Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Debi Vincent. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Debi , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I truly believe there are many contributors to the development of my confidence and self esteem. As a child I was always interested in gymnastics but was unable to participate at a high level due to finances. I became the captain of the High School gymnastic team which gave me the opportunity at a young age to be a leader. I then became part of the gymnastics and dance team in college. I believe I showed my confidence through my sport however when I wasn’t doing that I didn’t have the same kind of confidence. I have always had to work on believing in myself and not always relying on others to help me. Reading self help books, attending Dale Carnegie like courses and putting myself out there even when I was afraid or didn’t believe in myself was key. I specifically remember when I had my first big presentation as a Fitness Pro. I was asked to present a step aerobics class and when I was walking to my class in the morning I saw a very long line of people waiting outside of the conference room door and I asked people who’s class they were coming to and they said my name! I couldn’t believe it. I had 250 people there to learn from ME! It was a huge boost for me and allowed me many more opportunities down the road to present at other conferences. I have continued to put myself in situations where I’m out of my comfort zone. That is the only way that I have grown and not stayed in a bubble. Surrounding myself with people who support me and believe in me has also helped me become more confident.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a pilates studio owner/ instructor as well as a fitness and group exercise instructor. I am one of the lucky ones who has known my passion since I was 17. I graduated with a degree in Fitness Management and have been certified for 37 years. I get most excited when I lead my pilates instructor training program. I also love working with students who truly want to know the method of pilates as well as take care of their own health. My passion is helping others see what they are capable of and devising a plan to get there. My studio is a collaborative studio with two other pilates instructors. We work together and have designed a fantastic pilates teacher training program and have a beautiful inclusive space.
My new goal for 2024-2025 is to start a consulting business to help others in the fitness field grow, get more clients, keep more clients and make more money!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I was told by one of my mentors that we become just a little bit of everyone we have learned from, worked with or had a relationship with. I think that is really true.
So one of the top three qualities for me is
The ability to be open and learn from others. We don’t know everything and we expand our opportunities everytime we learn from others.
The 2nd quality is being kind and patient I have learned as a manager, fitness studio owner and educator that in order to help others succeed you must have these qualities.
The third quality would be perseverance. In times of difficulty and even tragedy, it’s important to stay the course and continue to find new ways of dealing with difficult situations. In my life time I have had many struggles. I lost my dad when he was only 63 years old of Hodgkins disease. He was just newly reitred and had purchased a home in Florida with my mom and planned to finish out his retirement there. It was a very difficult time for my family and I. Personally I have been through a divorce and have moved multiple times. These are all top stressors in life. I can honestly say if I didn’t have the friends I have, the education I have and the deep seeded desire to succeed I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through these times.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
My biggest challenge is that I am only one person/entrepreneur and I can only see so many clients in a day. I need to expand my knowledge and skills out side the studio. I am eager to expand my circle and network with others that could use my expertise in the Fitness and health world. Public speaking would be a great opportunity for me, however I haven’t figured out a way to get started with this. I want to do a talk on “making fitness a priority and why it is crucial in our lives “. I’d like to share my story of having parents who were not healthy and died at a young age and how that affected me and drove me to the field I have been in for over 30 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.activepilatesstudio.com
- Instagram: https://activepilatesstudio.com
- Facebook: Debi Vincent
- Linkedin: Debi Vincent
- Twitter: Debi Vincent
Image Credits
Lee Kriel Photography
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