We recently connected with Leigh Sterrett and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Leigh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I started my journey in the health and wellness industry in 2002 as a personal trainer. Although I enjoyed a successful and fulfilling 21 year career, I felt like there was something else I was supposed to be doing. Physical movement and some form of resistance training is imperative for your health so my thoughts on the importance of that have in no way changed! I just felt a nudge to expand into some other aspect of helping others live a healthy and vibrant life. I just wasn’t sure what that something was.

Covid hit and not only did it take a toll on our physical health, but also on our mental health. Seeing the decline in mental health among all age groups, especially our young people is what inspired me to transition my business from one of physical fitness to mental fitness. In addition, I started my own meditation practice a couple of years ago and found it to be life changing! This is coming from someone who never had interest in meditation! I thought it was woo woo and wasn’t going to waste my time with it. However, I knew it played a role in stress management, so decided to develop a more open mind and explore it. This was one of my better decisions in life! Meditation has helped me tremendously when it comes to handling stress and viewing the world through a different set of lens.

In addition, we live in a society plagued with stress! Whether it’s the political climate, financial, work related, daily, etc, we all are affected by stress! Some stress is perfectly normal and does not harm us as long as our bodies go back into balance. However, so many people are living in chronic stress which keeps the body out of balance and leads to disease. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that at least 80% of all physicians visit have a major stress related component. This state of chronic stress is literally making us sick! The good news is there are very doable and inexpensive stress management tools to help us handle stressful situations.

At Red Bird Vitality, we are strictly stress management and meditation. This provides a convenient and time efficient option for those who are not looking to feel out a lot of lengthy health forms. Also, it’s the perfect alternative for those who have no interest in attending a yoga studio. Meditation classes are designed for beginners, informal and last about 20 – 30 minutes.

I pursued a couple of certifications in order to improve my skill set with regards to becoming a meditation instructor and stress management coach. One of those being through the HeartMath Institute. I also use my knowledge from my personal training days to help others deal with stress and guide them on their journey to internal peace and happiness. This has led me to my current role as a guided meditation and stress management coach.

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 chose the name Red Bird because of the red bird’s association with life force, passion and vitality of the soul. The red bird also represents confidence, strength and loyalty. It is a bird that does not migrate and stays present all 12 months reminding us that we can stay present all 12 months as well; therefore, renewing our physical and mental health, offering hope, at any time throughout the year.

I started Red Bird Vitality in 2017 first as a personal training and health coaching studio. However, due to the rise in mental health issues and seeing how lives were being negatively impacted by stress, anxiety and depression, I made the decision to transition my business and the studio into a place where people could come to help build resilience with regards to mental health

Red Bird Vitality specializes in stress management and guided meditation. Stress cannot be avoided and we all have it! It’s about learning how to respond and handle stress as opposed to reacting to it and allowing it to handle you! We do this by offering guided meditation classes, stress management coaching for individuals and groups, and transformational workshops. Our goal is to help you manage your thoughts and emotions, build resilience and live more fully in the present moment. We offer a serene and welcoming environment dedicated to soothing the mind and providing a sanctuary for individuals seeking respite from daily stresses. Just like the red cardinal is said to bring messages of hope and renewal, Red Bird Vitality strives to empower individuals to live their best lives and unlock their full potential.

In addition to working with individuals, Red Bird Vitality also offers services within organizations and corporations. We are glad to work on site to assist with work related stress management issues through programs designed to manage stress which in turn makes for more efficient, productive and happier employees. Research has shown that happier, less stressed employees have a direct impact on company morale and provides a more positive work environment

We are dedicated to helping individuals deal with stress. That is our one and only focus! Stress related services can be found at other clinics and studios, but it’s usually an accessory to their primary business. We pride ourselves in making this our primary and only business. Their are no lengthy forms or insurance related requirements to slow down the process in assisting you with your mental fitness needs!

Regardless of whether we are working with individuals in or out of the studio, our mission is to provide stress management solutions that help cultivate a deeper sense of healing, purpose, peace and joy from within themselves.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I think the most effective strategy for growing my business has been through networking and word of mouth. Social media and regular emails certainly play a role in exposure, but I am a firm believer that the best way to grow is through referrals and having a community presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.redbirdvitality.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbirdvitality
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064812739317