By: Alesa Arnett – San Antonio Texas
Hey, you Rockin’ Chicks! I’m an Entrepreneur ‘on the verge’! I’m no different from other entrepreneurs, but if you want to be your own boss, I have found some resources I’d like to share with you.
In the spring 2017 issue I wrote about finding the BEST JOB EVER in a women’s fitness center. Well, it closed in November! After listening to our members, my daughter and I joked about buying the place, but then decided to create our own. Here it is almost a year later and ‘PERK Fitness for Women’ is becoming a reality. THIS is my passion; I’ve finally found it!
My husband and I own the business. Moe and I will run it. We have never owned a business, but our relevant history will ensure success: I’m a retired Air Force medic with fitness built into my lifestyle, Moe’s closing in on her Kinesiology degree, and my husband’s construction/mechanical background will pay off big by building and fixing stuff.
Few local fitness owners returned my calls for help, so I went elsewhere and learned there is a LOT of help available. First, the FREE stuff:
FREE Internet/website ‘FREEBIES’; FREE Meetup and Facebook networking groups; FREE SBA workshops; FREE books on mindset and business and FREE info from City/County offices. The most valuable FREE resource I have is my SCORE Mentor. I hunted Joe down after listening to him at a workshop. We’ve met weekly on every aspect of my business plan; now complete. I can’t say enough about Joe; I plan to become a SCORE Mentor someday. For Veterans – The Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans (EBV) is FREE; it has exposed me to expert faculty/networking/ mentorship opportunities. I’ve learned of the legal requirements for fitness studio owners in Texas; I consider myself somewhat of an expert!
So, what have I PAID for? My ‘Association of Fitness Studios’ membership provides valuable industry specific research/advice. I also ‘meet’ with 6 other owners from the U.S. via monthly telephonic roundtables; invaluable! I’ve PAID for our LLC formation; I’ll PAY for permits and licenses, rent, construction, marketing, equipment, etc. I found my lawyer, CPA, Realtor and select Bankers re: funding myself.
Thanks to my military retirement (not working), my sexy husband and I are free to do things right; we’re taking the time to prepare for success. I’m amazed at 54 to be embarking on this journey with my family. I’ve discovered what it is to be passionate about doing something you love while helping others. And Girls – DON’T work so hard to sell! Allow your passion to ignite within you! When you talk to others you’ll shine will positivity without you even noticing!
Email me for a FREE boost of confidence; I’m happy to help. Or maybe you have advice for me?! So, here’s to leaving the ‘work-for-others’ force behind; I’m going to work for ME! And for you: Peace, health, and confidence!
Alesa lives in San Antonio with her husband and daughter Moe. Daughter Vanessa/grandsons are near Charleston and US Marine-son Cody is near San Diego. The Arnetts believe their wellness concept will become the local ‘me-time’ destination of choice for women seeking optimal wellness in body and mind.