Movement with Meaning

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Tyson, owner of Sculpt by Emily Tyson, located in Hampton Bays, NY, USA.

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

My business is SCULPT by Emily Tyson. We are a small boutique fitness studio that offers classes in a heated and humidified space. Our customers are of all ages and fitness abilities and have an open mind about fitness.

Tell us about yourself

I am a trained Pilates instructor and have taught Pilates since 2004. I also grew up dancing. After my first child was born in 2015, I was homebound with her and began developing workouts for myself to do at home while my daughter slept. I designed specific classes for myself that included aspects of dance, Pilates, and calisthenics using light dumbbells and ankle weights. I also designed the classes to be done in the heat so I would heat my bathroom and work out in that space. After about three years of doing that for myself, I decided I wanted to take my classes to the public and began teaching at a local yoga studio. My classes grew, and I knew I needed my own studio, so I found a small space for rent and turned it into a fitness studio.

What motivates me every day are the people who come to SCULPT. The community we have created gives me the drive to keep creating content and building the business. I have trained four other amazing teachers who work beside me and are fantastic and unique in their own way.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be that I did it alone. I used my own money, I didn't rely on investors or partners, and I created a business without any business background. I followed my heart and my passion and always led with love. I never started SCULPT as a way to make money. I started it because it made me feel good about myself and my body and helped heal me from postpartum depression. The fact that I was able to turn my passion into a real business is something I'm forever grateful for. I also find it super rewarding when classes sell out and people give me positive feedback about the classes, the instructors, and the studio space.

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

Everything falls on your shoulders. If there is a problem, you need to be able to react quickly, think on your feet, and be proactive. I opened my business just ten weeks before I had to close due to the COVID outbreak. When I closed in March 2020, I thought, "how will I be able to pay my rent?" I quickly pivoted to an online ZOOM platform to keep the classes going. When you are the owner, everyone looks to you for the answers, and sometimes that can feel like a lot of pressure. I recently had to have the roof repaired on my building, and I had to reschedule and cancel classes, which was difficult. If people are sick, you need to find coverage for their classes. There are days when the toilet gets clogged, and you need to get the plumber there, or the heat goes out, and you need to meet the repairman at the studio at 9 pm. You are always working in some fashion.

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

The number one tip I would give someone is to do it for your heart. If your heart isn't in your business, it will never work. Never go into business because you think it will make money. Go into it because it's your true love.

Second I would tell them to ask questions. Find people you admire and trust and ask them to help you. I asked a lot of my friends for help, in the beginning, building my website and helping me with the technical side of the business, which I knew NOTHING about.

And finally, don't give up. There will be days that feel overwhelming and impossible. You might even feel like you're an imposture sometimes. But forge ahead and believe in yourself. Regardless of what anyone tells you, if you have belief in yourself, that is what matters most.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sculptbyemilytyson.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sculptbyemily/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.