Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal training but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Carfra, founder of Michelle Carfra Fitness, a fitness coach who designs personalized training programs to fit any lifestyle.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My mission for my coaching business is to show my clients their own true power. Strength training saved my life; it took me from feeling weak in my body and mind from years of believing there was something wrong with me to feeling strong, capable, and in tune with my body. My clients tend to be young to middle-aged professionals who want to take control of their health.
I guide them through behavioral changes and new skills paired with a strength-training focused workout plan to help them stay intrinsically motivated and feeling their best for the long term. This isn't about quick fixes, crazy workout schedules, or crash diets. Coaching is a partnership where we find what IS possible for you right now and build slowly from there. Everyone has time to make choices that will improve their health; they just need the tools and education to implement new habits and stick to them. That's where I come in!
Tell us about yourself
I have always been interested in health. I came from an athletic background (in my youth) and knew my passion was to pursue something in wellness or fitness. I graduated with my BSc. in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary in 2020 and immediately got to work starting my personal training business.
Coming up on one full year working as a coach, I can say that the most special thing about my job is experiencing with my clients their moments of pride and joy when they accomplish something they never had before. It's an honor to be a part of someone's life so regularly for long periods of time. I learn about my client's families, their struggles, and their accomplishments. And when something that we have worked on together becomes the reason for their happiness or pride, it's the best feeling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been moving from an independent contractor position that I held in a gym to moving fully online as my own business. I have a lot of learning and growing to do, but I'm proud that I took the risk and made that switch for myself. I have so many dreams and visions for the future, I am excited that I have the time to pursue them now.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When you work in a professional establishment, any gaps in your own knowledge can be filled with the expertise of your coworkers around you. When you start your own business, it takes a lot of extra work to research things you were not trained in. For me, this has been marketing and finances, but with some extra effort, things begin to make more and more sense!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My number one tip is to start now, but be patient with your "launch." If you have a vision or a dream for your business, start completing tasks or doing research now! Take your time setting up your systems and crossing your "i's and t's" because once you open, things flow much better when you have taken the time to set up a good quality system.
Secondly, utilize connections or peers for help; never be afraid to reach out and ask questions because people are usually more than happy to share a bit of their expertise.
My final tip is to start with the end in mind. What is your end goal? What is the direction you want your business to go? This can help you with decisions early on in your journey that set you up for your own personal brand of success down the line.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
You never know unless you try. Life is about taking risks, calculated and educated risks, but a risk nonetheless. The cliche growth only happens outside your comfort zone is overused for a reason. Take that first step - getting out of your own way and see what happens.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.trainerize.me/profile/michellecarfrafitness/Michelle.Carfra/
Instagram: @michellecarfra_fit
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.
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