She Owns It: Conversations with an Entrepreneur, Stephanie Pollock from Working Out in Paradise

She Owns It: Conversations with an Entrepreneur, Stephanie Pollock from Working Out in Paradise

Meet your new favorite fitness coach! She’s spunky, she’s positive and she wants to help you get in the best shape of your life, even if you don’t live in Hawaii. (Yes, she has a virtual boot camp!) With a personal fitness story that motivates her to help other women get fit, this mama is on a mission and isn’t slowing down anytime soon!

What’s the story behind Working out in Paradise? What experience birthed this business?

In 2013 I purchased a previously existing company that I had been working for in our area. I loved my job and was pumped to start my own business! I changed the name and the logo and started my own formats. I spent my first year really discovering my brand and what I wanted for Working out in Paradise. I wanted to make fitness available to women in my community. It needed to be challenging and still be fun and supportive. Something that women in my community would look forward too and be excited about! I thought about my own journey and what would have made it easier, better or would have made me do it sooner. I hope that this is what Working out in Paradise can do.

What’s the hardest part about owning your own fitness business?

Constantly reminding myself that I do not have to be perfect. It is very hard to not compare my body or my business to others. Sometime I find myself wondering if I would make more money doing what I do if I had the “perfect” body. But then I stop myself, because that is the exact opposite of what my brand is all about! I tell my clients not to compare themselves to others, and neither can I. I am not perfect, I eat my pizza and drink my beer too. And I am absolutely honest about it with my clients, and they really appreciate that.

What has been your most successful networking tool?

BNI Business Networking International. It is a group of business owners who meet once a week to give and receive business referrals. The theory behind it is that “givers gain” We keep an ear out for business opportunities for the members in our chapter. And then go one step further to introduce, connect, or refer that business for them. So that you have your own little army of sales people that have a network you would never even know about. There are chapters all over the world passing millions of dollars’ worth of referrals. Look up a local chapter in your area and attend as a visitor. I highly recommend it for all businesses but especially for the entrepreneurs!

People can now do the boot camp virtually. Tell us more about your online boot camp and how that came to be? How can we join?

I just launched this format 2 weeks ago. I was getting so many requests for this type of format I could not ignore it anymore. I have followers, family, friends, and referrals from all over the country telling me that they wish I was closer to them. Thankfully, these days, we can be everywhere all at once! My camps right now run through Facebook in secret groups. I create the group and add in the members so no one else can see what we are up to. It’s like our secret Facebook fitness club house. You get 5 workouts per week. The workouts range from speed, endurance and strength training, and is great for all fitness levels. You also get the Working Out in Paradise nutrition manual, as well as personal contact with myself for any questions or concerns you have during the boot camp. I also share tips, advice, and knowledge daily on creating a healthy and fit life style. We have weekly challenges and a participation winner each round. The cost for this group is $30.00 for 30 days. For details on when the next group starts, you can email me at workingoutinparadise@yahoo.com

If you could pick 3 words that best describe your brand what would they be?

Fun, motivating, and supportive

If someone is coming to one of your classes, what should they expect?

Kids! All of my classes are keiki (Hawaiian for child) friendly. So besides the sweat, pumping music, and burpees, there are usually a few little kiddos running around too.

There’s a lot of fitness guru’s out there, what makes your brand different and how do you manage to stand out amongst the many faces?

My own personal journey. I myself lost over 70 pounds 2009. I know how difficult it can be to get started. I can relate to my clients when they are giving up all the foods, drinks, and bad habits. Change is hard. When someone can relate to you and give you tips and advice from their own experience, it seems more possible. Something else that make me different is that my classes are all keiki (kid in Hawaiian) friendly. I started this company when my son was 3 months old, and he has been attending classes with me ever since. I think it sets such a great example to our children when they see their parents making their health a priority. That example trickles down to own families, community, and peers. I just always stay true to myself and to my clients. We try not to take anything too seriously. We sweat a lot, but we laugh and have fun too. Fitness has to be fun! Also, there is the gym. I don’t think you have ever been in a gym quite like the Wild Wahine Boot Camp gym. It may just be a covered drive way but it is on our 2 acre plantation on the North Shore. It is a great outdoors and private venue. We are so lucky to be able to work out in such a beautiful environment. It really is working out in paradise.

What is your number one advice for someone who wants to get into the fitness market but is finding a hard time breaking into it?

