Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health, wellness, and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marissa Martin, owner of Herc's Nutrition, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Herc's Nutrition is your friendly, judgment-free "supplement" store. When most people think "supplement store," they think scary, intimidating, and only for bodybuilders - but not Herc's! We are a healthy lifestyle store that aims to get to know you, so we can best recommend the products to help you to live your BEST life!
Tell us about yourself
I saw a gap in the industry in Calgary, and after shopping at the Herc's in Red Deer, I knew I had to bring that environment here. I love to help people who are afraid to come in, who come in nervous and with their guard up, and seeing them relax in my store when they realize we just want to get to know them and help them. I am not some sort of intense bodybuilder either - I am just like my customers. I am a single mom, just trying to live a healthy lifestyle so I can keep up with my daughter, as well as pass down healthy habits to her - which helps me relate to so many people and them to me. I have customers from all walks of life and with all experience levels with nutrition, health, fitness, and supplements. I hope to help as many people as I can and to provide a safe space for learning to become a healthier version of themselves.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The community that has been created around Herc's in Calgary amazes me every day. I chat with older individuals post-retirement, trying to get healthier and feel better. With moms and dads ready to start taking care of themselves again after the craziness of having small kids. With high school students who are interested in getting into fitness. I love that no matter what stage of life people are in, they are becoming aware of my stores and comfortable coming in and then telling their friends about us.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Juggling it all, doing the balancing act. It is important to recognize what tasks can be delegated to take them off your own plate to do your jobs effectively.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It's a long game. It is going to require a LOT of work, more than you can imagine, and you will go through every emotion in the process. But be consistent, dig deep; it'll come.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Building a healthy lifestyle does not have to be scary or intimidating. If you are not comfortable coming into the store and chatting with me or my team, please feel free to head to hercs.com and book a virtual shopping session with me! We can have a video chat; I can show you around the store and point out some products that can help you wherever you are in your journey.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hercs.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hercs_yyc/
https://www.instagram.com/hercs_yyc2/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hercs-nutrition-calgary/
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.