Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Page, Owner of CrossFit Bench, located in Beamsville, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CrossFit Bench is a community fitness facility. We offer a space for individuals of any age who are looking to lead a healthier life to participate in high-intensity functional workouts. CrossFit workouts can benefit anyone from the 25-year-old pro-athlete hopeful to the 60-year-old retired teacher. We all need to be able to squat to a chair, deadlift something up off the floor, or get yourself up off the floor. The young athlete will just do it a little faster.
Tell us about yourself
Just before my eighth birthday, my mom was hit by a drunk driver leaving her wheelchair-bound, with a list of surgeries to plague her future. I watched as her physical and mental health declined from her inability to complete basic daily tasks. I am not here to only build exceptional athletes. I also want to make sure that the new grandfather can safely lift his granddaughter into his arms, or the new mom can pick up the carrier without worrying about hurting her back or keeping an elderly couple from having to consider selling their house with stairs because they haven't kept themselves from moving.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This community is my biggest accomplishment. Watching our members stay commented on their health and their friends [fellow members] during COVID. While other gyms were closing their doors, we were looking into expansion, and we did. We just moved into our new facility that has doubled our space. That is a direct representation of the commitment that these members have to each other and themselves.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balance working "on" the business and "in" the business. My passion is working with the members and being in the business day to day. However, in order for the business to grow, there must be time spent working on the business as well as upkeep of the facility, bookkeeping, and member growth and retention. It is all about finding a healthy balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Set aside time for yourself in a week and commit that time to your self-care. You can't put 100% into your business if you are working with an empty tank.
- Know your worth. There will be occasions for you to offer your time and knowledge at no cost, but remember that your time has value. Know that value!
- Take the risk. There is comfort in playing it safe, but playing it safe will never bring growth. Take the calculated risk, jump in with both feet and eyes wide open, and refuse to sink!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.crossfitbench.ca/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3RIdYFP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meesh_page/
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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