We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Roselle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

I grew up as an athlete, dedicating my life to sports, and always dreamed of breaking into the fitness modeling industry. At just 13 years old, I auditioned for a modeling opportunity, only to be told that because of my athletic build, I would only qualify as a plus-size model. Disheartened, I decided not to pursue modeling and instead focused on my high school and college sports career.

After college, while training intensely as a CrossFit athlete, I gave modeling one last shot. This time, an executive at a modeling agency bluntly told me, “No little girl is ever going to flip the pages of a magazine and want to look like you. You’re too muscular.”

But unlike when I was 13, I refused to let those words define me. Instead of feeling ashamed of my body type, I embraced it. I walked out of that office with my head held high, knowing my worth.

A few months later, fate intervened. My mom met the assistant editor of Vogue Magazine, a connection that would change my life forever. She invited me to Condé Nast the following week to pitch my story. That very day, Self Magazine featured me, and a month later, Vogue featured me in a two-page spread.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I ventured into the fitness industry after graduating from college without a clear direction for my fitness journey. Having been an athlete my entire life, I was accustomed to following coaches’ instructions. To reignite my competitive spirit from my college sports days, I joined a local CrossFit gym that offered a solid coaching program.

As I continued my journey as an athlete, the gym owner recognized my potential to become a coach for his upcoming expansion into Hoboken, NJ. After three years of coaching part-time, I made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and fully dedicate myself to my passion for helping others on their fitness journeys. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.

What distinguishes me as a successful trainer is my authenticity and commitment to my brand. I focus on delivering elite strength training and do not provide workouts that can be easily done alone.
I prioritize educating my athletes about the rationale behind my programming, which is clearly reflected in their results.

My clients not only experience physical transformations but also significant mental shifts along the way. I always remind them that the strongest version of themselves is the best version they can be. I take great pride in positively impacting people’s lives—physically, mentally, and emotionally—helping them realize they can achieve goals they once thought were impossible.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I focused on the fundamentals: arriving on time, delivering effective workouts, educating my clients, putting smiles on their faces, staying updated on fitness trends, and, above all, working hard. Many business owners tend to overthink things. I choose not to be “a jack of all trades and a master of none.” Instead, I describe myself as “versed” in various fitness styles.

I’m open to learning, attending seminars, and growing alongside other coaches, yet I remain committed to my core philosophy—strength training is essential. If I encounter areas where I’m not knowledgeable, I seek out experts who excel in those fields. I don’t pretend to have all the answers; I ask questions. When people recognize my genuine passion and dedication, word spreads. Your reputation is always your strongest marketing asset.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social Media and Word of Mouth. Today, social media is an incredibly powerful tool across various platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X, Threads, Instagram, and YouTube. People turn to these platforms to discover the top choices in any industry. Compared to traditional website traffic, social media offers unparalleled opportunities through engaging videos and testimonials from influencers.
Smart businesses should leverage multiple social media channels to connect with the younger generation.

However, the most effective way to gain new clients remains word of mouth. This element is what truly distinguishes one business from another. Even companies that have been established for over 20 years but struggle to keep pace with the latest technology or social media trends are often recognized through word of mouth as the best in their field. I advise any business: attracting new customers is the easier part; sustaining long-term relationships is what defines genuine success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.irongracefitness.com
• Instagram: courtney_Roselle
• Facebook: Courtney Lynn
• Linkedin: Courtney Roselle
• Twitter: CourtneyRoselle
• Youtube: Courtneyroselle1214

Image Credits

Alissa Laurie
Michael Creagh
Jessica Steck