We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Luque a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Looking back on my entrepreneurial journey, the question of whether I wish I had started my business sooner or later often arises. Reflecting on this, I’ve come to the realization that I started my business at the perfect moment for me – when I was truly ready.

After leaving the military, where I gained invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, discipline, and resilience, I was at a pivotal point in my life. Armed with this foundation, I embarked on furthering my education and eventually transitioning into the realm of helping others, particularly women navigating the challenges of menopause.

Starting my business at this juncture allowed me to leverage the skills and experiences I had acquired, providing a solid foundation for my endeavors. Had I started sooner, I might not have had the same depth of knowledge or the clarity of purpose that came with my post-military education and personal growth.

Conversely, had I waited longer, I might have missed out on opportunities to make a meaningful impact and connect with those in need of support during their menopausal journey.

Ultimately, I believe that starting when I did allowed me to capitalize on a unique intersection of experiences, skills, and passions. It enabled me to hit the ground running with a clear sense of purpose and direction. So, while the timing may have been different in an alternate scenario, I am grateful for the journey that led me to start my business precisely when I did.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello there! I’m Dr. Maria Luque, and it’s a pleasure to share a bit about myself and my journey in the fitness and menopause space.

My path into this industry stems from a diverse background that includes serving in the United States Air Force, where I cultivated essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Upon transitioning from the military, I felt a deep calling to pursue further education and utilize my experiences to help others navigate the transformative stage of menopause.

As a health science professor and a passionate advocate for women’s well-being, I founded a movement dedicated to guiding women through the ups and downs of menopause. Through a blend of life coaching, fitness expertise, and a supportive community, I aim to empower women to embrace this stage of life as a time of possibility and growth.

In terms of products and services, I offer a range of resources tailored specifically for menopausal women. These include personalized fitness programs, transition coaching programs, workshops and curriculum development for companies interested in providing menopause care.

One of the core problems I solve for my clients is the often overlooked aspect of menopausal health and wellness. Many women face significant physical and emotional challenges during this stage, yet they may feel underserved or misunderstood by traditional healthcare systems. My approach bridges this gap by providing holistic support that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of menopause.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my unique blend of expertise, including a deep understanding of menopause physiology, coupled with my background in fitness and leadership. I approach menopause not just as a biological process but as a transformative journey that can be embraced with strength, resilience, and a sense of possibility.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the lives of menopausal women, helping them rediscover their strength, joy, and sense of purpose during this significant life transition. What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand is that I’m not just here to provide information or services – I’m here to foster a supportive community where women can thrive, grow, and embrace the possibilities that menopause offers.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and my mission with your readers. I’m excited to continue helping women on their menopausal journey and making a positive difference in their lives.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a reputation within my market has been a journey shaped by several key factors:

Expertise and Knowledge: My background as a health science professor, combined with my extensive experience in fitness and menopause, has positioned me as an authority in my field. By staying informed about the latest research and trends, I’m able to provide valuable insights and solutions to my clients’ needs.

Authenticity and Empathy: I approach my work with genuine care and empathy for the women I serve. By sharing my own experiences and vulnerabilities, I create a sense of trust and connection with my audience, making them feel understood and supported.

Consistency and Reliability: Consistently delivering high-quality products, services, and content has been instrumental in building trust and credibility with my audience. I strive to consistently exceed expectations and deliver value.

Community Building: Cultivating a supportive community where women can connect, share experiences, and support one another has been central to building my reputation. By fostering a sense of belonging, I’ve created a loyal following of clients and supporters who advocate for my brand.

Client Success Stories: The positive outcomes and transformations experienced by my clients serve as powerful testimonials to the effectiveness of my approach. By showcasing these success stories and testimonials, I’ve been able to build credibility and attract new clients to my business.

Overall, building my reputation within my market has been a combination of expertise, authenticity, consistency, community building, and showcasing client success stories. By staying true to my values and continuously striving to meet the needs of my audience, I’ve been able to establish myself as a trusted leader in the field of menopause and fitness.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

For me, the best source of new clients has been 100% referrals. Rather than investing in traditional marketing or advertising efforts, I’ve found that relying on word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients has been the most effective way to grow my business.

Referrals are invaluable because they come with a built-in level of trust and credibility. When someone refers a friend, family member, or colleague to my business, they are essentially endorsing my services and vouching for their quality. This personal recommendation carries a lot of weight and can significantly enhance trust and confidence with potential clients.

Relying on referrals has allowed me to build a thriving business while maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction and quality service delivery. By consistently exceeding expectations and providing value to my clients, I’ve been able to cultivate a network of loyal advocates who continue to spread the word and help me attract new clients organically.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.drmarialuque.com
• Instagram: drmarialuque
• Facebook: @fitnessinmenopause
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarialuque/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6V7-81WTHdvJRbrvyPibgw

Image Credits
Weston Carls Photography Korey Howell Photography