We recently connected with Sarah Mariko and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah , appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Absolutely, there was a defining moment in my career that changed everything. After university, I started working in PR at one of the biggest consumer agencies in the UK. The most pivotal moment came when I took a huge risk and left my PR job to pursue a career in the fitness industry. At that time, I didn’t have a personal training qualification and hadn’t lined up a job. All I knew was that PR wasn’t for me.

In search of direction, I began working on my personal training qualification. One of my clients at the PR agency was a global leading fitness studio. They invited me to their teacher training program, and the rest, as they say, is history. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Trusting my gut and having unwavering self-belief was challenging, but it was necessary. I truly believe that this leap of faith led me to where I was meant to be in my career.

I was also fortunate to have the support of my family. My mum and dad have always trusted and supported my decisions, no matter what. Having a strong support system around me has always made these tough decisions easier. Throughout my life, I’ve taken risks with a focus on the next step and the future rather than the potential downsides. For better or worse, this approach has worked for me.

You have to trust that inner voice. This behavior has carried over into all areas of my life. I’ve always jumped into the unknown and then figured things out along the way!

Sarah , 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’ve been passionate about sports since I was a kid. My parents would drive me from tennis to soccer to netball practice, and as soon as I was old enough, I started training with friends at the gym. Fitness has always been a huge part of my life. I entered the fitness industry eight years ago and have been coaching running and strength training ever since. I’ve run marathons, including one just this past weekend, and participated in several half-marathons and other races and competitions over the years.

Currently, I coach in real life at Camp in Los Angeles. I absolutely love it here—the community we’ve built with members inside and outside of the gym makes it a really special place. Beyond that, I launched an app for women called MOVE With Mariko. Members get access to daily 30-minute on-demand classes, gym programs, recipes, and an amazing community of women. I began teaching online during COVID-19 and launched the app three months ago. It was a big step, and I’m incredibly proud and happy to have had the determination to bring it to life. I still pinch myself when I see my own app on my phone’s home screen—it still doesn’t feel real!

What sets me apart is my genuine love for fitness and my commitment to creating a supportive community. Whether through in-person coaching or my app, I strive to help women feel empowered and reach their fitness goals. I want potential clients and followers to know that I’m here to support them every step of the way, and I’m dedicated to making fitness accessible, enjoyable, and transformative for everyone.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve lived in three countries outside of the UK and took two years off before university to travel alone. If there’s anything that teaches you resilience, it’s backpacking around the world at 19 and setting up a life in a foreign country where you barely speak the language. There were, and still are, times of feeling lonely and being away from family and friends. But solo travel taught me to be resilient, adaptable, and to understand that feelings and moments will pass.

Moving to LA was another major test of my resilience. I had just been through a breakup, had no job, no furniture, and was strapped for cash post-COVID. Despite these challenges, I made the move. I trusted my ability to overcome tough times and believed in myself to make it work.

Running, especially after this weekend’s marathon, has also been a huge part of building my resilience. There’s nothing quite like being with yourself for hours, enduring physical pain, with your mind telling you to quit. When your legs are heavy and your feet are blistered, but you still choose to keep going because you promised yourself you would, that’s where resilience is forged. This strength seeps into everyday life, helping you tackle any obstacle that comes your way.

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

When I first started teaching online, I worked with both men and women. However, I soon realized that I wanted to focus on a single audience and create a safe space specifically for women to connect and support each other. That’s how MOVE was born. Women supporting women is incredibly powerful, and it has been a cornerstone of our community.

Speaking honestly to this audience has been crucial. I make sure to share a realistic view of my life. Do I work out every day? No. Do I drink? Yes. I want my members to know that you can enjoy life, eat, drink, have fun, and still reach your goals. It’s important for me to convey that you don’t need to follow extreme measures to get results—consistency is key.

By fostering a supportive and honest community, I’ve been able to grow my clientele effectively. Women appreciate the authenticity and the balanced approach to fitness and life. This genuine connection and shared understanding have been the most effective strategies for attracting and retaining clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariko.body/?hl=en