Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Ritsema, Owner and Head Coach of Vibrant Health Coaching with Jennifer, located in Holland, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Certified Fitness & Health Coach for overactive thinkers and executives who want to stop missing out on life due to work and perfectionism, seeking comfort in food, and/or getting restless sleep with the goal of creating sustainable time-saving and healthy habits without compromising their personal or professional life.
Tell us about yourself
Over 14 years ago, my passions in both psychology and health and wellness merged when I began my career not only as a fitness instructor and personal trainer but also as the Assistant Director for Fitness & Wellness at Loyola Marymount University. I supported college-aged individuals in navigating a healthy, sustainable wellness regime in the collegiate setting. My coaching bug truly began when I received my Mad Dogg (Spinning) and Barre Physique certifications in 2008.
I also hold certifications in Schwinn Indoor Cycling, AFAA Group Exercise & Personal Training, and TRX, and I am a 200-hour RYT. For over 5 years, I was a member of the Equinox Group Fitness team. I attended Equinox exclusive training for ViPR, Barre, MetCon3, Pure Strength, and Precision Running, always seeking additional education and training methods for supporting my clients' goals. A native of Michigan, I received my Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University ('98 Psychology & Human Development) and Masters in School Psychology ('01).
I truly have such enthusiasm and passion for ALL things wellness and movement. Most recently, I received my Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certification in March 2021 from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I opened my own Fitness & Health Coaching business, Vibrant Health Coaching with Jennifer. My coaching pillars include: Mindset, Nutrition & Movement, Time & Productivity, Perfectionism & Overwhelm, and one of my favorite mantras, "Live Vibrantly, Not Perfectly."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a small business owner is being referred by a past private client and subsequently hired on for a corporate wellness position within their company of over 1500 employees. Overall, my client success stories are my biggest source of motivation as well as inspiration, supporting and watching them crush their daily goals to their big audacious long-term goals - hearing a client speak positively about themself, their dreams, goals, and performance, nothing means more to me.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Understanding and accepting that I will never get "it" all done, especially as I consider myself a recovering perfectionist.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do it now. There will never be a "perfect" time to "go solo" - take that risk, learn, succeed, fall, and get back up again and do it over and over.
- Build & nurture your relationships; your clients and referrals do not happen overnight.
- Take care of yourself; you cannot pour from an empty cup. Hire a coach, find a mentor, surround yourself with a supportive community, set boundaries and goals, and most importantly, slow down and breathe.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.vibranthealthcoachingwithjennifer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevibranthealthcoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevibranthealthcoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-w-b56323b8/
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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