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

Hi Clelia, thanks for joining us today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

My (now) husband and I moved to Nashville in 2015 with no real plan. I knew I wanted to get into the fitness world, specifically CrossFit, and one of my first goals was to find a gym to work out. Since I didn’t already have a job, funds were low and membership at a local box was expensive, so I sent a shot-in-the-dark email. I have always been gifted with excellent organization skills, so I point blank asked if they needed any help with their administrative side of operations in exchange for membership. The bold approach worked, and I started working there immediately. It turned out that they were desperately seeking someone to help organize and keep track of the day to day. Within the first month, it was clear that they were understaffed and needed to hire more coaches, and to my delight they offered me a coaching position if I would obtain a CrossFit L1 certification. So I prepared, took a course, and became Coach Clelia. It was a wonderful first step into the world of fitness, I learned so much about group training, and one on one coaching. However, I very quickly noticed that I had a yearning to learn more about fitness, and to go deeper into the science of movement to be a better coach for my clients.

Clelia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey in fitness began with group training, which gave me a strong foundation in movement and coaching. But I quickly noticed a gap between where people were and where they wanted to be—whether in weight loss, strength, or overall well-being. That realization led me to pursue higher education through OPEX Fitness so I could bridge that gap with a more individualized approach.

Today, I provide personalized training, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching, with most of my clients working with me remotely. They receive bi-monthly video check-ins, weekly reflections, and daily support through a coaching software app, ensuring accountability and real-time adjustments to their programs.

Many of my clients are busy professionals or parents who struggle to balance fitness with their demanding lives. My approach meets each person exactly where they are, helping them set smaller, attainable goals that build toward long-term success—without adding unnecessary stress.

What I’m most proud of are the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Coaching isn’t just about workouts and macros; it’s about guiding people to realize their own power and potential. Seeing my clients achieve things they once thought impossible—and celebrating every win with them—is the most rewarding part of what I do.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Most of my growth has been organic. Rather than focusing on digital marketing or aggressive social media outreach, I prioritize delivering the best possible experience to the clients I work with. By deeply investing in their progress and success, I’ve built strong relationships that naturally lead to referrals. Word of mouth has been my most powerful growth tool, allowing my business to expand in a way that feels sustainable and aligned with my values as an individual proprietor.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Personal growth is just as important as professional knowledge in this field. To be an effective coach, you have to continuously work on yourself—staying aligned with your values, evolving as a person, and leading by example. I don’t just give advice to my clients; I follow it myself. I also have a coach and regularly seek guidance from mentors and other professionals, ensuring that I’m always learning and improving. The more I grow, the better I can support my clients in their own journeys.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coachcleliafitness.com
• Instagram: @coachclelia

Image Credits

Eden Parker