Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chantal Steele, Founder of Ironwild Fitness LLC., located in Carlton, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Ironwild Fitness LLC. I'm an online personal trainer and nutrition coach serving primarily women. More specifically, I work with moms who want to regain their strength and energy after having kids.
Tell us about yourself
I got started in the world of fitness after struggling with both physical and mental health postpartum. Exercise helped me regain my confidence in all areas of my life, and I wanted to share what I learned with other moms. I am motivated when I see moms coming and getting their spark back after struggling to adjust to life as new moms.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is figuring it out on my own and persevering. I am entirely self-taught and didn't even have a fitness background. From learning how to design a website, attract customers, design fitness programs, and everything in between, I did it myself! There was a lot of trial-and-error involved, but I just kept going, and now I have been doing this for over five years!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
No one is there to cheer you on or keep you motivated. You have to be a self-starter, and you don't have the pressure of a manager or boss. While that is really attractive to a lot of people, it actually makes it difficult to know how to proceed and keep showing up. You can't rely on motivation - you have to become disciplined.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First of all, know that failure is just part of the game. Failures can be discouraging, and they can really bring you down. But they will teach you a lot!
Secondly, there are no "right" or "wrong" ways to run your business. Just because someone else is doing it another way doesn't mean you have to follow that business model. As long as you keep it legal, it is beneficial to keep trying different things until you figure out what suits you best.
Third, longevity is everything. You will not ever really know if you can do something successfully if you quit six months in. Plan for patience!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ironwildfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironwildfitness2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschantalsteele/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ironwildfitness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-steele/
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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