Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Beth Sterne, Owner of The Balance Movement, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Balance Movement is an online resource hub to help active people over 50 remain active for the rest of their lives. A strong, active body helps people stay connected with life and with the people they love by keeping them doing the activities they love.
Our mission is to offer people the inspiration, information, and resources they need to keep aligned, fit, active, and connected so that they do not experience a physical decline that could result in serious falls and injury. Our main offering is short alignment-based exercise videos that can be done anytime, anywhere, every day.
Tell us about yourself
I started studying Pilates in my 20s while working on my career in Corporate Accounting. Then 9/11 happened, and I decided to take a big leap and follow my passion. So, I moved to New York City to study Pilates under the most esteemed teachers in the world. Over the past 20 years, I have opened two Pilates studios and hold two comprehensive Pilates certifications (Power Pilates and Romana's Pilates).
I have taught hundreds and hundreds of clients over the past two decades, and from them, I have learned the brilliance of the human body, the value of willpower, the importance of connection, and that movement heals.
I created my online platform, The Balance Movement, because when I turned 50, I developed foot pain and noticed my joints were stiff. I started to hear the same complaint from other middle-agers. Then the older crowd shared with me their fears of falling.
I am happy to say that because I practice these balance exercises every day - yes, I do my own videos- my foot pain is gone. Not only that, I've started jogging again, and I play pickleball five times a week. I am excited about being active for the rest of my life and helping others do the same.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Remaining passionate about what I am offering after 20 years in business. And remaining personally active and vibrant after turning the corner on 50.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me as an owner is learning to delegate. A team is stronger than an individual. So, to grow the business effectively to best serve the customer, I need to be able to focus on my craft, which is to utilize my 20 years of Pilates expertise to create good content. So, it is important for me to find others to help me with the tasks such as marketing, design, accounting, etc. This is hard for me. Sometimes I just want to do it all, but I shouldn't.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Define your mission - why are you passionate about doing what you are doing? Because there will be some days when you aren't so passionate. It just happens. So, you have to have a clear mission to keep you going through the tough days.
- Stay humble and be open to learning. There is always more to learn. The longer you are in business, the more you realize how much you still don't know. It's funny how that works. It's usually the new business owners who think they know it all, and it's the older business owners who know that they don't... because you never stop learning.
- Surround yourself with good people who share your mission. The good ones are hard to find, so when you do, treat them accordingly. Treat the good supporters with appreciation and compensation.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thebalancemovement.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBalanceMvmnt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.balance.movement/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBalanceMove1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebalancemovement/
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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