We recently connected with Amanda Hart and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?
Thanks for having me! Yes- the man who forever changed my life was none other than my middle school cross country coach.
A bold claim, but let me explain. At 14, I was found smoking in the school yard with friends after the final bell. One day, he caught us. Rather than punishing us, he issued me a challenge: show up to cross country practice the next day. He’d seen my speed during gym class and saw potential in me. Potential I hadn’t even begun to understand.
Taking him up on his offer, I arrived at practice the next day. And that moment changed the course of my life. Running became my passion, something that led me to a college athletic scholarship. If he hadn’t set me on this path, it’s tough to think where I might be instead.
Now here we are, over 20 years later. We’ve found ourselves in reversed roles, I’m coaching him, but not in running. I’ve been providing him guidance in improving his nutrition habits, helping him to live a healthier lifestyle and reach his weight loss goals.
I feel a sense of pride and honor now, being able to contribute to his life the way he did for me when I was just a young woman. Life has a funny way of coming full circle sometimes, huh?
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Amanda Hart and the journey I’ve been on to stand where I am today has been what some folks say is nothing short of incredible. I’d like to think I am a testament to resilience, determination, and the theory that one’s past doesn’t have to define their future.
As a child, my home was not a haven. Instead, I grew up amidst abuse and abandonment, thrust into adulthood at far too young an age. But instead of succumbing to those early hardships, I transmuted struggling into strength, transforming an existence marked by strife into a life I’ve consciously shaped with optimism and determination.
As a cigarette-smoking teenager, my life’s trajectory took a pivot when my cross-country coach saw past my exterior and recognized a resilience and speed inside me that even I hadn’t discerned. His encouragement and faith didn’t merely divert me from a self-destructive path, but sparked a passion for physical health and well-being that forever changed my life.
I stand today as a proud holistic health coach, business owner, and certified personal trainer and nutritionist. Using the selfsame resilience that pulled me from my arduous past, I independently built a thriving wellness enterprise from the ground up – all by myself. I created my own LLC, attended and graduated college from a division one school on a cross country scholarship, earned my personal training and nutrition certifications, and constructed online programs to carry forward my mission of comprehensive health and wellness, for the body, mind and spirit.
Sitting at the helm of my own business, meeting like-minded people and guiding them on their wellness paths has been unequivocally rewarding. Just as my coach saw a spark in me once, I take pride in identifying the same in others. I offer them a roadmap to health, guide them to discover the power within themselves, and assist them in living a healthier lifestyle.
At 37, I stand here today as a living testimony to the power of turning trials into triumphs. The pride I feel isn’t simply from achieving success but from knowing the true resilience of my spirit. From knowing I can rise, develop, and transform- no matter what life throws at me. Please remember that no matter your background or current circumstances, never let it define your capability or worth- absolute transformation is always within reach.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Absolutely! Not so long ago, I was just a passionate personal trainer at Equinox in 2008, collectively working with people in the gym and slowly integrating fitness into their lifestyles. Over the years, I expanded my horizon to include nutrition, mental health, stress management and most recently, the integration of microdosing.
When the world was struck by Covid, and gyms shut their doors, a new challenge emerged. I was forced to reevaluate my business model without the familiarity of in-person interactions. This adversity led to an opportunity, and I embarked on a path to transform my business into a fully digital platform. Though it was daunting to replace the hustle of in-person sessions with the digital realm, there was a part of me that yearned for this change.
The silver lining amidst the chaos was the foundation of my online business, a pivot that was initiated much before the pandemic hit. Despite losing 60% of my business within a week, I would come to appreciate the importance of adaptability, keeping a close eye on global trends, and the never-ending process of growing your business.
Today, I am at a juncture where my business has transcended geographical limitations—it is 100% online and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Recently, I took perhaps the biggest leap in my entrepreneurial journey by initiating a total rebranding, including a new business name. Moving beyond my identity of ‘BodybyAmanda’ was a monumental decision, but it stemmed from the fact that I was no longer just about fitness and nutrition. I was providing a holistic approach towards betterment, and my brand needed to reflect the same.
Renouncing my brand name, a name that was entwined with my past 14 years and echoed all that I had built, was undeniably terrifying. But all these years of entrepreneurship have taught me one invaluable lesson – to leap into the unknown, take that risk, even if the safety net isn’t visible yet.
Often, we discover blessings cleverly disguised as hardships. Seen through the right lens, even failures become an opportunity to learn, an avenue to improve, and ultimately the stepping stones to success. In the ever-evolving journey of my brand, every change is just another chapter of growth
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Firstly, my unwavering patience has proven to be a driving force in establishing my brand. Building a business takes time and dedication, and my ability to stay committed and persistent even during challenging times has allowed my brand to grow organically.
My strong work ethic shines through in everything I do. (Not to brag!) But we know that hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of success, and my commitment to delivering excellence in my services has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in building a solid reputation.
Generosity, particularly in the early stages/years of my business, has been a catalyst for growth. By offering free content, services, or sample workouts, I have been able to showcase my value I provide to potential clients and customers. This act of giving selflessly not only fosters trust and goodwill but also has enabled me to establish myself as an authority in my field,
Another key factor contributing to my brand’s reputation is the absence of a big ego. Humility goes a long way in the business world. By approaching each interaction and opportunity with humility, I’ve been able to connect with people on a genuine level. This genuine connection helps to build authentic relationships, foster trust, and ultimately has helped to establish a positive reputation for my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Amandahartwellness.com
- Instagram: HartWellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandahartwellness?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahartwellness
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandahartwellness
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hartwellness
Image Credits
Xenia Leo