Today’s Small Business of the Day features an interview with Aesha Tahir. Please find our conversation below.
We’re so inspired by the hard work and creativity of the small businesses that serve as the engines of our communities. Thank you so much for taking the risk and doing what you do. Before we go any further we’d love for you to tell our readers a bit about Tone And Strengthen Wellness Solutions.
I’m an exercise physiologist and a sports nutritionist. In my business, I offer individual coaching, organizational training, and public speaking.
As a coach, I help busy professionals who are leading a sedentary lifestyle take charge of their health with better posture and healthy body composition. Most of my clients have musculoskeletal issues and metabolic dysfunction. I work alongside their physicians and help them by providing lifestyle interventions that include improving their posture, nutritional intake, weight loss, and make personalized exercise recommendations based on their biomarkers and physiologic needs. With these coaching tools, they can create sustainable changes in their life. I am proud of my clients, who take the most challenging step of seeking help and prioritizing their health and well-being.
I provide wellness consulting services to large and mid-sized organizations. I help them create a culture of wellness by implementing health programs. My corporate wellness programs increase employee productivity and the company’s bottom line. On average companies see a 3:1 return on every dollar spent on my corporate wellness programs, that means, for every dollar spent on the wellness program the companies make three dollars.
I’m a speaker who loves sharing the message of emotional empowerment and transformation through posture and well-being. I’ve written an international best-selling book called “Unhunched: Discover Wellness Through Posture,” which has inspired my keynote speeches at various conferences. I get a love encouraging audiences to prioritize what’s important in both work and life – their health!
The way I provide services is through my company Tone and Strengthen Wellness, website www.toneandstrengthen.com, as well as my membership platform Virtual Gym, where you get access to posture, strength, meditation, yoga, nutrition, and Pilates classes, and much more as a member. This platform helps my clients create their own wellness routines. I also have a podcast, 9 to 5 Wellness podcast, where I talk about wellness solutions for busy professionals and corporations. I also share a lot of tips and inspiration on my Instagram @tone_and_strengthen.
I take great pride in my career in the exercise industry. Each morning, I wake up with the intention of inspiring people to make strides towards better health and a fulfilling life. I feel fortunate to be able to do this from prominent stages. I have dared to follow my heart and take a big pivot by shifting gears from working as a computer programmer to becoming an exercise physiologist. I’m grateful to be able to follow my passion and make a difference in other people’s lives.
“I’m glad you asked, ‘What sets makes my business unique?’ I believe it’s because I stay true to myself when I’m coaching. I am passionate about simplifying well-being for busy professionals due to my personal experience with lower back pain. When you approach coaching from a genuine place of love, people can sense your energy. Authenticity and passion foster trust, so if you genuinely LOVE what you do, people will be drawn to you and do business with you. Additionally, I believe that education and knowledge play a significant role in any business. I can offer quality services because of the time and effort I’ve dedicated to gaining extensive knowledge through studying, working in various capacities in the field, and my own life experiences. Whether it’s a private coaching session or a keynote address, I thoroughly research, test, and practice before sharing, which has been instrumental in building trust with my clients.” And that’s what makes my brand unique.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned building your business that you can share with those just starting out in their entrepreneurial journey?
Although everyone’s journey is going to be different but there are a few lessons that apply to every business owner.
The first most important lesson is cultivating resilience: Entrepreneurship comes with its fair share of challenges and obstacles. Learning to bounce back from setbacks is a crucial skill to develop. To help with this process, I’ve learned to have a network of entrepreneurs with me who can be trusted and support me through tough times.
The second most important lesson is to embrace failures: Failures are lessons in disguise. Just as an elite athlete improves at their sport through repetition, entrepreneurs improve by attempting and failing. These failures may include rejections for a small business loan or a speaking opportunity. Failure is not a personal reflection. It does not signify that you lack the qualities necessary for success. Instead, it indicates that you are on the path to becoming the person who will ultimately succeed. You only lose if you fail to extract value from the experience.
Alright, before we go, let’s do a quick lightning round.
Favorite book?
This is a tough one. I read a lot, and I like a lot of books. My favorite book is “Shoe Dog: Memoir by the Creator of Nike,” because it’s about running and entrepreneurship – two things I’m very passionate about.
Favorite movie?
My all-time favorite movie is “Shawshank Redemption.” I was 12 when I watched it for the first time with my dad. Since then, I’ve watched it so many times over and it never gets old. I love how the story focuses on grit, perseverance, and strategic planning to get what you want in life, even when everything is going against you. “Kung Fu Panda” is my second favorite for the same reasons.
Favorite genre of music?
Alternative Rock and Pop EDM
Favorite TV show?
“Friends” is my all-time favorite show. It’s relatable and makes you laugh out loud and cry at the same time.
Favorite cuisine?
I’m not a big foodie. Honestly, any cuisine that offers a good salad with options for protein would do. Just kidding. If I was to pick a favorite, it would be Mexican followed by Thai.
Surprising Fact
My career in the exercise industry started with teaching a Spinning class. Just four months prior to teaching that class, I had attended my first-ever Spinning class in Maui, Hawaii while on vacation. I fell in love with it and immediately got certified as an instructor…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.toneandstrengthen.com
- Instagram: @tone_and_strengthen
