Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Blair Vandenheuvel, founder of thebarre30, located in Ontario, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
thebarre30 is a fitness community created for everyone at every fitness level! All workouts are 30-minutes, so even the busiest person has time to get a feel-good workout in.
Tell us about yourself
Up until March 2020, I was a professional dancer traveling internationally aboard cruise ships. When the pandemic hit, ship contracts came to a halt & I had a decision to make would I sit & wait to go back to sea or start the next chapter of my life? It took me a total of 3 days to be tired of sitting around, so I began creating daily workouts & sharing through social media. This started as daily motivation for myself; then slowly, a community started being built & I loved hearing about people's accomplishments from making a commitment to themselves each day. The benefits weren't only physical, but mentally as well, which we all know is incredibly important in today's world.
I took courses to become a certified Barre & Group Fitness Instructor, and thebarre30 started becoming a legitimate business. My motivation still to this day is the same as when my workouts were shared through social media - inspiring others to get moving, commit to themselves, and improve physical & mental health - one 30-minute workout at a time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say creating a business that has survived through the pandemic and for creating a business that helps people feel good.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Definitely the unknown, each day brings new questions & decisions that need to be made without knowing if they are the right ones. I'm lucky enough to have an incredible support system that doubles as my business advisors, but ultimately the decisions are mine to make, which can be overwhelming at times. I fear that the decisions I make will let people down.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Patience, patience, patience. Allow yourself to be a beginner in the process, and don't compare yourself to people who have been doing it longer. This is your journey - you've already been strong enough to take the first step, so you have what it takes. Just know it's going to take a while to get there. Also, enjoy the process, and be proud of all accomplishments- no matter how small.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thebarre30.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebarre30/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarre30/
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.