Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samantha Pennell, Elite Trainer & Nutrition Expert at Sugarloaf Nutrition and Fitness, located in Wasilla, AK, USA.

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

Unlike many other personal training studios, Sugarloaf takes a functional approach. Taking an educated advantage by understanding human physiology is our top priority! We have been able to work with clients who have battled PCOS, Hashimoto's, weight-loss resistance, and many other medical conditions and have helped them find success in a way that doesn't deprive them or leave them feeling defeated! Our client range has been as wide and young as high school athletes all the way to our seniors. We are incredibly grateful to not only have clients local to our community but all over the country from east to west coasts!

Tell us about yourself

I, myself, Samantha, jumped into this arena after having battled my own autoimmune disease. I was tired of asking questions to western medicine doctors without an answer and only to be told to take yet another medication. I was fortunate enough to be working for Algone Interventional, a comprehensive pain, and wellness center here in Alaska! Tom Grissom and Matt Peterson, both MDs, were incredibly supportive and helped link me up with great education sources. They continued to support me in my growth by appointing me as Medical Fitness Coordinator. In this position, I not only was blessed with the opportunity to spend time advancing my knowledge at Rejuv ( a regenerative medicine clinic in Minnesota), but I was also able to work alongside James Alex, MD. James is dual fellowshipped in family and Sports Medicine, specializing in regenerative medicine, making him a perfect mentor for my time spent with his patients.

After six years at Algone, working alongside some of the most intelligent humans I have had the privilege of knowing, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own company. The impact that was made at Algone, helping patients in chronic pain find relief and progress by eating properly and moving in a way that was suitable to them, has given me hope that I can make an impact bigger and beyond my own community! I chose to name my business after Sugarloaf Mountain, my hometown's most prominent peak in Valdez, AK. Much like I am surrounded by many other trainers, studios, and web programs in my field, so too is Valdez, surrounded by vast and bold mountains. Sugarloaf Mountain stands out amongst the many other mountains in Valdez by its visual difference, unique shape, and water placement. My hope was that Sugarloaf Nutrition and Fitness would stand out for its unique approach and heart for people!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been creating a program that challenges my clients but provides long-term sustainability. No more packaged foods or HIIT training programs. Welcome to a world of balance.

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

The unknown of State Business Licensing. There are many mentors to ask questions about building a website or creating a program; however, each state has different standards, and some of the languages have been hard to navigate!

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

  1. I would work with someone who has a good understanding of your local state licensing policies. Someone who understands the language. This has been pivotal for me!
  2. Open a business account at your bank!
  3. Network with your community! Word of mouth is far more reliable than social media, in my experience. 90% of my clients have come from people talking about GOOD experiences!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Be your unique self. That is YOUR brand. When you are yourself, it doesn't feel draining to show up day after day. Whatever you choose to brand your business for needs to be sustainable!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://iamvictoriam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarloaf_nutrifit/

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.