Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christa Maddick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

When I worked a desk job I always dreamt of finding a more fulfilling career, except I had no idea what that might be. I would get up as often as I could from the desk and get some steps in. I remember several encounters of my coworkers joking about how I couldn’t sit still. I was chasing money, the thing that lacked most of my life. I figured that if I had that then my life would be easier. It was! But what I hadn’t considered was how I’d feel when I had the assets. There I was with all of my tangible things, but I kept feeling empty. Lack of passion and happiness, my job wasn’t fulfilling.

Something had to change. I started doing odds and ends jobs after work to figure out what I wanted to do. Nothing was sticking. It wasn’t until one morning before work I was at the gym with my friend, who asked to come with me because she noticed the progress I had made physically. She said, “it’s funny you haven’t explored fitness, it’s when you’re the happiest.” She was absolutely correct. Why hadn’t I thought of that?

The next week I applied for all types of gym jobs. I got a few and started teaching classes before and after work. I was working 7 days a week, 15 hour days.

When I got fired from the office unexpectedly (I knew something I shouldn’t) I was devastated. I cried for hours. There goes all my security, how will I pay rent, how will I continue my hobbies, my part time jobs don’t make me enough.

I felt like I was being pushed into a direction. I applied for more gym jobs. Before I knew it I was working at gyms full time. Teaching classes. I hopped from gym to gym for a while, but my classes were always packed, and the energy I had was unmatched with anything I had ever felt.

Once I started training full time, I decided that working for myself was the next step. I grew my client books and started renting gym space from another owner. I did that at a few gyms as well. I liked the idea of working for myself because I liked a few pieces of each gym I worked at, but none of them had everything i was working so hard to promote.

After 5 years in fitness, I worked at 5 different types of class studios, built up my client book so large I had no time to take on anyone else, and gyms were calling me asking me to teach pop up classes.

I was ready. The time has come. For me to run my own facility. I have the demand, the energy, the clients, and the drive. Now for the fun part! I just signed my lease last week. Hope to see you at RAVE!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My investor was my first client ever. He had just signed up at the gym. The front desk mentioned one trainer he would be a good fit for, and I followed with a snarky comment. He actually enjoyed it and hired me on the spot.

I treated him like a little brother, in the sense that I picked on him (respectfully) throughout our sessions and he loved it.

I later found out he was Mr. big Bucks. It didn’t stop me from bullying him. I realized he probably only got respectable responses, so most likely enjoyed the banter. He’s now a great friend of mine and my main investor!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I text every client on every holiday, birthday, and events I’m hosting. Even if they are no longer a client of mine. I also send confirmation texts every single time before a session.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Rave_dtsp

Image Credits

Jane Donovan Photography

@janedonovanphotography