Getting to know Willow Pilates
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pilates but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rina Hagstrom of Willow Pilates, based in Minneapolis, USA
What's your business and who are your customers?
Pilates reformer training. My clients range in age and fitness level. There are many who seek out this type of fitness workout to support their body if they suffer from any physical limitations such as back, knee, shoulder, etc. Many of my clients are looking for something different. Being in the north metro there are not many Pilates studios or gyms that have Pilates reformers.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in the fitness industry since 1991. I started out as a participant just trying to follow along without feeling stupid. That quickly turned into becoming a Group Fitness Instructor.
Eventually, I had the dream job of being a full time Group Fitness Manager at one of the locations of the largest fitness centers in the country. I was introduced to Pilates reformer training in 2007 and it was life changing. I knew that eventually that was going to be the next step in my fitness journey.
Finally, in 2017, I attended my first reformer training, and in the same year I started my own business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The community that has been created and bringing this type of training to my clients. Having them realize that this type of training is essential for living a long healthy life. Losing our flexibility is a normal part of ageing, but it is what ages us faster.
This is my job and I am a business owner, but it is not about that for me. My biggest accomplishment is that I am helping people live longer and feeling better than they ever have before.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The paperwork. Tax returns. Period.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Do it.
2. Don't let fear keep you from doing what you love.
3. Surround yourself with the right people to help you learn and understand tax returns. haha. All that admin stuff. If I can do it, anyone can.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Be your own best friend. Whether you're the business owner or the client, you'll go further in life when you are kind to yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
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.