Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Anderson.
Autumn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
About 8 years ago, I had just moved to Chicago after finishing graduate school in Central Illinois. While I worked downtown in a corporate job, I really didn’t know anyone here, so I began exploring ways to become more active. That’s when I took my first yoga class and also began running at the same time.
In just a few years, I was completely hooked and ultimately completed my 200 hour yoga certification, as well as an RRCA Endurance Running Coach certification. I started coaching and teaching all around the city for fun because I love connecting and interacting with new people. At the time, I never intended for it to become more than a side hustle, but I found a passion in sharing the things that I learned with others who were on a similar journey. In addition to working for studios, gyms, local groups and corporate offices, I started renting spaces to teach my own yoga classes and coaching runners 1:1. In the past year, I also received my ACE Health Coach certification so I can further guide and educate my clients. And now, I’m officially an LLC!
During the past five years, I have worked with all demographics and offered several specialty workshops, but the focus of my business now is helping busy women who want to improve their health and fitness learn better goal setting techniques to create lasting habits that will ultimately get them to the place they want to be.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with anything in life, there are always bumps along the way. When I was just starting out (and I’m still very early in the process!), it was difficult to know what I didn’t know. There was a lot of anxiety that I wouldn’t be able to find opportunities that were a fit for my goals or that I wasn’t well-known enough to be given a chance, but that was just fear getting in the way. Impostor Syndrome is a real thing! There were also a lot of aspects of starting a business that I was simply unfamiliar with, but my best advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help! While it may surprise my students and clients, I’m actually an introvert, so traditional networking events have never been my cup of tea. However, I have built a network of like-minded friends and colleagues that have advised me along the way. Most people are more than willing to give you a helping hand, guidance or even a quick introduction to someone else who is better suited to assist. Trust yourself and keep pushing forward.
What should we know about Autumn Anderson Wellness? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As mentioned, while I’ve worked with a variety of clients over the past few years, I was most drawn to those who resembled myself at the beginning of my journey. I know so many women who are rising up in their careers and in their communities but believe they don’t have the time or ability to focus on their own health or wellness goals. It often becomes the last priority on a long list and they either don’t know where to start, have tried but given up and simply feel overwhelmed. I want these women to know it is possible to make themselves a priority without having to give up the other important aspects of their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aandersonwellness.com
- Email: aandersonwellness@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnandersonwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutumnAndersonWellness/
Image Credit:
Tipping Point Photography
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