Well hello and welcome back, I'm sorry it's been a while since my last Blog but I haven't really had any epic adventures as I have been working so hard, I then figured that actually, this was the biggest and most Epic adventure of the year so far, even bigger than the 103! So it must be blogged.
I will try and keep it brief and not bore you too much, but a lot has happened!
Timeline - July, made redundant! August, planning, signing on and more planning! September...........
27th September 2011 I became fully self-employed with my own business, 'Fighting Fit Devon' teaching Kickboxing, Boxercise etc and eventually, BounceFit of which I'll talk about a little later.
I launched the Newton Abbot Kickboxing club on this day, students from Totnes came over to support me and a few people came along to try out.
From those few on the first day one has remained and become as star - Ryan Sharples.
From day 1 Ryan showed natural ability, dedication and above all - No Fear!
For 3 weeks I built up adult numbers, with Isla returning to join me again as she was an Ipplepen student. There were still no Juniors though.
Then 3 weeks in Cai turned up with his Dad, Steve and said that they would both like to try classes.
For 2 weeks Cai had 1-1 tuition with me until he finally brought along his cousin, Beth. I now had 3 adults and 2 Juniors. Everything has to start somewhere although I am impatient to build up numbers. I want instant success but I will have to be patient.
Whilst the Kickboxing was going on I also started at Peak Physique in Torquay a couple of hours a week. The plan is to get more women into the gym there so they thought they would let me try and set up some classes there.
I've just launched the BLT class there (Bums, Legs amd Tums) I hope we get a few in this week for it.
As well as that I have been working away, tweeting @fightingfitdvn, updating Facebook groups and pages trying to build up the business!
I sold my motorbike :( to pay for the Van signwriting and it was the best choice. With Michelle's logo design on it, it's the best kind of advertising I could have had. I do now though have to control any road rage issues as they will know who I am!
I'm all sweetness and light when driving now and I let out a lot of people so they can read the van and know who I am.
Boxercise continued in Totnes, numbers are still low, although 12 last week.
I changed the Boxercise day in Marldon to a Wednesday in the little hall and still have the hardcore few who always turn up. It's a great group and we have since been joined by 2 more new Boxers.
Saturday Boxercise continues although still relatively small but great friendly fun sessions.
Then I finally did it - my dreams really became the reality at the launch of BounceFit!
For years I have wanted to do a SpaceHopper fitness class but I was held back with Insurance and also I had no room for 15 hoppers. My van can just cope with them and the rest of the equipment and so far the classes have gone well.
I have one more this year and then hope to do regular classes next year. I just need to spread the word around.
Starting your own business is very stressful, if anyone says different then they are lying!
To add to this I am also doing a qualification at the same time - passing my gym Instructors this week too.
I have to work very very hard to keep paying the bills and food, I will get there and I will make a success of it because I want it so badly.
I have wonderful support from my Mum and my friends and it will be possible for Fighting Fit Devon to be the business I envisage in a matter of months.
The fruition for me was yesterday, just 9 weeks from starting 6 of my students graded in Harberton Parish Hall. 5 white belts and a yellow stripe.
They came away with 2 distinctions, 2 credits and 2 passes. I couldn't be more happy. This is when you get to see the results of your hard work.
I'm looking forwards now, staying positive and most of all, taking this opportunity that I've been given with both it's horns and bouncing on to success.
