Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Martin, Founder of Less Brunches More Crunches, located in Capitol Heights, MD, USA.

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

I am a personal trainer and a fitness apparel owner. To my customers, I am a life changer; not only do I guide my clients on how to live a healthier lifestyle, but I also help them relieve stress, increase their discipline, build their character, give them confidence and get rid of any negative emotions that are caused from the difficulties of their lives. My business has allowed me to make new friends. Some of my clients are like family and have been training with me since 2017.

Tell us about yourself

As a former Division basketball player, the ball was life for me. I had aspirations of playing professionally like any other hooper. After my senior season ended, I picked up a job at the front desk of Gold's Gym while staying in shape and trying out for various teams/agents. After a while, my professional dreams started to dwindle away after receiving no solid contract offers. A few of the trainers at the gym always suggested that I should train, but I never listened. Once I applied myself and got my certification, I took a leap of faith by initially training friends and family for free. After about 3 months of ups and downs, late clients, no-call no-shows, and a few other obstacles, my business took off, and I was training full-time. I'm truly blessed to do what I love for a living. As a trainer, I believe I'm living out my purpose and providing service to people who need and appreciate it. It amazes me how my clients and I continuously get better, and I'm excited to see where else training will take me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Surviving the pandemic in LA. When the pandemic arrived, I was living in LA at the time. This was the most shutdown city in the country, and gyms were even closed for a year. I lost every client and had to turn to door dash for income. This taught me patience, how to be smart with my money, and how to be thankful for the clients I do have. During the pandemic, I ended up getting a few clients back, so I decided to buy some gym equipment to train them outside. The equipment I bought were things like dumbbells, barbells, a weight bench, bumper plates, battle ropes, etc. I stored the equipment in a shed, and after a few months, someone broke into the shed. THEY TOOK EVERYTHING. That was most definitely my lowest moment as a trainer, but I managed to bounce back. I'm thankful for that experience as well.

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

One of the hardest things is to get family and close friends to respect your business. I had people approach my business in such an unprofessional manner when I started. People also wanted my service for free. Sometimes I had to be smart with my money, so I lived with my mom until my mid-20s. After the pandemic shut my business down, I had to move back in with my mom at 28 for a while. Many people aren't prepared for the ups and downs of having their own business. I also had people close to me look down on my career choice. They didn't view it as a real job, so they always ask what my next step is going to be. "Do you want to do this forever?" "When are you going to get a house?" "Are you sure you want to stick with this?" "I don't hear any of any big plans from you, so I'm concerned" You have to have thick skin and overlook the negativity. If you want to be successful and you're willing to do what it takes, you'll be fine. You don't need to convince anyone or prove anything. Stay silent and let your results speak.

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

  1. You have to work when you don't feel like it. You are your business. Therefore, you are always attached to it, even on weekends and holidays. You should always be getting better and creating ways to grow.
  2. Stay away from negative energy as often as possible. It's easy to feed into negative thinking. That will hinder your mindset and the growth of your business.
  3. Educate yourself. You always want your knowledge to be on point. People WILL test your knowledge. You don't want to be labeled a "fraud," "scammer," or things of that nature. Invest in your knowledge, and don't look for shortcuts/ways to finesse.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cmartyfit.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmartyfit/

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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