We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Canis Ngan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Canis below.

Canis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start on the operational side – do you spend more of your time/focus/energy on growing revenue or cutting costs?

Both growing revenue and cutting costs are key essential components of business success.

Growing revenue can lead to expansion, increased market share, and overall business growth in long term to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability in a healthy business. However, it’s equally important to manage costs efficiently to maintain profitability and achieve sustainable growth in daily basis.

In order to cutting cost, I’d rather spend more time to gain more revenue.
Sometime expending cost is good for the company as well.
For example, recently I realized social media is a new trend in marketing, so I hired more staff to assist me to fulfill those job duties. This is expending the cost, but in my opinion, what if we are well-developed the social media platform, we also save cost in promotion and marketing because we don’t need to rely on other marketing platforms to promote our brand in future.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Growing up in the bustling city of Hong Kong, my love for basketball and sports was more than just a pastime; it was a passion that defined my identity. The rhythm of the game, the thrill of the court, and the camaraderie of the team fueled my spirit and taught me the values of discipline, resilience, and perseverance. However, as I pursued my passion for fitness, I noticed a disheartening trend within my community.

Many in our Asian community were hesitant to engage in regular physical activity. Cultural norms and a lack of motivation often held people back from prioritizing their health and fitness. This realization sparked a fire within me. I knew firsthand the transformative power of sports and fitness, and I wanted to share this with my community. But there was another hurdle to overcome.

My journey took me to the heart of the fitness industry, where I worked as a trainer in a commercial gym. While I loved helping clients achieve their fitness goals, I was disillusioned by the way the industry treated trainers. The pay was unfair, and the working conditions were far from ideal. Trainers, who were the backbone of the fitness journey for many, were undervalued and underappreciated. This needed to change.

Fueled by my experiences and driven by a vision for a better future, I decided to take a leap of faith. I left the commercial gym with a bold dream in mind – to create a fitness community that truly valued both its clients and its trainers. This dream materialized into “Hiitory,” a name that symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter and a journey towards a healthier, more empowered life.

Hiitory is more than just a fitness studio; it’s a movement. Our mission is to break down the barriers that prevent our community from embracing a healthier lifestyle. We provide a supportive and motivating environment where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to pursue their fitness goals. But our commitment goes beyond just our clients.

At Hiitory, we believe in fair treatment and compensation for our trainers. We recognize the vital role they play in our clients’ success, and we ensure they are rewarded and respected for their hard work and dedication. By creating a positive and equitable work environment, we empower our trainers to give their best, fostering a culture of excellence and mutual respect.

The journey to building Hiitory was not without its challenges. There were moments of doubt and obstacles to overcome. But each challenge strengthened my resolve and reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place. Today, Hiitory stands as a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the belief that we can make a difference.

Through Hiitory, I have seen firsthand the incredible transformations in both our clients and trainers. Clients became a “new” person, and the past became “history”. People who were once shy and hesitant to work out now embrace fitness with enthusiasm and confidence. Trainers who felt undervalued now thrive in an environment that recognizes their worth. These successes fuel my continued dedication to our mission.

My journey from a passionate sports enthusiast in Hong Kong to the founder of Hiitory is a story of empowerment, change, and the unwavering belief that we can create a better future. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their passions, challenge the status quo, and make a positive impact in their communities. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more motivated world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In June 2018, filled with excitement, I embarked on the journey to start my own gym. Securing a warehouse location, I proceeded to order the necessary fitness equipment. Wary of expenses, particularly installation fees amounting to $200 per hour, I decided to take matters into my own hands rather than hire external help.

This decision came at a time when I had just welcomed my first child into the world, leaving me physically drained and out of shape. As I unboxed the heavy fitness equipment for installation, exhaustion and emotions overwhelmed me. Sitting on the floor, tears welled up in my eyes as each piece seemed more daunting than the last.

Despite the physical and emotional strain, I refused to give up. Drawing on inner strength and sheer determination, I pushed through the challenges. Slowly but steadily, I persevered through the installation process, piece by piece. With each successful setup, a sense of accomplishment washed over me.

In the end, as the last piece fell into place, a wave of pride and satisfaction filled my being. Through resilience, hard work, and a refusal to surrender, I had single-handedly brought my gym to life. This experience not only shaped the foundation of my business but also instilled in me a newfound sense of strength and unwavering determination.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

1) The Saving from working as a full time personal trainer from 7am-10pm Mon-Fri.

2) Financial – loan for equipment

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hiitory.com
• Instagram: ilovehiitory
• Youtube: Hiitory Fitness
• Yelp: Hiitory
• Other: Tiktok: Hiitory Fitness