Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Harry Legg, Founder of New Jersey Tai Chi, located in Verona, NJ, USA.

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

At New Jersey Tai Chi, we teach art that can really change your life. There is a long, evidence-based list of health issues, both physical and mental that Tai Chi can improve. Besides the health aspect, Tai Chi is a martial art. If you choose, you will also learn how to defend yourself and your loved ones. Many Tai Chi programs suffer from being watered-down, corporatized, and over-simplified - which yields results that are lacking in the proper quality that Tai Chi can truly provide.

There are substantial benefits to be had fairly quick in Tai Chi training - but if you want to really reap the full scope of the benefits, this is a practice that does require commitment. It should not be treated as "who has the best Groupon deal this month - that's where I am going." Find a teacher who is still an avid student of the art first. If they went off for a weekend certification workshop and now think they are qualified to teach - run! At New Jersey Tai Chi, we are happy to teach everyone from young adults to senior citizens. We have group classes, private instruction, and corporate wellness programs.

A comprehensive Tai Chi school should teach a short form with perhaps a longer form later - because spending a year or longer memorizing form (choreography) slows down the overall benefits of the art for the student. You should also be taught Qigong & Nei Kung, Internal Push Hands, Healing, Self-Defense, Martial Applications, and Fighting Methods. Even if you want to practice Tai Chi for health only, learning the basics of the martial side will involve testing your posture, structure, root, the efficiency of body movement, and more - all of which are a part of bringing about good health. Otherwise, you are just performing what we call "empty choreography." Even our senior citizen students learn the martial aspects, and it never poses a problem - in fact, they really enjoy it. On the other side of the equation, those who come to us for the martial side of Tai Chi inevitably discover that they do want to learn the healing side of the art.

Tell us about yourself

It never dawned on me that I would end up teaching and running my own school. I began my martial arts training purely because I wanted to get in better physical shape and thought that learning some self-defense would be a good thing. You don't know what you don't know. I had no idea that Tai Chi was a martial art that went incredibly deep - multiple lifetimes of learning types of deep! Besides the physical training, there is significant mind skill training, and it can lead to spiritual development. This is not to be confused with religion - it is not that in any way. When you reach a certain point in your training, a good teacher will tell you that you need to teach.

This does not mean that you have to set up a formal school. It could simply mean that you should find someone that you can share what you are learning with and take along the training path. I did decide to take the more formal route, and over time it has blossomed into a full school. Anyone that has taught any subject knows that when you have to teach - your knowledge and skillset increase dramatically. Some of my students have now become instructors. I am also the NJ / NY Regional Organizer for my Master's level teacher, Richard Clear, who is based in Knoxville. I teach his curriculum and am honored to represent Clear Tai Chi in the NJ / NY area.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have two answers. First, staying afloat throughout the pandemic. I immediately set up a pro-level Zoom studio to continue teaching when in-person classes were not possible. We never missed a beat.

Next, I would say it happens almost daily - helping someone rid themselves of pain with our training. It could be back pain, knee pain, or a headache. This also includes helping them diminish their anxiety or other issues. To me, that is greater than the balance of the bank account. If you act with good intent and truly have a great product - which means having the knowledge and skills to properly teach, while it's never a guarantee, the monetary success of your business typically follows - and that has happened - things continue to grow for New Jersey Tai Chi.

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

Uncertainty - the roller coaster that can exist financially. Over time, this should even out, but you have to be prepared for slow periods and, if possible, have multiple revenue sources to help stabilize your income.

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

  1. Research your industry. Know what you are getting into. Do not be overly idealistic.
  2. Remember to always represent yourself and your business in the most professional way possible. This includes your attitude and everything tangible that you do - marketing materials, website, email signature - details matter! Take a little longer to get things right before rushing into something and having it be half-baked.
  3. Make sure you and your staff are having fun - you will be rewarded, and it will be obvious to those that do business with you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I mentioned having multiple income sources. New Jersey Tai Chi started as a side venture to my main business, being a voiceover artist for Radio/TV stations around the world and for iconic brands such as NBC Sports, Nike, Kodak, McDonald’s, Mt. Dew, MTV, Nickelodeon, and many more. I have worked in broadcasting as an On-Air Personality and Image Voice at stations across the country, including Kiss/Energy in Chicago, KIIS FM in Los Angeles, and WKTU in New York City. I have also held Program Director, Music Director, and Creative Director positions at stations throughout my career.

I now work from my home studio in the New Jersey suburbs of NYC, which allows me the time and flexibility to have made New Jersey Tai Chi more than a side venture - it is now close to being on par with my voiceover income. By the way, if you'd like to hear my voiceover work - go to harrylegg.com. Thank You!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.newjerseytaichi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyTaiChi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newjerseytaichi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewJerseyTaiChi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-jersey-tai-chi/

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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