We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Gomillion a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rachel , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted in a commitment to creating authentic, impactful change for people. Throughout my journey, I’ve seen that real progress comes from consistency, hard work, and supporting others in ways that matter. This drive motivates me, especially during challenges at TRVFIT Berkley, where we focus on addressing people’s needs in a way that makes a difference. Every experience—whether guiding members through life-changing transformations, empowering coaches to reach their potential, or overcoming obstacles to better serve our community—deepens my resilience.
It’s this sense of purpose and passion that keeps me moving forward. I am driven by the goal of building a lasting community that thrives on connection, empowerment, and growth.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At TRVFIT Berkley, I dream of growing into a gym with a waitlist—a place where our community feels so inspired, supported, and energized that our space becomes one of the most sought-after. What makes us unique isn’t just our workouts; it’s our commitment to fostering a space where everyone feels valued and empowered, regardless of their fitness journey.
One of the highlights this year was our body-positive photoshoot, which showcased our members’ strength and individuality. It celebrated confidence and determination, bringing incredible energy to our community. It celebrated confidence and resilience, bringing incredible energy into our community. We strive to be a gym that uplifts every individual, and this shoot was a powerful reminder of the impact our support can genuinely have.
I’m also passionate about collaborating to expand our reach and impact. Partnering with Move Detroit, for example, allows us to make fitness more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their background or experience. Hosting Movement Fest was another significant step forward in our mission. Bringing people together to celebrate movement and wellness reaffirmed our commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive community.
At TRVFIT Berkley, we’re working towards becoming a fitness home that touches every aspect of our members’ lives—a place where they can feel proud to belong.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have stood out as crucial: persistence, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning. My 23 years in the event industry, alongside learning from my brother and other mentors, have shown me that these skills are invaluable in business, building genuine connections, and adapting to challenges.
Persistence has been essential. The event industry taught me early on to expect the unexpected and to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. As I lead my gym, not giving up allows me to adapt and push ahead even when challenges arise. For anyone just starting out, building persistence means embracing difficulties and viewing them as stepping stones. Start small—take on projects that push your limits, and remember that each setback is a valuable lesson.
Effective communication is the foundation of solid relationships with clients, employees, or community members. My years of event planning have taught me the power of clear, empathetic communication. I carry this skill into my gym today, helping me connect meaningfully with members and my team. To develop this skill, practice active listening. Understand what others say, and always strive for clarity in your responses.
Commitment to continuous learning has kept me innovative and motivated. I’ve always sought to learn from each experience and those around me. Early on, this mindset helped me adapt to the fast-paced event world, and now it guides me in leading a constantly evolving gym. Anyone starting should stay curious and open. Take every opportunity to learn from mentors, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Knowledge is cumulative, and each piece helps shape your path forward.
Incorporating these three qualities into your work can create a solid foundation for long-term success and meaningful impact.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, my instinct has always been to double down—work harder, shut others out, and embrace a scarcity mindset. I know this cycle well: pushing myself to exhaustion and believing that if I just work harder, I can somehow control everything. However, time and again, I’ve found that this approach doesn’t help; it only leaves me feeling more isolated and drained.
Eventually, I realized that I couldn’t do it all alone. I began to understand the value of support, connection, and a different approach. Now, I turn to grounding practices like breathwork and meditation. These moments allow me to pause, release tension, and find clarity without the constant urge to push through on my own. It’s about stepping back, breathing deeply, and re-centering—letting go of the “must-do-more” mentality.
Reaching out to others has also been a game-changer. Engaging with like-minded people at retreats, workshops, or support groups has reminded me that I don’t have to carry the weight alone. These connections help shift my focus from scarcity to abundance and from isolation to community, grounding me in the power of shared support.
If you tend to enter “overdrive mode” when overwhelmed, consider trying a different path. Instead of working harder, create space to breathe, reflect, and connect. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most productive thing we can do is pause, seek support, and allow those around us to lift us up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trvfitberkley.com
- Instagram: @trvfitberkleyinoakpark
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trvfitberkley/
- Youtube: @TRVFITBerkley
Image Credits
https://www.elliefrancesphoto.com/
https://www.rachelallenphotos.com/sports-events/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.