We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Richter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I have such a passion for helping people have fun moving their bodies and slowing down their minds! I get paid to do that! I have had a lifelong career in the coaching industry. I think it almost started in utero :)

My parents instilled a wonderful love of fitness and wellness as a lifestyle. My dad had a dream of owning a health club and when the opportunity presented itself, he took action! So, rewind to quaint town tucked into the Bitterroot Valley where I quite literally grew up in a gym! We were a family of 5 that spent every day playing sports, lifting weights, moving our bodies in some way and inspiring the whole town to do the same. My dad definitely encouraged “practicing”-I used to get $1/point, $2/steal, and $5 for the play of the game during basketball season! While it was a business, for us, it was a lifestyle. Our family’s trips centered around supporting each siblings’ games/matches, piling into our big van and driving to weekend tennis or racquetball tournaments. Our togetherness centered around sports, group fitness classes and effort (and of course winning, it’s more fun that way!)…my parents did an amazing job of modeling how we are in charge of our health and that moving your bodies isn’t a have to, but a GET to! Eventually us kids adopted it as our own; my sister and I more days than not would get ourselves up at 5am, drive to the club and get a pre-school workout session in. We looked forward to it! We felt the benefits of it even back then.

I am beyond grateful for that as I now of those habits as foundational in my day to day routines where I know so many struggle to incorporate. What a gift that for me my parents embodied what I now teach to others: “there’s no better investment than your health!”

Jessica , 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?

I grew up in a health club in a small town in Montana where one of our intrinsic family values was daily movement. It wasn’t said like that, but we all know, more is caught than taught. My journey from growing up in a health-conscious environment to now working as a body, mind, and soul coach is truly a gift. My upbringing has deeply influenced my approach to wellness and my understanding of the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual health.

My willingness to meet clients where they are and provide them with the support and guidance they need, whether it’s a high-intensity workout, restorative yoga, or simply a safe space to express themselves, demonstrates my commitment to their holistic well-being.
I have a versatility and an ability to adapt to my clients’ needs; this makes me a valuable asset to those seeking a coach. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, parent, or an individuals juggling multiple responsibilities, I am here to support and serve you. I love helping clients prioritize self-care and show them how it can positively impact all aspects of their lives. My goal is that through working with me, you’ll live an empowering, happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

What I am most proud of is leaving my clients in a better head and heart space after our sessions together.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Just working out doesn’t make you healthy. Having a fit physical body is not the only piece of the puzzle.

My partner and I have recently been on a cancer journey. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a year and a half ago. We are still in the middle of the journey, but have learned SO MUCH through this. It’s not a club that you’d choose to be a part of and yet, there are actually some really beautiful side effects. When you get that diagnosis, it’s a jolt! It’s a perspective shift. You start to ask yourself what am I doing that I don’t want to anymore, what am I not doing that I want to?

We thought we were “healthy” as we workout regularly and generally eat pretty well. At first it was shocking to us (and others) that she could get cancer. Three main takeaways in the early stages of all of this are:

1. Mindset is crucial! Clear positive mind is one of our daily affirmations. You need a compelling tomorrow to make it through hard treatment days, grueling surgeries, and the intense emotional rollercoaster that you get unlimited tickets for.

2. Don’t give anybody else the keys to your health (or your happiness!) YOU are the expert on you. No doctor can give you an expiration date or save you…they are part of your team, but you are in the drivers’ seat. You MUST be your own advocate and choose health, choose life-that is true in the midst of cancer or otherwise.

3. The outer reflects the inner. Your body is an amazing creation-it was designed to continually find its way back into alignment, wholeness. Give it a chance by also working on your inner landscape. The people pleasing, the rat race of climbing a ladder (that’s propped up against the wrong building so often anyway!), the numbing of old trauma and wounds…that’s a recipe for dis-ease in your body. You are worth the effort of daily practices that evoke health. True health.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Being authentically you and being genuinely interested in other people. Remember people’s names. Remember what was heavy on their heart last week and ask them about it today. Actually exude health and vibrancy and joy in yourself so others want what you have!

People will forget what you told them, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.

Help lighten people’s loads, help them feel seen and valued, and then it’s all word of mouth from there.