Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jada McGuin, Owner of FITT HOUSE (Body by Jay Fitnes, LLC.), located in Baton Rouge, LA, USA.

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

Fitt House opened its doors in July 2021. Our mission is to create an atmosphere for individuals ready to elevate themselves and take their health to the next level. We offer our clients a wide range of services, including personal training, couples training, small group fitness memberships, app-based virtual training, in-house massage therapy, nutrition coaching, and lifestyle and accountability coaching. Our programs allow meeting with a fitness professional to create a personalized plan for a healthier life.

Tell us about yourself

Previously having been a dancer for 17 years, fitness was something that was always a huge part of my life. When I entered college, I was in pretty great shape, but during the spring semester of my freshman year, I was diagnosed with chronic migraines. In a short span of about 2 months, I lost roughly 30 pounds and looked completely different. The next two years were tough. I'd been in and out of the hospital, had seen several specialists, and at one point, was on 6 different medications, none of which provided me any relief. Since this was such a mystery, given my almost impeccable health history, my doctors began to ask what is something that I'm not doing now that I was doing before all of this started. My only answer was, I wasn't exercising regularly.

After many attempts, I finally felt well enough to start consistently exercising again in early 2017, and almost immediately, I felt better. As I kept at it, I would often have migraine episodes that would take me out for days at a time, but I kept pushing through. As time went on, I started spending more and more time in the gym as I realized that this was my path to a healthier life. I took my first steps toward training in the summer of 2017 as a sophomore. I started posting fitness tips and workout videos on social media. My goal was to normalize exercise and provide comfort because everyone's path to being fit is different. I posted my struggles and successes. I wanted to ensure that everyone knew that the path to a healthier life is difficult for everyone. All you need is to start.

Over time, my following grew, and my peers became more interested. They would ask for fitness and nutrition tips and eventually started asking me to share workouts. I used this as my gateway into offering training, and from here, Body by Jay Fitness was born. Upon reaching moderate success, I was afforded the opportunity to become a group fitness trainer. With this exposure, I was able to expand the Body by Jay Fitness brand to include virtual training, group training, and a fitness accessory and apparel line. From there, Body by Jay Fitness underwent a brand transformation to become Baton Rouge's newest personal and group training facility, Fitt House, which opened on July 12th, 2021. Each day, as Fitt House imprints on Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas, my team and I hope to continue to provide an environment where everyone can feel welcome to become the strongest version of themselves.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was opening my very own 4000 sq ft fitness facility at 23 years old. It was one of the greatest days of my life.

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

One of the hardest things for a business owner is weathering the economy. As most know, COVID-19 took the world by storm. Unfortunately, south Louisiana, where I'm located, was one of the hardest places hit. Our hospitals were overpacked, businesses were closed, and it seemed that the statewide lockdown would not end. On top of already being located in a region of the country where health and fitness are not priorities, COVID-19 placed additional financial stress on our communities. That meant when people were looking to cut things out of the budget, luxuries like gym memberships were the first to go.

Being a young, new business owner, my business lacked credit and income history, meaning loans were not an option. I tried my hardest to stay afloat, but eventually, it became too much, and I had to close my doors. It was definitely tough to understand. I had staff and contract employees that depended on me to make a living. Having to close my doors meant having to find a plan for myself, my business, and my employees. That, by far, has been one of the toughest situations I've been in.

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

When I get asked this, it's one of my favorite questions because I feel I've learned so much through trial and error that I know I could help the next person save time and money.

  1. Keep going. Don't stop no matter what. A lot of great businesses fail because people quit when it gets tough. You're going to hit roadblocks, and you're going to hit bumps. It's important not to run from them. Make a plan, and face them head-on.
  2. Be disciplined. When I decided that I wanted to open my own gym, I saved every cent I made from 2019 to 2021, which was roughly $80,000. I didn't eat takeout. I didn't buy clothes. I didn't waste money at all. I invested all that I had into my business. I knew that I did not want to lease or rent anything. I wanted to be sure that if something ever did happen, my equipment was, in fact, mine. With that being said, all my business-related purchases were made outright. This cut my overhead tremendously.
  3. I always say to be smart. The saying work smarter, not harder is very true. As a business owner, there's always going to be a curveball. So remain a student of the game, and stay abreast on all the trends worldwide and in your area. Always look for a way to better yourself because that, in turn, will better your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://fitthousebr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitthousebatonrouge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitthousebatonrouge/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fitthousebr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jada-mcguin-990138113/

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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