Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Daye, Founder of Studio86 Fitness, located in Columbus, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Studio86 Fitness is a boutique fitness studio offering classes and private sessions in Pilates, Jumping Fitness (rebounding), Barre, and Yoga. My clients range in age from 15 to 85 with varying fitness levels. We strive to provide a comprehensive and welcoming environment for all body types and abilities. In addition, we offer a majority of our classes via live stream and have many clients from across the United States.
Tell us about yourself
I initially started the studio in 2019 as an online subscription model business providing pre-recorded workout videos clients could do in their homes. I began by offering only Jumping Fitness, Mat Pilates, and Yoga videos. When I chose to move back to my hometown of Columbus, I decided to open a physical location of Studio86 on March 1st, 2020. Seeing the joy, the growth of the community, and the progress the clients make every day pushes me to continue teaching and building this business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Because I opened the physical location two weeks before the COVID shutdown here in Ohio, I would say being able to keep the doors open and the studio growing in the way it has so quickly while maneuvering through a pandemic is a pretty big accomplishment as a first-time entrepreneur.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most difficult part is finding and/or training up qualified instructors you can rely on long-term.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you are going it alone, I recommend learning as many skills as possible relating to your industry. Relying on others for too much can backfire. Know when you need to hire outside help for something and hire quality people in that type of work. Plan out goals to grow the business and stick to those goals.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://studio86fitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio86fitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio86fitness/
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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