Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lucie Becus, Owner of Surprise Pilates, located in Surprise, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Surprise Pilates is my fourth studio, and I'm thrilled about this latest venture. We offer Pilates, Barre, and Suspension training. Our instructors are fully certified to work with special populations and injury rehab, as well as create a great workout for anybody. We have a large senior population, and we love how strong our seniors are! Our goal is freedom through movement in a friendly community.
Tell us about yourself
I was a college athlete with a passion for health and wellness. That led me to teach spinning first and spinning for about a decade. When I discovered Pilates, I was amazed by what it did for my body - solving issues I had just accepted. I very quickly wanted to learn more and share that magic with others. After a successful career in advertising, I left to open my first studio in 2011 in Nashville, TN. Now 11 years later, I am embarking on my fourth studio in Surprise, Arizona, and I am thrilled to continue sharing Pilates with more people. I moved to Arizona because I love the mountains, sunshine, and healthier lifestyle. I am continually motivated by our clients in their 80s who show up for Pilates several times a week in addition to other physical activities. I want to be that 80-year-old someday, too!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am proud of starting my studios in Nashville, TN, Lexington, KY, and now Surprise, AZ, by myself from the ground up. It's a lot of work to build a new business, but it's also rewarding. I never wanted to do a franchise because I want to be able to make the right decisions for my clients and my location - not what's right for investors.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say it's the fact you don't really get vacation time or holidays off. Of course, you can take time off, but it's always a choice whether to close the business for a day or two or not if there isn't another instructor able to teach. Everything, good or bad, falls on the owner!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be very clear about what you want to be and what you are not - it's easy to try to be all things, and that does not work! Set boundaries with your time, so you don't run yourself into the ground. Take your time bringing on help - it's more important to find the right person than to find a person quickly.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.surprisepilates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surprisepilates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surprisepilates/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luciebbecus/
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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