We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natali Medlen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natali below.

Alright, Natali thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Prior to becoming a personal trainer I was a medical assistant for nine years. In 2011 I did my first competition and fell in love with fitness. It didn’t dawn on me to became a trainer until my coach encouraged me to get my certification. Honestly, I should have known because I had played twelve different sports growing up. There was and still is so much I want to try because exercise comes in many forms.

When I first started college I wanted to get into business but decided I wanted something more stable. So I went into medical assisting and here I am a business owner! I’ve always been a people person and I enjoy helping others.

However, I can’t ever imagine going back into a regular nine to five job. There are so many challenges running a business presents and I love the challenge. It truly keeps me stimulated plus I still get to help others.

I’m truly blessed because I love coming to work and it doesn’t feel like work to me. If I told you it’s easy that would be a lie. Running your own business is hard and there are times its super stressful. But in the end I am so happy I chose to get into personal training and open up my own fitness studio.

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

My name is Natali Medlen and my mother is an entrepreneur so I have grown up watching her work incredibly hard. In the early 80’s my papa came to this country from El Salvador to help his family. Both of my parents are fearless and extremely hard working which is where I get my work ethic from.

After two years of competing my coach encouraged me to become a trainer so I did! The same year I met my husband in 2013 and we did our first show together. In 2018 I had my second pregnancy and gave birth to twins. Six months later I decided to take a risk and branch out on my own.

I’m not sure what sets me apart from others but I am always willing to learn and take constructive criticism. There is so much I wanted to learn and I asked many of my clients lots of questions about business. Some of the moms I trained who had their own business I interviewed and recorded their advice. It really helped me learn and figure out how I should navigate. The Six Figure Roadmap is definitely one of my favorites because I learned so much valuable information from others.

Moving forward I have tried and failed different things but managed to learn from every situation. Branding was a challenge at first until I finally met the right person to help me. Thank you Edythe Palting with Starweb Creative. She’s really helped launch me and truly sees my vision which is why were such a good match. Also learning how to hire the right team which compliments my weaknesses.

When it comes to my clients and problem solving I simply listen and try to make exercising fun. Most of the time I call it their recess just like the schools do it but better. Stories can be inspiring and I have met so many inspiring people. Which is why I enjoy talking to my clients and getting to know them to the core.

What I am most proud of is being able to thrive in covid once I got my keys to my new studio on April 1st of 2020. Trust me it was hard but totally worth it!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Since I didn’t have any capital I took everything I made from training and put it all into starting a business.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals from other clients and developing my online content throughout the years.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.built4thistucson.com
• Instagram: @built4thistucson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/built4thistraining
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natali-medlen-5356311a9/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/built4this-personal-training-tucson-3

Image Credits
Edythe Palting with Star Web Creative