Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fitness & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashleigh Gass, CEO of MOVE Gymnastics Inspired Strength Training, located in Clearwater, FL, USA.

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

MOVE is the merger between traditional strength training, CrossFit, Yoga, Flexibility, Mobility, and Calisthenics. Most people are looking for that sweet spot in training where they can become super strong, really flexible, feel amazing, look great naked, and not get hurt. That's us! At MOVE, we combine several of these training methods into one. Our classes focus on skill acquisition, strength development, joint strength and mobility, core and low back training, shoulder prehab/rehab, endurance training, and much more. We also offer private training sessions, where customization is perfected. Our favorite students are those who are interested in their long-term health and physical performance in sports and life. We work with all skill and experience levels.

Our introductory program, called Fundamentals, allows you to work one-on-one with our coaches to learn the basics and prepare for classes. Once you've graduated, you'll get to join our tribe of happy, healthy, quirky folks. We blend unlimited class access with scheduled private training sessions to keep you accountable and ahead of the game.

Tell us about yourself

I have a couple of decades of experience in the strength & conditioning field. I hold a master's degree in Human/Clinical Nutrition from The University of Bridgeport and am a Certified Sports Nutritionist through The International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN). I'm also one of the few Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) in Florida and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). I graduated from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, in 2003 with a BSc in kinesiology, exercise physiology, and psychology. I am also a graduate of the Canadian National Coaching Institute, having completed extensive sports science modules in the long-term physical preparation of the elite athlete. My resume is 2 feet long with real-world experience and dozens of CEU courses in various topics like lower extremity training, shoulder prehab/rehab training, and more. I have been coaching, training, and studying for 24 years. I understand the missing pieces of training, having gone through significant injuries and surgeries over the years, similar to my colleague "KneesOverToesGuy." Continual personal improvement, both physically and mentally, and inspiring others keep me going.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to grow throughout the last few years, with all the cards stacked against us. Overcoming all the daily challenges, day after day!

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

It's difficult to isolate one thing as the challenges are numerous all the time. Being a business owner takes continual knowledge and insight into all aspects of the business, coupled with the challenge of knowing what steps to take.

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

Make sure you've got a strong group of people around you that have different talents. You'll probably need help with accounting, social media, content creation, marketing, etc. when you first begin. So, surround yourself with a few key people initially, be prepared for more work and time investment than you'd planned for, and plan for the first 3-5 years to be much harder and full of more curve balls than you'd expected!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://movegst.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleigh.gass
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleighrgass/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inspired_move
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-gass-6252b5a/

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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