We had the good fortune of connecting with Kay Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Love Life Fitness Studio in 2018 on my 49th birthday. The reason is to empower women. I have been to countless gyms over my life. For me, I always felt secluded and out of place as I had no self-confidence or self-esteem. I wanted to start a Studio where everyone is valued and where their story and their ambitions truly matter. Where we build one another up, with no egos, no gossip, no judgement. We provide a safe haven for every women who walks through our door to be themselves, and leave the world outside. Every women, no matter her fitness level, deserves a place where they can come workout and leave feeling stronger. This is my dream, and it has come true!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started Love Life Fitness Studio with 3 members, who were my friends. We now have close to 50 and looking at a second location. I wanted to grow the business slowly so I could give the ladies coming in, who had little to no experience in a gym setting, the attention they needed and deserved. Focusing on proper form, lifting the proper weight, and really working towards the goals they have set for themselves. The workouts are the ones I also do. I take a lot of time on my programming. I want the workout to be fun, but challenging. Our class size is 6-8 women ranging from the age of 24-71 with all different fitness levels.
In the beginning, the easy part was that I already had the concept built, in my mind. However, the hardest part was I had to work a full time job – for someone else – and work on building my business at the same time. I would wake up between 3 and 4 AM to work at my desk, then train my sessions, get a workout in, and then finish the day with eating dinner at my desk. This went on for 2 years.
If you have something you are truly passionate about, you will find a way to make it happen. For me, I am driven to share my story, my passion, my knowledge with anyone who would like to listen. I know what it feels like to be unhealthy, not happy with yourself, and out of shape. In my twenties I was obese at 250 pounds and a size 24. I can relate and I can empathize. I can also encourage, inspire and help motivate others because I want everyone to feel as good as they possibly can. I have been on both sides, I promise the hard work you will put into getting in better shape will be incredibly worth it. It’s life changing!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We like to go around Riverwalk, in Rock Hill, SC. There is a nice walking/jogging/biking trail that runs next to the Catawba River with shops and restaurants. We love sushi, so we like to go Uptown Charlotte to RuSans.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has played a significant role in my success. My mom and dad instilled a work hard mentality. Nothing is given to you, you must make your dreams come true. My husband and son have been so supportive and encouraging. I bounce ideas off of them all the time and their sound advice and thoughtfulness is so uplifting. I couldn’t have built this without them.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelifefitnessstudio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveLifeFRC/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDUYFX1yiL1o2jaCKVWn2w
Image Credits
Sozo Media Services, LLC