Today we’d like to introduce you to Irma Avila.
Hi Irma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From as far back as I can remember, physical fitness has always been a part of my DNA. When I was younger, I thrived in team sports as it was where I first learned how empowering it can be to push yourself physically and mentally.
When it came time to make decisions about my future and what career path I would take, I initially thought I would coach soccer or track. It would be my chance to support and develop other young people – like I had been. While attending college and working a part-time job, I began to reflect on what was in my heart. I had long been inspired by the journey of my stepfather, who is a dedicated entrepreneur that launched and grew a successful roofing company. I got a front-row seat to the risk, reward and commitment of what it takes to be a business owner. I saw that following your passion could be the hardest and most challenging path to take – but also the most fulfilling.
During this time of self-discovery I also faced what many young people do – anxieties and feelings of insecurities. I sought out to be inspired by people, ideas and human stories. One day I picked up a cleverly titled book, ‘You are a badass’ by Jen Sincero. The text of the book spoke directly to me and helped to catapult me forward. I learned that keeping a positive mindset and owning your ‘badass-ness’ can be a solid foundation to go forth and tackle your dreams.
I recommitted to hitting the gym, at first with friends then later solo when it became my daily routine. I remembered how much I loved the feeling of pushing myself beyond the physical limits that I imposed on myself. I transformed physically and most importantly – mentally. People in my life began to share that my journey was inspiring to them – it was then I knew that this is my calling, my passion. I began the process to become a certified personal trainer.
Once I secured my certifications, I trained at two local gyms where I learned a lot about how to empower people to reach their personal goals. I also gained a layer of context for the business operations side of owning a gym. After a bit of time, I decided to branch out on my own and opened a box gym, with the help of my boyfriend and chief supporter, out of my garage. It was here that ‘Strength and Endurance Academy’ was born.
Not only did I train clients with one on one sessions, I also hosted boot camps for local neighborhoods. I began to build a community and was more encouraged than ever to keep growing and evolving.
Just as I was building momentum toward realizing my dreams, the world faced something that no one could have imagined – a global pandemic. My clients, family and the entire world began to live differently. We had to change every aspect of our routines. I knew it was in these uncertain times that my clients needed me the most – and I needed them. I quickly researched ways to keep us both on a path forward. I began to offer online training and zoom classes. My community drew strength from one another.
As the initial stages of the pandemic settled, I was made aware of a warehouse space available for rent. Although it initially gave me pause because the world was still in flux, I gave the idea real consideration. I consulting with my boyfriend, aka Chief Supporter, who by now had become my business partner. I also had in depth conversations with the man I had grown up seeing make his dream a reality, my stepfather. Their encouragement helped me trust my gut and take the leap. I was well aware that what I was doing was considered crazy by many people; especially since gyms all over town were closing. I drowned out those doubts with my faith. I believed in my community, I believed in my dream.
I secured the space and set out to give our clients a home. A business at launch is a flower about to bloom. We made due with the equipment we had while making plans to add to our arsenal of fitness tools. We rolled out in person classes with limited spaces and other COVID protocols to keep our community safe. Our classes were consistently full and our community grew. Seven months later, we had outgrown our space and had to secure a larger spot to host our clients.
This past summer, we reached our one year anniversary. We were proud to celebrate this milestone with our Strength and Endurance family that continues to grow. Our flower has bloomed and my dream is now a reality. We look forward to growing our community, impacting our clients and empowering them to their greatest potential.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting up a business in the midst of a pandemic has been the greatest struggle. There was no manual, resource or course that could have prepared business owners for the twists and turns that we’d face.
In the gym world, fitness equipment became a hot commodity and hard to secure. We would often find ourselves on the hunt for local products and stalking online restocks. When we finally secured an order, shipping delays followed.
Managing local COVID business operation orders was also challenging. Rules that impacted capacity limits and mask wearing were issued and updated frequently.
On top of all things pandemic, our part of Texas endured another event that could not have been predicted, the ‘Snow-apocalypse’ – as we called it. Massive power outages admit a snowstorm affected many people. It happened to affect our move in into our second space!
Through all the challenges, we keep our focus on our goal – just like we encourage our clients to do on their journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Strength and Endurance Academy is not just a gym, it is a true community. We support on another, we lift each other up. We are a place that will push you forward and build your confidence. You will sweat but you will also smile – and even laugh!
We welcome all fitness levels and are dedicated to each person who calls our gym home. Everyone starts somewhere and even those who are fitness vets may find themselves beginning again due to injury, childbirth, etc. Whatever your starting point, you have a place with our S&E family. We provide boot-camp classes, open gym and personal training.
It is our goal to eliminate every barrier possible for people to reach their fitness and well-being goals, it is for this reason that we are proudly bilingual – offing instruction in both English and Spanish.
We are community-minded. Giving back to people and our surrounding community is a company principle for Strength and Endurance Academy. You will find our members volunteering with local nonprofits as a team and helping to support those in our community who need a helping hand.
How do you think about luck?
You not only have to be willing to put in the work to achieve a goal but you have to manifest it. I often live with the guiding phrase, ‘What is mine will find me.’ I find that you can draw your success to you with vision and dedication. Some time ago, I created a vision board to map out what I wanted in life – a board that included the hours and tasks that I knew we necessary to achieve that vision. As they say, the dream is free but the hustle to make it happen is sold separately.
While luck be a factor in life and business, I believe that hard work and commitment are what is really impactful.
Contact Info:
- Email: strengthandenduranceacademy@gmail.com
- Website: https://strengthandenduranceacademy.com/
- Instagram: @strengthandenduranceacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengthandenduranceacademy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTOzJRpaTMpz-nzzoKNIcw
Image Credits
Sarahi Novela @novelaphotography Nicolas Restrepo @nicolasrestrepophotography
