live your best life. Life is short--and for as much that is out of our control--we can decide every day how we want to live.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

2020 was the toughest year I have ever had on many levels. I lost over 70% of my business in the pandemic and the crazy restrictions placed on my industry. I honestly didn't know if I would survive--and came very close to quitting. I never thought in a million years I would have to defend my profession and our place in the world. I had to learn to find the version of me that started out all those years ago with no money and a big idea, and a huge belief I could do my dream. I have rebuilt, leaning into all of what I teach--and 2021 was one of the best years I have had--and I'm on track for more in 2022 and beyond. I have been able to navigate change before--in reinventing myself--but this last go-round was life-changing for me on so many levels. I discovered who I really am on the inside and how I am unique and different. I had to learn to trust that my vision would come to life. WE have to be comfortable with losing what we know--so that we are able to create more and become more.

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

That we must evolve and change as the business world changes--but that we are open to innovation. We get good at what we often do--so much so that we just keep doing it. And it doesn't make sense that we stop doing things that work--but we must be open to staying 'on the edge' of what makes us unique, so we continue to stand out. It's a tough fence to straddle. It often requires us to devote time to working ON our business just as much as we do in our businesses--and that's tough if we are spending a lot of time in client delivery.

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

There are so many tidbits I'd offer--but these are some that are top of the list.

  1. Be clear on the problem you solve. Is it different? Is there a need out there for what you do? If so, how is it unique? People buy to solve a problem--not to 'improve' or 'do something different. Ask yourself if you were shopping for what you do--what would make you buy from yourself?
  2. Talk to people in your field--what do you love? What do you not? What makes you cringe? What have you learned? People go into business sometimes blind--and they're driven by their passion--which is great--but having a realistic idea of what you will do and how you will do it will save you a lot of emotional energy--the energy you need to build your business and your movement.
  3. Get a coach--don't do it alone. I went it alone for a long time, and when I hired a coach (I work with two coaches now and have a third for specialized work when I need it), my business changed completely for the better. Find like-minded people to collaborate with and support--and form a tribe. Creating and running a successful business takes a tribe and a village. We can't see our blind spots--having support to push you, hold you accountable and call you on your BS is critical to keep you on the right track. Think about it--if you ask your clients to invest in themselves--why wouldn't you?

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

An entrepreneurial mindset takes strength, energy, and endurance--but the biggest piece is your belief. You must learn to see your vision and your goals before they are actually in front of you. Nothing ever trumps your belief--and plenty will challenge it. Devote time daily to your belief plan around your business and your goals--it truly gets you to the next level.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cufitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.h.katschkowsky
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealisonk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ahkats
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-katschkowsky-98a296183/

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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