Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wendy Vander Velde, owner of Fierce Fitness LLC., located in Portland, OR, USA.

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

I began kickboxing in 2003 as a form of physical and emotional stress release during a difficult time. Like many people, I became hooked on such an empowering workout and haven't stopped since. I enjoy hiking, jogging, and weight training, but my favorite workout has always been hitting the bags at Fierce Fitness, where I became a member in 2006 and received my Instructor Certification in 2012. When Fierce Fitness closed due to Covid (in March of 2020), I was presented with the opportunity to carry it forward, becoming the new owner and reopening this past March of 2022. With a passion for people, kickboxing, and fitness I'm honored to lead Fierce into the future, opening my studio and my heart to its steadfast community of members, both old and new.

After growing up in the scorching desert heat of Las Vegas, I was thrilled to move to the Great Northwest to attend undergrad at the University of Portland. I hold a Master's degree in Medieval Studies from the University of Edinburgh and a Ph.D. from Boston University (with a focus on the Arthur legends, fairy lore, and the monsters of myth). When not kickboxing, my other Fierce hobbies include archery, hatchet throwing, travel, writing, and photography.

I can't wait to see you at Fierce!

Tell us about yourself

As Portland's premier (and longest-running) kickboxing gym, Fierce Fitness is a woman-owned business that continues to provide the best kickboxing classes in Portland. Our gym is open to everyone, of any fitness level, with no previous kickboxing experience required. We have an amazing community of Fierce members who are both supportive and inspirational, instructors who truly care about your experience, and a brand new custom studio designed to energize and inspire. Our small class sizes are tailored to give each member more personalized instruction. Whether you've trained for years or are just beginning your fitness journey, our incomparable full-body workout will help you Find Your Fierce!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Fierce Fitness is Portland's original kickboxing gym, first started in 1998 and beloved by the Portland community for over two decades. My biggest accomplishment as a business owner (thus far) is preserving Fierce's legacy and carrying it forward for all to enjoy.

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

Being a new business owner is probably much like being a new parent in that, despite stories from others and mental preparation, you can't possibly imagine all it will entail until you go through the process yourself. It's intense and, at times, deeply overwhelming.

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

Owning your own small business (especially in our current world) is daunting, so it is important to have people in your circle you can look to for encouragement, advice, and support, and employees you trust and can depend on. Doing something you love (like kickboxing) that keeps you inspired and motivated is also paramount for mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Thirdly, it's tough out there, so be Fierce.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.fiercefitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FierceFitnessKickboxing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiercefitness_kickboxing/

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.