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

Hi Molly, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My parents have always worked hard both at their jobs and at home. I’d be pressed to find anyone out there that could outwork my dad. He’s shown me what real effort and drive is and he’s the role model I strive to be like for my daughter.

My mom and dad have always supported any endeavors I’ve taken through the years. I made the choice to quit grad school to go to cosmetology school at 30 years old to be a hair stylist and they supported me and helped me through it. Now, almost ten years later, I’ve taken another turn and pursued yet another passion and they’ve cheered me on every step of the way. They are definitely my biggest fans.

They have always led by example and taught me and my brothers how you can achieve any goals if you put in the effort. You just have to keep going and you’ll get there, the only way you won’t is if you give up.

Molly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Fitness became a passion of mine throughout my adult life when I learned how much it benefited me more so mentally than physically. It started as a means to get in shape, but quickly became therapeutic for me and a way to handle any life problems that were thrown my way. I became engulfed in it and wanted to learn as much as I could and also try out every style of workout out there.

In 2020, I started creating simple workout PDFs for friends and hosting workouts out of my garage. This quickly morphed into an online training business and large group workouts in my front yard. It lit a fire inside me to see how many people were seeking me out for guidance and I knew I was on the right path. I was presented with the opportunity to open a brick and mortar space and I dove right into it.

To date I have over 150 gym members and my online training business is thriving.
There are now a total of 7 coaches/trainers working at the gym who coach our group training classes and offer personal training. All of our class options and membership plans are available on our website.

In addition to in-person training, I offer monthly workout subscriptions and one-on-one remote coaching with accountability through my app. The in-app coaching is so much more than just workouts. I meet with my clients each week via video chat to go over their training, nutrition, and mindset. It’s an all encompassing program that anyone with a smart phone can do.

The most rewarding part of all of this is seeing my clients and members grow confidence in themselves and become stronger people physically and mentally. We focus on movement for longevity and functionality. The purpose behind the workouts has to be for more than just looking good, but to become strong enough to take care of yourself and your families as you get older. Hearing them tell me about how they can now run with their grandkids, help their husbands move heavy things, go through labor with ease, or get out of bed without aches and pains….thats what excites me. That’s how I know I’m on the right path and helping people.

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

Word of mouth. People seek out my gym and services because of others telling them about their success. I don’t base my business off of what I want or what I like, I think of my members and clients and what’s best for them. I listen to them, I help them. The atmosphere of the gym is so welcoming, friendly, and fun. It’s a place that people want to come to and feel they belong.

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

Being authentic and transparent. I’ve built trust and solid relationships with everyone that walks through my gym doors. I talk to them, hear them out, and get to know them. I want them to know that I appreciate them. I aim to give more than what’s expected and to alway cultivate a positive atmosphere and outlook.

Contact Info:

• Website: blackironfitness.com
• Instagram: Molly_moran, black_iron_fitness
• Facebook: Black Iron Fitness

Image Credits
Holly Glatt Photography Andrew Gegg