We recently connected with Carissa Tompkins and have shared our conversation below.
Carissa, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
The biggest risk I have taken is starting my personal training business. I started in July of 2024 but didn’t go full time until November 28th of 2024. I was training at a corporate gym. I was let go due to the new owners terminating training at that location. That pushed me into going all in with my business. If I had never started the process in July, I would have been panicked when they let me go. Instead it was risk worth taking as in the long run I set myself up for a smooth transition. My biggest piece of advice for new business owners is go for that opportunity. As long as it aligns with what your goals are with your business, don’t be afraid to take the step.
Carissa, 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?
I got into the industry after watching my father when he underwent a heart attack and stroke within a year. He was in the ICU for a few weeks and at one point we almost lost him. I ended up spending my 19th birthday with him not knowing if I would see him again. Fast forward, he made it out of there walking when he wasn’t supposed to. While I was there with him, I remember seeing how sick and unhealthy people were. Obviously since they were in the ICU there was something majorly wrong with their bodies. I made it a goal to work on my health mentally and physically so I could help others do the same. I started training clients shortly after the experience with my father. I provide my clients with the ability to understand that fitness is more than working out. It is all about your body and your health. If you aren’t giving your body what it needs, your workouts will not be effective. I provide strength training, injury prevention, correct exercise, holistic wellness and lifestyle coaching. I have been able to help my clients gain better understanding of nutrition, how their bodies respond to exercise and how they should take care of themselves, loose weight and gain muscle. I am most proud of never giving up on my business. I have had many days where it feels pointless but seeing my clients get stronger or healthier is the best reward and motivator to keep going on.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I would say the best book to read is Think and Grow Rich. You gain a lot of knowledge on business but also mindset. Having a negative mind in the business world doesn’t create an atmosphere for growth. You end up putting yourself down the latter instead of up. Reading this book gave me some tools that have helped better my mindset for growth of my business.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
I honestly have been very good with saving money. I was lucky enough to come across an amazing support team and gym that helped me get to where I am now. I was able to have the opportunity to rent a spot out at a gym. I am currently at Self-Made Training Facility. One of the best gyms for independent trainers. I have to pay my monthly rent but I get huge opportunities to grow.
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