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

Alright, Tiffany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

If I could go back in time, I sometimes think I would have started my business full-time sooner—but looking back, I know that everything happened at the right time.

In 2015, I was juggling school and working full-time, trying to figure out exactly where I wanted to take my degree. At that point, I didn’t have kids yet, and I was gaining experience in different areas of fitness. I managed at Orangetheory while also working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Wichita State University. Later, I transitioned into working at a mortgage company while continuing to train part-time. During that time, I even pursued my master’s in physical education with the intention of teaching, all while keeping one foot in the fitness world.

It wasn’t until after five years of teaching and after having my second son, that I finally took the leap and went full-time with my business. Becoming a mom changed my outlook. It gave me a deeper passion for helping women, especially through prenatal and postnatal fitness, because I had experienced those changes firsthand. If I had gone all in sooner, I would have gained experience as a business owner earlier, but I also think the journey I took helped me become a better coach. I learned from every step along the way, and those experiences shaped the way I train today.

So, while I may have hesitated at times, I wouldn’t change the timing. Everything I went through—balancing multiple jobs, exploring different career paths, and eventually taking the leap—prepared me to build a business that truly aligns with my passion and purpose.

Tiffany, 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 in the fitness industry for over a decade, helping women build strength, confidence, and a sustainable approach to health. My journey into fitness started with a deep passion for movement and coaching. I’ve worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for over 10 years. After juggling many different roles as a college student and a PE teacher, fitness kept calling me back. I knew that helping women through health and strength was my true purpose.

In 2015, I started Tiffany Harlan Fitness, offering both in-person and online training, specializing in women’s fitness, including prenatal and postnatal fitness. Over the years, I’ve expanded my services to include one-on-one coaching, small group training, and nutrition guidance, helping women feel strong and capable at every stage of life.

What sets me apart is my focus on real, sustainable progress. I don’t believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all programs. I create customized fitness and nutrition plans that fit each client’s lifestyle, whether they’re looking to regain strength after childbirth, build confidence in the gym, or improve their overall health. My approach is deeply personal—my clients aren’t just numbers; they’re women I genuinely care about. Through my programs, I provide the support, education, and motivation they need to succeed.

I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on women’s lives. Seeing my clients not just reach their goals, but develop a lifelong love for strength training, fuels my passion every day. My mission is to show women that fitness isn’t about shrinking—it’s about growing, both physically and mentally.

For anyone considering training with me, I want you to know that you’ll get more than just workouts—you’ll get a coach who truly understands your journey, a supportive community, and a program built to fit you. Whether you’re a busy mom, new to strength training, or ready to take your fitness to the next level, I’m here to help you feel strong, confident, and unstoppable.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My journey has been anything but linear, and I’ve had to pivot multiple times to get where I am today.

When I first started in fitness, I was all in—I worked as a personal trainer, led group classes, and even managed at Orangetheory while also training at Wichita State University. I loved coaching, but at the time, I wasn’t sure if it was something I could turn into a full-time career. That uncertainty led me to explore other paths.

Eventually, I transitioned into working at a mortgage company while continuing to train part-time. It was a huge shift—going from an active, hands-on job to sitting at a desk all day. While it provided stability, I quickly realized that it wasn’t fulfilling.

I decided to pursue my master’s in physical education and spent five years teaching PE while still training clients part-time. I enjoyed teaching and the impact I was able to have on students, but deep down, I knew my passion was in fitness. Even while in the classroom, I found myself drawn to coaching and helping others outside of the school setting.

The real turning point came after I had my second son. Motherhood completely changed my perspective. I saw firsthand how important it was for women to feel strong, both physically and mentally, and I knew I had the experience and knowledge to help others in that stage of life. That’s when I finally decided to go all in, taking my business full-time.

Looking back, every step of my journey shaped me into the coach I am today. Teaching gave me the skills to educate and lead, working in the mortgage industry taught me the business side of things, and my own experiences as a mom gave me a deeper understanding of the women I train. It wasn’t a straight path, but every pivot led me closer to what I was meant to do—help women feel strong, confident, and capable in their own bodies.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’ve built my social media organically through client referrals, business partnerships, and consistently showing up online. Instead of relying on ads or quick growth tactics, I focused on providing value—sharing fitness tips, client success stories, and my own journey in an authentic way.

Word-of-mouth has been key—when clients tag me or share their experiences, it helps new people find my training. Partnering with local businesses has also expanded my reach and connected me with like-minded women.

My Advice for Growing on Social Media:

*Be consistent—post regularly and engage with your audience.
*Provide value—share content that educates, inspires, or helps.
*Be authentic—show up as yourself; people connect with realness.
*Leverage word-of-mouth—encourage clients to tag and share.
*Network & collaborate—partner with brands and businesses that align with your values.
*Growth takes time and consistency, but when you focus on genuinely helping people, your audience will grow naturally!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tiffanyharlanfitness.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyharlanfitness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanyharlanfitness

Image Credits
Ashlyn Faith Photography Amanda Caplan