Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cathleen & Josiah Bayack, Founders of TruStreithe Fitness Inc., located in New York, NY, USA.

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

Tru Streithe Fitness is a faith-based, holistic health and wellness company. Our mission is to promote and inspire total wellness: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. We believe it begins and ends from within. We want to give our clients the tools they need to succeed not only in health but in life. We teach people how to move, how to be limber yet strong. Our vision is to bridge the gap between the medical and fitness industry. We offer various services such as: personal and group fitness training (one-to-one/corporate), injury prevention, pre/post rehabilitation, sports enhancement training, pre/post natal training, senior fitness, and martial arts.

Tell us about yourself

We started in the fitness industry as individuals working towards different goals. For myself (Cathleen), I was disabled for five years, unable to do the things I love, I was in a very low place, and I was suicidal as well. If the Lord hadn't saved me and given me the grace and knowledge to find the best holistic medical care, I would not be here talking to you today. It was my faith in God and the team of doctors, therapists, and trainers that willed me back to life. It was at that moment that I decided I wanted to help others the way God and my team helped me 10+ years later; here I am still doing what I love.

For myself (Josiah), I originally got into fitness because I got teased and bullied a lot in high school. I even got put inside a garbage can. I was small; I wasn't big like all the other students, and being labeled as a geek didn't help me much either. I wanted to put on weight so that I could protect myself and get the girls (lol). The girls wanted all the sports players. So I thought, hey, it's a win-win for me. I won't get beat up anymore, and the girls will be on me. But then, as my knowledge and training progressed, I realized there was more to life than looking good; I was making a change in my clients' lives and the lives of my family members. From there on out, I have been an advocate of health and wellness since.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We believe our biggest accomplishment as business owner(s) is just being able to physically be in business and that we actually took the step to do so. We grew up in tough neighborhoods and were around a lot of negative situations. Situations that had we not made a change could have landed us in a very different place. We made a choice, but God always had his hand of protection over our lives, and to be able to be in business legitimately together as husband and wife, still moving forward although all the setbacks, is truly a blessing. Many do not have the opportunity or access to the resources to do so. We are truly blessed.

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

We would say the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner(s) is juggling between work and personal life. When you start off, typically, you don't have employees or independent contractors to help you with the work, so you have to be the CEO, CFO, COO, executive assistant, etc., all while servicing your clients at a high-level rate. It is definitely not easy wearing several hats; in the end, though, it is rewarding.

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

  1. Start with some capital, or gain access to capital. It is harder on you when starting with no money and no employees. You will be stretched thin, and having the comfort of being able to pay bills and expand when necessary is critical to your love for your craft/product and your role as a business owner.
  2. You absolutely, absolutely need a support system. We don't care what anyone says, Rome was not built in a day, and nobody made it without standing on the shoulders of someone else. We were not blessed with having a great support system. Aside from our aunt and uncle and 1 or 2 friends, we've pretty much been pushing the boat solo. It wears on you when you don't have anyone in your corner. There will be good days, hard days, and even harder days, and you will need the encouragement the most on those days.
  3. Be pliable. It is important to stay true to your values, your core, and your reason for being in business, but if you are unwilling to learn or change, you risk falling behind with the times, and you will never survive in business without adapting. Times change, so you must find a balance between the two without compromising yourself, your brand, and the communities you service.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Just a final thought, life is tough; live, laugh, love, and know when to say no. What matters most in life is who you are and what you place your value in. What you do/sell/service is what you give to the world. Know the difference.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.trustreithefitness.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trustreithefitness-100127499255605/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustreithefitness/

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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