We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I believe that getting your first client or first few clients is probably the most difficult part of starting a new business.

Going from “zero to one” is uncomfortable because the question you have to answer is, “how do I get someone to give me a chance?”
How will you get someone to believe in you?

My advice as a business owner of 16 years is to start by paying your dues. The way I paid my dues was by working as a fitness instructor at a local gym. When I invested my time and energy into another similar business, I was able to get the experience and knowledge I needed to do the job I wanted to do for a living.

It’s best to work in the industry you want to be in to build up your resume. You will learn a respect for the industry you want to be in and see what really goes on behind the scenes. In other words you will be in the “trenches.”

If you still want to carry on doing what you’re doing after you have seen the good, bad and the ugly; then you are ready! Back in the day when I started, in the mid 2000s, we didn’t have all of the platforms to post our businesses on like Thumbtack, for instance.

Now, more than ever, you can advertise your business easily by posting your business on social media and business advertising platforms. When you match your experience with a great advertisement, your business has a great chance at success.

Once you get your first client, things get easier. You may have to work at another company while continuing to build yours, but it’s worth it. Always get reviews from any clients you bring on and use that as leverage to build you clientele base.

Overall, continue to build and stay confident in what you’re doing. Make sure to keep your clients happy by showing up, keeping your word, apologizing when you have messed up and standing out in every way.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The Ashley’s Fitness Party brand is exactly what it sounds like, a party! My brand is inclusive and has many services like virtual, hybrid and in-person classes that range from fitness to dance aerobics and dance classes. The experience is fun and makes you forget that you’re working out. There are so many services and products available, that anyone interested in fitness and wellness can find a service for them.

I also offer weight-loss services, for instance, personal training that includes meal plans, accountability goals, measurements and weigh-ins. All of my weight-loss clients have teamed up with me and have made the commitment to reach their goals with me and do what it takes. I believe my approach to each client and their customized plan is what sets me apart. It’s my tough love and my genuine love for my fellow human being that makes the experience different from other companies.

I am also proud of my two books that I recently put on the market. I recently authored and published a book for new fitness instructors building a brand called “Take the fear out of teaching fitness classes.” I share my transparent experience of building my business from the ground up in hopes that others can avoid some of my mistakes. My other book, “30 days of low-calorie meal plans,” is for the general public looking to jumpstart their weight-loss goals.

If you come to me for fitness or life coaching services, expect to be catered to and have your service customized to your specific needs. I ask a lot of questions upfront and create your unique profile. I do not approach any new client with a cookie cutter mentality. You will be heard. You are seen.

My approach is based on 15+ years of background and experience and training with people seeking life changes. I have experienced everything from managing employees in corporate America to owning/running my own business and coaching individuals with their fitness and life goals.

At the age of 16, I was already training and teaching my peers. One may say, this has always been my life’s work. My purpose is to be here for you and help you sharpen and polish your life. I am here to help you see and attain your full potential. I am here to coach you into overcoming obstacles and push you in the right direction with patience,  humor, tough-love, gentleness, truth and  whatever else I see you may need to get to the next level.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to pivot drastically. The pandemic was scary for everyone because of the threat it brought to human life.

In addition, it brought a threat to the fitness and health industry. Many gyms and fitness facilities closed down and did not re-open. As a mobile business and contractor my business suffered drastically. Initially, during lockdown I lost many clients.

Because I was not ready to switch over to 100% virtual, I was drowning. In retrospect, every business should be prepared for the worst possible scenario. My business should be able to succeed with or without me being present. My business should be pandemic proof and if I should fall sick able to survive.

So, once I realized my flaws and weaknesses in my business, I was able to make the proper adjustments and pivot accordingly.

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

I started my fitness business in 2006, and in 2008, I had my daughter.

I did not realize how much work it would be to raise a daughter and build my business simultaneously.

In 2012, I went through a divorce and because of some unfortunate and unseen circumstances, I went through an eviction, and a messy bankruptcy. For years, I spent every day rebuilding my life and my business. During those rough years of my life I wanted to give up on my dream. I didn’t feel it was possible to keep building my dream under such bad circumstances.

However, 10 years later I am still going strong with clients that I have had for years and a business that continues to evolve and grow. I am very happy I didn’t give up. I am glad I saw it through. My business has changed and evolved and gone through ups and downs just like my life, but in the end it is worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Ashleysfitnessparty.com
• Instagram: Ashleysfitnessparty
• Facebook: Ashleysfitnessparty
• Linkedin: Ashley’s Fitness Party
• Twitter: Ashfitnessparty
• Youtube: Ashleysfitnessparty
• Yelp: N/a
• Other: N/a

Image Credits
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