Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sports and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin Adams, CEO and Co-Owner of San Diego Gymnastics, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

We are San Diego Gymnastics! We have 5 locations located around San Diego. We teach gymnastics, tumbling, and parkour to kids of all ages! Starting at walking, our enrolled kids can participate in sports while also taking advantage of our other programs such as the After School Program, Active Preschool, birthday parties, Kids Night Out, and seasonal day camps!

Tell us about yourself

I got involved with San Diego Gymnastics in 2018 after being in the spa industry for seven years. It was fun to return to working with kids. Since my history is in membership-based businesses, it was an easy transition. I had managed employees for 12 years at that point; however, taking over as Executive Director at SDG, I had the opportunity to take over even more of the background business duties, including programming, budgeting, HR, overseeing a team of Managers, and opening new locations.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Making it through COVID-19 stronger than ever! Of course, we closed during the mandates; however, we opened the second we could and have not slowed down. We opened a brand new location in January of 2021 and relocated our first location to a new building in March of the same year. We have more kids enrolled now than ever before and are in the final stages of opening our 5th location!

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

As rewarding as it is, being responsible for a business with almost 3,000 customers/families and 100 employees can be emotionally taxing! We are in business to provide healthy and positive services for the families in the communities we serve. However, our goal is to also be as profitable as possible to ensure we are constantly growing and improving our facilities and programs.

Sometimes people have opinions that business owners can be focused only on the money and not see the big picture. Employees going through hard times can be difficult as well. We are caring and approachable, so I am proud to say employees are always able to access my Executive Team and me whenever they need anything.

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

  1. Always be transparent, honest, consistent, and fair when it comes to employees and customers.
  2. Keep things simple! Have a short list of main priorities and stick to them every single day. The larger the menu/list of services, the more complicated they are, and more room for confusion, error, and distraction. Have one pricing model, follow it, and don't deviate. Remove the extras and the need for more materials as it leads to costs.
  3. Have very clear and consistent daily operations for managers and front-line workers and someone responsible for ensuring they are followed.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sdgymnastics.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegogymnastics/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinadamsbellavia/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoGymnastics/
https://www.facebook.com/sdgymlacosta/
https://www.facebook.com/sdgymotay/
https://www.facebook.com/sdgymgrossmont/

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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