Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mizar Fuentes-Ortega, owner of OPEX Montréal, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.

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

We are a team of passionate and knowledgeable coaches ready to guide you on your health and fitness journey, from the starting line to your personal podium. We provide individualized fitness programming, nutritional coaching, and lifestyle planning. With these tools and our expertise, you will find your goals within reach and kick them out of the ballpark.

Our coaches are here for you. Actively listen to your specific needs and questions. They stand by you through your wins, the struggles, and the epic comebacks. The relationship you have with your coach is one you can trust to deliver constructive feedback, support, and consistent results. This relationship is the foundation of the OPEX experience and one we stand by to deliver you the best quality training around and raise your standard of fitness.

Tell us about yourself

As a former gymnast and gymnastics coach, I found myself looking for another physical challenge. That's when I found CrossFit (2009). I quickly realized this was something I wanted to pursue, both as an athlete and as a coach. With the mentorship of James FitzGerald (Founder of OPEX Fitness), I qualified for the CrossFit Regionals multiple years in a row.

Seeking to understand more, I joined the OPEX CCP program and continued to develop his mind, body, and spirit and looks to do the same with my clients. I became a coach for individuals who are committed to long-term progress and who are not just looking for a quick fix. Why? Because I enjoy having a positive impact on people's lives, I know that everyone has the potential to be a stronger, healthier version of themselves.

As a coach, I believe in starting with the basics. I encourage my clients to set goals and to understand their "why." Why are they training? Why is this important to them? The reason we choose to do things is important because it helps to set our priorities straight. The excuse "I don't have time" no longer exists. It's more like, "It's not a priority at the moment."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner thus far is to have survived COVID. In Quebec, restrictions were significant, and we had to stop our operations for almost 12 months!!!! We adopted through this time by offering individual designs to each of our clients. This allowed them to continue taking care of their health during this time.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is that you are the decision-maker. These decisions can affect a lot of people, including our own daily lives. For example, we had to let go of a couple of our coaches due to covid closures. This affected both our coaches and myself. As we re-open operations, we did not have the required number of clients to hire back our coaches. This means that as a business owner, I had to take charge of their coaching times. This put an extra load on my daily living and lifestyle.

We are slowly getting back up, and soon we will be able to hire another coach and help me alleviate my current schedule!

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

  1. Have a vision.
  2. Have a plan for your vision.
  3. Know your numbers $$$ to get you to that vision.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Know your "why."
Know your vision.
Know your Mission.
Why you are opening that specific business.
Remember, it's a business, not a hobby.
If you don't make money, it's NOT a business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.opexmontreal.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opexmtl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opexmontreal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/opexmontreal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizar-fuentes-ortega-b7645877/

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.