Entrepreneur Spotlight: Turning Her Love Of Exercise Into Empowering Women

Growing up by the ocean made living an active and healthy lifestyle very easy. Although Simone McKenna pursued teaching as her career for six years, it didn’t take long to follow her innate passion for helping people, health, food and fitness and pursue a new career in the fitness industry.

Until 2015, she hadn’t studied anything other than her Bachelor of Primary Education from Notre Dame University and worked as a classroom teacher and sports coordinator at a Primary School. However, she had been busy pursuing her passion for fitness, nutrition and wellbeing by studying and networking with professionals in the fitness field to broaden my knowledge on the side.

Taking the time to do things on the side paid off because McKenna now holds a certificate in Nutrition and Weight Management through The Fitness Training Company and completed not only her Wellness and Lifestyle Coaching certificate through Universal Class Inc., but also completed her certificate in PT and is a Certified Personal Trainer through ACE, the American Council of Exercise. SAY WHAT?! Let’s learn more about this boss!

1. Name: 

Simone McKenna

2. Business: 

Simone McKenna Fitness LLC

3. Describe your business:

I am a Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, and Online Coach. I empower women to live a life of passion, purpose, and confidence by providing fun fitness opportunities, current health education, and a supportive environment. 

4. Everyone in business has that moment when they know this is what they’re supposed to do. When and what was yours?

I am beyond blessed that I get flooded weekly with transformation photos, updated measurements, and thank you notes from clients telling me how “great” they feel for (losing weight, completing a program, fitting into their pre-pregnancy shorts, running a marathon, etc.). But I had two real “ah-ha” moments that stick in my mind.

1. One of my clients who started working with me because she was overweight and miserable with herself and her body set a huge goal to lose 50 lbs while her military husband was deployed for 4+ months. We worked hard with nutrition, training, and accountability and she was having amazing success. On the day her husband arrived home, she and her (then) 2-year-old son surprised him at the airport, whilst her mom filmed his reaction. Needless to say, he was shocked, proud, and overwhelmed that he was her motivation to help herself to feel better about herself. She admitted that she was a better wife, mom, and friend because of her newfound confidence and zest for life. She has now lost over 80lbs and just did her first boudoir photoshoot for a local company. AMAZING RIGHT?

2. I started working with a business coach after 8 months into my business, who told me to write out my financial goal. I wrote down a figure that doubled my previous income made in a gym. When the next task was to work out how much I make now and to compare the two, I was shocked! I was already exceeding that goal! Safe to say I readjusted my sails and aimed even higher. What an absolute blessing to be able to earn a “goal income” whilst pursuing what I love daily!

5. What were the first five action steps you took to turn your dream into a reality?

- said YES to opportunity

- invested in my website so that I looked professional and was proud of my “storefront"

- registered for an LLC & set up a business bank account

- started connecting and networking

- dived headfirst into personal development

6. When did you know you had something special that people loved?

I was working as a Personal Trainer in a gym, prior to going out on my own, so I knew my training style and personality were suited to this profession and practically guaranteed results to my clients. When I opened my own private studio and could do everything my own way, I realized I could be a little more dialed in with my niche clientele, which made my passion and enthusiasm for training, nutrition, and support even more addicting. I loved that I could offer women the chance to train one-on-one but also be involved in an online accountability group where they get access to weekly meal plans, recipes, monthly events, and a community of like-minded women. It really is so powerful to see these relationships form and the network of women I have connected through healthy living. 

7. What are your plans for future growth?

Absolutely. Short term- I am working with other women (especially those already in the fitness industry) to help them build a successful online fitness business using a similar platform as I have. So that they too, can experience success nationwide, rather than just at a community level. Virtual training has become a demand and I want to help others meet that!

I would also love to get back to ‘in-person’ group fitness challenges and events, as well as seasonal boot camps (once COVID is no longer a risk).

8. What are the top five things you keep on your desk?

• my Mac

• my water bottle

• photo of my family

• chalkboard for my daily affirmation/ goals

• my planner

9. Behind every entrepreneur are people who support them and helped them get where they are: who are your people?

• Yasmine Robles (Website Development & Support)

• Nellie Corriveau (Business Coach)

• My husband, Scott. (Biggest Support)

• Local Community Groups (I have never had to advertise, clients have all been referrals or ‘word of mouth’)

10. What challenges did you face or continue to face while making your dream your reality?

Continuing to grow. Prior to COVID, I would go to & host events and network regularly so as to grow not only my audience but my friendships & referrals. I am having to place bigger importance now on keeping my brand and business at the forefront of my social media channels to ensure I am growing and being surrounded by my dream clients and those who empower me.

Not becoming complacent. It’s so easy for me just to be happy. Happy about everything: my schedule, the number of current clients I have, my income, my job. But I also realize the potential that I have and the lives that I want to influence in the most positive way. Until health and fitness are at the forefront of this country & the obesity epidemic becomes obsolete, I know I still have a lot of work to do!

Find Simone on her website and follow her on Instagram.