Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & fitness, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Pekerman, founder and CEO of Paid Workout, from Toronto, Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

Paid Workout is the leader in wellness gamification. We are a fitness motivation app that hosts a variety of fitness challenges where users who top the leaderboard win cold hard cash.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?

I’ve been a marketer for almost 20 years, running some of the largest brands in Canada and the globe. My last role was VP, marketing Tim Hortons @ RBI. I’ve always been super health-focused, working out daily and eating super healthy. Wellness through movement needs a personal mantra. One day I was running on my treadmill when my son said to me, um, I wouldn’t it be cool if the money came out of the treadmill so you could do what you love. At first, I laughed and thought it was cute. Then I started thinking about how I could get people motivated by paying them to work out - Creating ongoing healthy habits for those that struggle with motivation. That’s how Paid Workout was born.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's honestly making a difference in people's lives. We've had so many incredible success stories. Not just people are losing weight but creating healthy habits that drive confidence and health and wellness. We've had users lose 40 pounds and get the confidence to go back to school. We've had users optimize their marathon training and PR. That's what makes it worth it.

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

I had so many resources and huge teams across multiple facets of an organization in my corporate life. Being a business owner can be very lonely sometimes. There are many ups and downs, and the circle of people working together on a start-up is tiny. Getting up and being motivated every day, no matter what is in front of you, can be daunting but also so rewarding.

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

  1. Make sure whatever you’re doing is your passion that you can do it every day and night and never get bored.
  2. Confidence is vital. Don’t worry about what others think of you. Don’t worry about potential rejection or people not understanding your vision. Just keep going, confidently.
  3. You cannot do it all consistently. Focus on your strength and your vision and get support and help from experts in their fields. Build a network of reliable people who support you and believe in you to get support when you need it and give supper to others.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I try to say yes to as many opportunities as possible. The more you tell you, the more doors will open and the more successful you can be. And try and learn from all experiences and truly listen to your user's consumers and people around you. They may not be correct, but it's important to listen in and internalize To make the appropriate decisions for your business.

Where can people find you online?

Website: https://paidworkout.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PWHustler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paidworkout/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paidworkout?

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.