This week we had the opportunity to chat with Michelle Coels, owner and head coach at One Tough Mama. If you have ever looked into prenatal or postpartum exercise, you have probably already stumbled across her. She has been working in the fitness industry for almost a decade and just recently decided to dive into her own business full time. If you've ever had the privilege of meeting Michelle, you know she's found her calling. She genuinely cares about her clients and bettering the information available to them.
Tell us about One Tough Mama.
I am in the business of serving individuals. While I work mainly with women, I do not see myself as a female based business. I see myself as a business focused on the individual. We are all different; in a perfect world everyone's fitness program would reflect that. However, to keep One Tough Mama accessible to as many incomes as possible, I offer the following:
Where did the idea for One Tough Mama come from?
I struggled with many things postpartum. I did not overly enjoy my time as a "stay-at-home mom," feeling empty and alone. I very quickly started working again to feel like me. In the meantime, I discovered I had diastasis recti, and later, pelvic organ prolapse. It not only changed my life, but also how I approached fitness and exercise therapy.
I wanted to change the messaging for moms within Regina and beyond. I wanted to change the messaging for the general population about their core and their understanding of "what it takes" to be healthy and fit. I wanted to be better; to offer better. And I wanted to feel like myself. Rather than searching for a business idea, I honestly felt like I HAD to start One Tough Mama. My passion for core and pelvic floor gave me the confidence and gusto to put myself out there and prove to myself that my information was important and useful. It was terrifying. It is still hard. But it is worth every sleepless night. I look forward to my work everyday. Getting up is no longer a chore — it is a gift. I am thankful to have found this passion every damn day. It's what keeps me going. In one word, describe your life as a Momtrepreneur.
Rewarding
What does your day-to-day life look like as a Momtrepreneur?
I wake up, ready to kick some ass — it's another day, yo! Let's do this! A little work here and a splash of Olivia snuggles and breakfast there, and we are off and running. Another day, another opportunity to learn from and teach women (and men) about fitness.
As an entrepreneur, I likely have at minimum three ups and downs a day. THIS IS AWESOME, I AM DOING GOOD THINGS and FUCK THIS, THIS IS HARD, WHY DID I EVER THINK I COULD? Thankfully for me, the opportunity to work with individuals who feel that what you offer helps them, keeps me going. Having taken some control of my work life, I now carve out some time to work away at a course every week. Learning is one of my favourite things to do. I also write alot. Most I don't share but it's therapeutic to get the thoughts out of my head and on paper. Evenings are all about family time (aside from one). I play with my daughter: we talk, sing, move, and cook until it's time for bath and snuggles. Bedtime is my favourite. We sit quietly in the dark talking about our day and who we love. It's in those moments that I know I am doing the right things in life right now. After bed for my daughter, it's bed for me! Seriously though. What has been the best thing to happen since you started working for yourself?
The best thing that has happened is my mind has slowed down. I am an anxious person, barely able to keep up with the flow of thoughts that cross my brain every minute. Taking control of my schedule has allowed me to take control of my thoughts and manage them better. This has positively affected all areas of my work. It is also allowing me to fulfill the need to be unapologetically me. I can be me in my work and it is a creative outlet for me.
You recently shared the news of your pregnancy — congratulations! How do you see that changing your business?
With baby number two expected to arrive some time in the late fall, there are definitely some short and likely long term changes coming to One Tough Mama. For one, I will not be running most in-person classes for November and December. Being a fitness coach for postpartum women, I see it as my duty to practice what I preach which happens to include the overlooked REST period after birth. In order to serve my clients, and serve them well, I am going to first ensure that my own healing is a priority. This includes taking some physical time away from the business. I will continue supporting my remote fitness coaching clients at all times.
Mental health is a priority for me so, while I have plans for my return to work postpartum, I am being mindful of the fact that my best intentions now may not reflect what is best for my health after baby arrives. My hope is to significantly improve my online program and support to fresh postpartum mamas as I travel through this period the second time around. Who is your greatest inspiration?
My daughter is my inspiration. I see myself in her and yet I see her unique personality that is unscathed by society. I wish to live loudly, with love and authenticity, as a role model for her. I was a shy follower, scared to be noticed due to differences. It has taken me almost 30 years to respect what is unique about myself. Having found it, I feel I can live the life I wish to live and am motivated to share these skills with her so she, too, can live an authentic and kind life.
What brings you joy?
When I see other people happy and successful; my heart can barely handle the happiness. Also, Olivia giggles, Sophie kisses, and popcorn. My husband is pretty damn awesome too. So I guess that means family time over a bowl of popcorn — buttered only. People who eat it dry are weird.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about starting their own business?
Don't wait until your "plan" is perfect — just take action. Grow and improve as you are able. Be authentic and do whatever you choose because you love it, not to make money at first. Your passion will shine brighter than most anything.
Where can we find One Tough Mama?
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