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

by Torrie Oglesby | Sep 16, 2015 | Learn + Grow

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