Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Loretta Bates, Zumba® Education Specialist and Motivational Speaker based in Pembroke Pines, FL, USA.

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

I am a happy hustler. Inspirational speaker, Zumba® Education Specialist, International presenter, and certified wellness and nutrition coach, my job is to help people feel good about themselves and help them to reach their greatest potential! My clients are anyone who wants to do something good for their mind, body, and soul!

Tell us about yourself

I am a mom turned fitness professional, turned international presenter, turned inspirational and motivational speaker, I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in International Studies and French, and the nations and cultures of the world have always been an obsession. I didn't fully understand how much I would be able to use what I had learned. I never thought I would have the opportunity to help make the world a healthier, happier place.

In 2007, I made a decision that would turn my world upside down! I attended a Zumba® Fitness Class and INSTANTLY fell in love. During the course of an hour, I traveled the world by experiencing different cultures through their music. It was love at first, shimmy! After a little encouragement from the instructor, I decided to take the leap! No longer simply participating in the class, but leading it! Feeling unqualified and scared, I made a decision that changed my life forever.

Since then, for the past 15 years, I have trained thousands of instructors, visited over 100 countries, taught master classes and events, and presented, spoke, and taught classes. I have presented at fitness conventions and been featured on many instructional DVDs, videos, and video games as a brand ambassador for Zumba® Fitness. I am the wife of the most incredible husband and mother of two amazing children. Being a wife and a mom are the titles of which I am most proud.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the little wins that add up to big wins. All of the messages, dm's and stories from thousands of people tell me how I have impacted their lives in a positive way. This makes everything worth it! The times I want to quit, the times it gets hard, the long hours, it all becomes worth it when I get that message that says, "you've changed my life!"

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

One of the most difficult things about being a business owner is balance. As a business owner, there is no 9 to 5, but 24/7. So taking the time to turn everything off, no matter how urgent, and do what is IMPORTANT but not URGENT is one of the most difficult things. My personal health and well-being are not urgent, but it's important. Taking time with my family is not urgent, but it's important. There are so many urgent things demanding your attention as a business owner that we can begin to lose sight of what is important. Finding this balance is probably one of the most difficult things!

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

3 tips to anyone looking to start a business:

  1. Treat others how you would like to be treated: how would you want a company to respond to you if you had a problem. Sometimes we can get caught up in what something may cost us in a short time, forgetting that it could potentially be better in the long run!
  2. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Oftentimes entrepreneurs are very capable people and could do everything themselves, but you can't grow if you do! Bring people around you that can help you!
  3. Make sure you are passionate about what you are doing. On the days when things are tough and you want to give up, the only thing that will keep you going is the passion for what you are doing!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Join Loretta for an event! Virtual Classes: weekly Zumba® and Fitness Belly dance classes, open to everyone! (https://lorettabates.com/virtual-classes/)

In-Person Classes: South Florida! Weekly classes every Tuesday Morning at 9 am starting October 4! (https://lorettabates.com/in-person-classes/)

Nutrition Classes: (https://lorettabates.com/nutrition/)

Events: join Loretta at an upcoming event near you! (https://lorettabates.com/upcoming-events/)

Want to host Loretta for a speaking engagement, Zumba® Master class, or Fitness Belly dance class? Contact: lorettabatesevents@gmail.com

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://lorettabates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLorettaBates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorettabates/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheLorettaBates
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-bates/

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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