Not your typical gym

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey by launching a wellness business but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Beth Moore, owner of Pax Active, in St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

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

We are a Personal Training and Small group boutique studio in the downtown of St.Catharines. Our goal is to help every client increase strength, improve mobility and enhance stamina. We work with primarily general populations to help them get fit for everyday life. Many big-box gyms are set out to make more prominent companies; our goal is to make more substantial people. We aim to increase the quality of life for our clients by helping them reach their goals and improve their fitness levels to keep up with their lives.

Tell us about yourself

My partner Kevin and I worked in the industry for years on the sales and marketing side and as personal trainers. We had worked at some of the biggest fitness companies in Canada but always felt there was more we could do to help people; we wanted more control over price, service, and client connection. We work hard to make sure every one of our clients is safe and reaching their goals. We know that increasing your fitness level can dramatically change your life, and that is what drives us every day to change lives truly.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Opening during a pandemic. There were many times where we felt our dream would die before it even started. Luckily we were able to make it through most of the pandemics and lockdowns. Every day, we feel blessed that we walk into our studio and know that we created this space and it's helping people just like we set out to do. Our greatest successes come from clients telling us how much their life has improved, how much easier daily tasks are becoming and how much they respect themselves.

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

One of the hardest things for me as a business owner is to let go of some of my people-pleasing tendencies. To set clear boundaries with clients and staff, to have expectations, and to stick by them. It can be easy to let everyone else run the show, but I have to set our business's course at the end of the day.

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

Talking to a branding agency, figure out what kind of story you want to tell through your business, and start to understand your positioning in the market.
Don't overthink about failing or the things you may not be naturally good at; just start learning and take it one day at a time.
Look into grants and hire a grant writer; there is money for new businesses. The process can feel daunting, but it is worth it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://paxactive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paxactive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paxactive/

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.