Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olivia Figueroa. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Olivia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
When I was in college I was teaching barre and figuring out which career path I wanted to take in the wellness space. I always knew it was going to be something that aligned with my ballet background and my passion for movement. I also knew that I wanted to create something unique of my own completely different from the average 9-5. Taking this path can be quite challenging, especially when you aren’t receiving assistance financially and also putting yourself through college. There were many difficult times where I doubted myself and felt lost. Achieving this dream of having my own brand took a lot of hard work, consistency, and authenticity (also very tough skin!). Prioritizing your career goals and surrounding yourself with other like-minded individuals would be the best advice for anyone starting out.
Olivia, 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?
I naturally began working in my industry as a former dancer (ballet, tap, jazz) who wanted to incorporate movement into my career. Wellness has been an important part of my life since I was very young. I was taught to cook at a very young age and luckily I was aware of nutrition and the large role it plays in overall health. My small business and brand is all about helping people create sustainable, life-long habits and routines. In a world where everything is quick and trendy, I teach people to slow down and make real efforts towards their health and fitness. Even the busiest people can do better and see great results while still living a pleasurable and balanced life. My workout method is a unique combination of barre/sculpt style movements using light weights and traditional strength training. I also help people shop for nutrient-dense foods and create simple meals from home instead of constantly ordering take-out. Working with people over time and seeing them drastically improve their lives is the biggest reward for me. Whether it’s a client or just a follower on Instagram, knowing that I can inspire someone for the better is the best feeling.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Word of mouth is always the best way to grow a clientele. There’s something really comforting about hiring someone new who came strongly recommended. And as a trainer, I always appreciate when my clients refer people in their network because it usually ends up being a good fit. Instagram is also an amazing tool for my brand. A lot of private clients, brand partnerships, and collaborations come from my Instagram account. I use Instagram as a way to share my lifestyle with people. I aim to keep it very real and transparent and strive to post useful content. I love to show what I eat, how I cook, clothing I like, new workouts to save, and other things that bring me joy. I also never hesitate to post when I have drinks or eat things that your typical fitness influencer is afraid to share because balance is a big part of my brand.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Like everyone else, the pandemic brought major life shifts for me. My personal life and career have changed a lot in the last 2 years and “pivot” would be the best description. I went through a really tough break up that brought me lots of heartache and then realized living in South Florida just didn’t align with my goals anymore. Growing my brand was what I wanted to focus on the most and moving to New York felt right. You never really know what changes life will throw at you, but I feel that fully embracing change versus resisting it is always the right move.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livfitnesstraining.com
- Instagram: @livfigueroa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivFitnessTraining
- Twitter: @livfigueroa
Image Credits
Albert Nicolas