Stick with it. Just like with fitness results, this takes time. Stay consistent. There is a lack of that in trainers and coaches in this industry. Your clients need to know that they can depend on you, day after day. I would also suggest really working on social media. It is so crucial these days! Spend a little bit of money to get some training in that area. It is worth it.

Where do you see WOIP 10 years from now?

Honestly, I hope I am doing the exact same thing I am doing now, just with a wider reach. I’m out here on a little corner of an island in the middle of the ocean, but I hope to be able to reach the world, and inspire them to take control of their health!

Find more of Stephanie and Working Out in Paradise on Instagram @workingoutinparadise

She Owns It: Conversations With An Entrepreneur Jena Holliday

She Owns It: Conversations With An Entrepreneur Jena Holliday

Today’s Entrepreneur: Jena Holliday from A Spoonful of Faith

 

  1. Tell us about your business and explain the purpose and vision for A Spoonful of Faith.
    Spoonful of Faith was founded in 2014 as outlet for me to express my creativity, passions and help others create theirs! I’ve always been a creative soul, with art in my blood from a young age. With a professional background in marketing, social media, and blogging – I mix them all together and help create brands with a unique flair, distinct look, and creative touch. I also do custom illustration and design work. Right now, its a one-woman team, and I love that I can be so intimately involved with each project. My goal is really to help small businesses and women create unique hand crafted businesses, artwork, and bring something that is wonderfully made especially for them. Christ is a huge part behind why this was started and a lot of advice is given on my blog based on His principles. It’s truly a lifestyle brand where you can hear truth, find positive artwork for your life, and get the push to create a small business that’s a true expression of who you are.

 

  1. What are your long-term goals for your business?Long term I would love to be doing more marketing and campaign art commission jobs and really turning it into a full service brand management firm. It’s hard when it’s one person because I get to wear all the hats! But I know that Jesus has got His hand on it all, so I have to keep my focus on today so that whatever comes tomorrow can be exactly what is needed at that time!

 

  1. As an entrepreneur, what are some of your favorite resources to use?Hmmm, I actually take advantage of some pretty cool subscription Facebook groups. There are great ones out there that are free as well – where you can connect with other entrepreneurs in your industry that will inspire you and offer tips and tricks in things that they have learned. I also take advantage of the notes/reminders on my cell phone – like big time! I also like to make to-do lists for the week so I can see overall what I want to focus on – as currently I do work a full-time job in social media while I do the freelance work on the side. So I keep busy! God is definitely the best resource I have, finding peace and balance in it all.

 

  1. What was the number one fear that you had to overcome regarding starting your own business and choosing to be an entrepreneur?
    Fears suck! But they are definitely something you can overcome. I think the biggest thing I had to overcome was that I was good enough and needed in the marketplace. I think sometimes when we see others that may be doing something we find cool in our industry – we can be intimidated and start the comparison party. But truly God has shown me that there is something about each of us that is unique and needs to be shared – so my biggest advice is to stay true to yourself and what creatively comes from your life and spirit. That creates the best content, ideas, and will give you the greatest return than trying to do what everyone else is doing. And you are good enough! Technically trained or not, you can be amazing and you really have to believe that!

 

  1. Your branding is impeccable, what’s your number one advice for branding?Wow, thank you seriously you don’t know what that means to me. I think it’s really important to understand what your brand or business is trying to say to your target audience. Once you figure out who you are talking to and what you are trying to say – the next best thing is to figure out how to effectively reach these people. Which is where a lot of people get hung up – especially today as there are so many social networks and communities of people. So market research is key – it will save you a lot of time in the end if you figure out exactly who you are talking to. Selling to a group of moms is very different than selling to a group of female entrepreneurs that could be moms – there’s different points that are important to each group, there’s different pain points, there’s overlapping values but they need to be said in a certain voice to be effective. Figuring that out can help your business tremendously.

 

  1. What’s your favorite tool for networking?I think social media and blogging have been the best tools for me to meet people! My favorite tool is social media because it’s easy to connect and drop a message. But I think conferences, local happy hours, and Facebook groups are great ways to connect with people who are interested in similar things. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of meeting in person – via Skype if you’re connection is long distance or meeting up for coffee if you’re local. I’ve met some amazing people by just getting out from behind the screen this year and have had some awesome business opportunities created from that.

