We were lucky to catch up with Cathy Serif recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Cathy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
My journey in the fitness industry began at the tender age of 17 when I landed my first job at Elaine Powers Figure Salons. Little did I know then that this position would ignite a lifelong passion for health and wellness. As I gained experience in the fitness world, I discovered another love – writing. I took a leap of faith and applied for a writing gig with the Star Beacon in Ashtabula, Ohio. I got the opportunity to share my passion for fitness with readers. As I immersed myself in the fitness world, an idea started to take shape in my mind. I dreamed of creating a space where I could inspire and empower others to embrace a healthy lifestyle and that vision became an unwavering goal. The idea of a fitness boot camp business took root, and I became determined to turn it into reality.
I scouted locations and secured insurance and permits, and soon my club without walls became a reality through a partnership with the Desert Recreation Park Districts. I focused on creating a unique fitness program that would not only deliver results but also foster a sense of community and support among clients, and the response was overwhelming. The business thrived, and the positive testimonials from satisfied clients fueled my passion even further.
Amidst the success of the fitness boot camp, I wrote the Desert Detox Diet. I received invitations from Lululemon, Women’s Health Magazine, and Oxygen Magazine to share my inspiration for healthy living with a local and global platform. My career in fitness has included a colorful landscape of opportunities that included a second short book, CRUSH !T, Powerful Principles for Crushing Your Goals, and a resistance training band product that I designed with my logo.
As I stand at the precipice of yet another thrilling endeavor, I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Communications in January 2023 and write my first novel. I carry the same tenacity and drive that fueled my journey in the fitness industry to accomplish all my life goals.
Going from idea to execution demands courage, perseverance, and continuous learning. Each step of this incredible journey has shaped me as an entrepreneur and author. I’m excited to embrace the challenges and rewards of writing my novel, knowing that the same dedication and passion that fueled my fitness boot camp business and writing career will propel me forward once again.
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 am deeply passionate about empowering women to embrace their dreams and believe that age is just a mindset. My journey in the fitness industry began at the age of 17 when I started working at Elaine Powers Figure Salons. This early experience ignited my love for health and wellness. Thanks to Ed Looman, as my career evolved, I got the wonderful opportunity to write fitness columns and feature stories for the Ashtabula Star Beacon.
Today, I offer a range of online fitness programming, personalized meal plans, and I am proud to have branded resistance bands. My main goal is to inspire women to become the best versions of themselves physically and mentally. I firmly believe that with the right guidance and determination, everyone can achieve their dreams, no matter their age.
One of my proudest accomplishments is the fitness boot camp business I created in Palm Desert, California. I poured my heart and soul into building a community where individuals could come together, support each other, and achieve their fitness goals. I also created a run club in the same area, fostering a love for running and a sense of camaraderie among its members, and it still runs strong today in my absence.
My commitment to empowering women sets me apart from others in the fitness industry. I take a holistic approach to fitness, addressing physical well-being and promoting mental strength and self-belief. My personalized meal plans and online fitness programs are tailored to everyone’s needs, making the journey to a healthier lifestyle more achievable and sustainable.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand stands for inclusivity and support. Regardless of where they are in their fitness journey, I am here to guide and encourage them every step of the way. We can accomplish incredible things together, and I am excited to be a part of their transformation.
So, if you’re looking to be inspired, motivated, and supported on your fitness journey, I’m here for you. Let’s work together to unlock your potential and achieve your dreams!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Passion for my work and a commitment to honesty, transparency, empathy, and perseverance have been the pillars of building my reputation within the market. I have strived to be open, genuine, and inspiring from the beginning, always placing integrity at the forefront. Listening attentively to my client’s needs and concerns, I approach every interaction with the utmost respect for each individual. Even during challenging times, I have remained steadfast in my dedication to providing the best service possible. I have earned my client’s trust and loyalty by remaining true to these values, nurturing strong and enduring relationships. Building a reputation requires time and unwavering dedication, but embodying these qualities has laid a solid foundation for my success within the market.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by a profound sense of accomplishment and a desire to inspire others through my unique experiences. As I am about to attain my college degree at the young age of 62, I am driven by the belief that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams and passions. My husband’s unwavering support and encouragement have inspired me, pushing me to take on new challenges fearlessly.
With this newfound confidence and determination, I am fueled by the goal of writing my first novel, a testament to resilience and the pursuit of dreams. I want to share my story and inspire others to embrace their aspirations, no matter their age or circumstances.
Moreover, my ambition extends to securing a content creator and storyteller position with a major publication. I am passionate about the power of storytelling to connect people and influence positive change. By sharing my unique perspective and experiences, I hope to make a meaningful impact and uplift others on their own creative journeys.
Ultimately, my creative mission is to be a guiding light for those who may feel hesitant to pursue their dreams later in life. I want to show them that age is not a barrier to achieving greatness and that with determination and support, we can all carve our paths toward success and fulfillment. My journey is a testament to the fact that there are endless opportunities to explore and embrace creativity, no matter where we are in life’s journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/cathyserif
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathyserif/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crushitwithcathy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-serif-5b5a574/