Peak Training + Rehabilitation Studio - Meaghan Sutter
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meaghan Sutter, owner, and personal trainer of Peak Training + Rehabilitation Studio, located in Whistler, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are service-based kinesiology and personal training business that focuses on providing customized strength & conditioning and rehabilitation programs for a variety of individuals from professional athletes to weekends warriors to young sports enthusiasts who engage in the mountain sports of our beautiful and unique region, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, backcountry snowboarding and trail running. We also work with clients who have limitations be it from chronic illness, mental illness, concussions, or long-term injuries, in order to provide them with a better quality of life. We're passionate about supporting our community through movement because we believe that the stronger our clients are physically, the better they are mentally.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business because I saw a need in our community for client-focused, individualized, personable care for their physical and mental needs. After building a full roster of clientele and a lengthy waitlist, I realized there was much need in our community for my type of services, so I decided to "build it, and they will come" in hopes of attracting the right kind of employees. A year after opening my first studio, in November 2020, I decided to expand. I opened a second larger studio location in order to bring in more practitioners. Fortunately, my hopes and intentions were accurate. I've been able to find educated, successful and passionate kinesiologists and coaches like myself who are driven to support our small but mighty community of Whistler and the surrounding area.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Opening two studios amidst the pandemic have been a notable accomplishment for me. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be a business owner, let alone one that is slowly but surely building a successful, capable, and passionate team to serve our wonderful community. Further, I personally experienced some major health issues and setbacks during the pandemic, but I was able to persevere and push through, so I am very proud of myself for my resilience.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge about being a business owner is learning to have boundaries and how to manage a chronic disease. Two years before starting my business, I developed an autoimmune disease called Rheumatoid Arthritis which causes multiple systemic issues like joint pain and inflammation, extreme fatigue, insomnia, mental health issues, and chronic headaches. Having this disease is part of what's driving me to expand my business. Since I am unable to take on as much in-person work as I used to, my goal is to find and attract other practitioners that are able to service the community with as much passion and drive as I do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be scared to fail. Failures are inevitable and are an important part of the process. Taking calculated risks is an important part of starting and expanding a business. Some of those risks will result in failures. Take it as a learning opportunity and move on.
- Don't be scared to reach out to people you look up to. You'd be surprised how willing others are to share their journeys with you. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded people who can give you some insight along your own journey.
- Get to know yourself. The best thing I've ever done is to dive into my core values, motivators, limitations, and personality traits. Understanding yourself allows you to be a better leader, hire the right staff to support your weaknesses, and check your ego at the door before diving into the world of business ownership.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Starting and owning a business is a lot of work. There are a lot of ups and downs. You'll have days when you question everything you've done and days when you feel like you're on cloud nine. It's all part of the growing process. Embrace the challenges and uncertainties as they only make you a better person!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.peaktrainingwhistler.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peaktrainingwhistler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktrainingwhistler/
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.