 

  1. The best piece of advice that you want to share with entrepreneurs who are just starting out?Dive in. I’ve only been doing this thing for about a year and it’s insane the amount I have learned. Everything won’t always look pretty, but look past the situation and think big picture and it will help you through! When you feel like you are compromising your work and comparing yourself too much – disconnect for a few days! Also, you may work longer hours at first but it will pay off. Soak it all up, keep the faith, and stay motivated by your purpose. I guess that’s more than one piece of advice – but those are all things learned in my first year and have really helped me.

 

  1. As your business grows, is it important to stay flexible with the plan or true to the original plan and vision? 

    I think flexibility is important. Building a business is a bit like having a child. You can prepare yourself for the good and the bad; but you have to roll with the punches of what comes at each stage. You should have a vision but understand things may change and it doesn’t mean you are a failure. You never fail, you always walk away from a situation with a new outlook or understanding. That’s truly a win.

 

  1. What do you recommend for bloggers specifically? The blog world is hard to break into and you’ve done so almost effortlessly.Thanks! I have been blogging since 2008 – so I’ve learned so much!  I recently left my longtime blog and started a new one with Spoonful of Faith – that was eye opening and hard because it was definitely starting over for me. The biggest piece of advice that I could give bloggers is to create great content. What does that even mean nowadays – since there’s so much content and blogs out there? Do some research on who your audience is. (Again market research!) What are their interests? What are their pain points? How can your blog help them? Truly being honest – people are pretty self-serving. If I visit your blog I want something out of it. And if I feel like you are talking directly to me – I feel like I belong there and I keep coming back. But the way the blogger does that is by knowing who they are trying to reach or talk to – and talking in their ‘love’ language about things they are interested in. Which should be something you are passionate about blogging on in the first place! Also be consistent and share your content – you’ve gotta be your biggest advocate.

 

  1. Most entrepreneurs wear multiple hats, what’s your advice for time management while being your own boss?
    It’s important and can be hard. I’m a mommy, I work full time, I’m a wife, and I have a small business. I could tell you about ways I get through my work day – but honestly it comes down to priorities. Life is busy – but defining what is most important to you will help you prioritize your life. My family is important and providing excellent service to my clients is important. I can’t do everything but I can be open and honest with my clients about realistic timelines. I can take time to just focus on having quality time with my family. I can decide to have office hours and quit checking emails after a certain time. You have to do what works for your life and what matters to you. You put on the hat that is most important at that time, you handle what you can as it comes, you thank God for the days that you have help. Also, I think it’s important to be on the same page with your spouse and family. If you have support it really helps! And if you don’t have support from family – networking is key. There are some amazing communities, groups and people out there ready and willing to support your efforts. Find them!

For more of Jena, go visit www.aspoonfuloffaith.com

With love and big smiles,

torrie.

She Owns It: 5 Keys On Branding

She Owns It: 5 Keys On Branding

There are so many options when you look into branding. However, there are a few key tips you should know when you are ready to build your brand. Her are 5 to get you started:

 

1. The Buy-in: If you have no idea what you bring to the table or why what you have to offer is important, neither will anyone else. Before anyone ever buys in to your brand they will have to buy in to the creator first. So, how do you accomplish the scary task of being relatable to your target audience, you ask? It’s quite simple, you do the personal work necessary to have a clear understanding of who you are and what you represent, because only then will your actions, words and brand be aligned to connect with true authenticity.

 

2. Create a standard: If you have no guidelines, no values or boundaries that make you unique, what is your niche? Furthermore, what do you stand for? In current day branding for a brand to thrive it must have a personality and opinion. Based on your audience, develop the personality of your brand; create the poster child for “XYZ Brand”. Give her thoughts opinions, ideas and most of all give her freedom to grow and evolve over time.

 

3.Give More: It is easy to take from people that need or desire what you offer. However, if you pour out into the people that support your brand, they will not only return they will be loyal. They will feel appreciated and share their praise of your brand with others… word of mouth is still the best advertisement.

 

4: Understand the difference between a brand and branding: A brand is like sitting in the car and cranking it up. Branding is cranking it up and going across country. Then once you reach that destination jumping on a plane to another country with new car for another journey. There is a big difference and your audience can peep it from a mile away if you are tap dancing with an idea or if you are committed.

 

5. Be Committed: Do not look for the easy way out, nurture your brand as you would a child. Honestly, it is a child. Seek quality services that will showcase all you have to offer, have integrity and be consistent. If you are committed, the return on everything you do will be greater, not because of the product or service, but because of the overall presence of your brand.

 

Until next time… Brand On!

 

Be Inspired,

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