We recently connected with Charity Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Charity thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
In 2013 I opened up my very first business, PureFitMom, a stroller-based fitness program in Frisco, Texas. I’ve always had the “everything can be figured out” kind of mentality. So I dove headfirst into books, articles, and podcasts on “how to start a business”. I figured it all out for the most part and got the business up and running pretty quickly, However, what I hadn’t learned in life yet was that “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.”
I was a new mom at the time with a toddler and newborn. We had no local family to help with the kids and we didn’t really use sitters or daycare. I handled everything regarding the business on my own, outside of hiring instructors to teach a couple of times a week. If I could go back, what I would do differently is, hire help and delegate. It got to the point where something had to give and I wasn’t willing for that “something” to be my family. So, after three years of running a profitable business, I closed the doors. That would be a life-lesson that I never forgot. I have had an assistant with all my businesses moving forward, so I can be a better wife, mom and business owner.
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?
Hi there! My name is Charity Smith, I’m a wife, boy mom x 2, and business owner. I own “A Poised Perspective,” which is a health and lifestyle brand and I am an integrative nutrition health coach and trainer. It has been my life’s work to inspire others to obtain a well-balanced healthy lifestyle. 15 years of education, experience, and expertise as a degreed personal trainer, 10 years of studying holistic health, and a certification through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition have all led me to the creation of A Poised Perspective Health Coaching.
I help busy moms prioritize their health through simplified nutrition, fitness, and low-tox living.
What sets me apart from others, is I help my clients silence all the noise in the health and wellness industry, simplify the process and help them focus on what is best for THEIR mind, body and spirit.
I guess I am most proud of turning obstacles into opportunities. I have my own health journey & story that has shaped me into the professional I am today and God uses all of it to work through me to help others.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I believe the most important thing in succeeding in any business is mental toughness and perspective. Sports taught me mental toughness but my faith and upbringing taught me perspective. Every challenge and obstacle is an opportunity.
You must fail, you absolutely must, it’s how you learn.
I believe having a forward-thinking mindset is critical for all things in life.
Silence the noise. Maybe the most important. Anytime I’ve launched a new business, I silence anything around me that is causing me to question or doubt what I’m doing. I have a very narrow focus when I launch a business.
Don’t fear failure.
If you focus on service, you won’t be selling. Just do what you love and serve your people.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Absolutely. I think being able to pivot quickly is one of the most important skills of successful business owners. And if you didn’t have to pivot during the pandemic… did you even own a business? ;) Lol
1. After I opened my first business, I had to pivot a complete 180 and shut it down to prioritize my family.
2. My healthy 36-year-old husband survived a heart attack in 2016 and through that event, my entire perspective on health changed.
3. My second business venture was partnering with a clean beauty company. During the pandemic, we had to pivot a few of our business & marketing strategies in order to stay afloat and it worked beautifully just by changing perspective.
4. And of course, when both of my boys were in school full time, I had another life pivot. That’s a transition for any mom. There was more room to focus on my dreams and career and it was time to get back in the game again. I think that was important for my boys to see. :)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.apoisedperspective.com
- Instagram: @apoisedperspective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apoisedperspective
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-smith-2111821b/
Image Credits
Brittanyvillegasphoto