The face behind Platinum Body, Renee’s purpose is to inspire busy women to challenge the way they feel about their health & wellbeing. Spending most of her adult life in the Australian Army, until becoming a stay-at-home-mum raising her 3 children. Uninspired by the range of group training available at Gyms and Bootcamps in her local area, she took matters into her own hands. Dreaming of a Gym where busy Mums could take their kids without the Mother guilt of a germy creche she quickly discovered there just was no such thing. So, she built one.
When did you start your business?
Year 2014
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
I knew there were so many women who needed a safe space to get active, and I was also very aware of the fear involved with joining a Gym. I wanted to create an option were I could remove all the barriers. This is how my “no men, no mirrors and no equipment” group training for women was born.
What are you most excited about in your business?
I love sitting back and watching the transformation of my clients. They start scared, tired, unfit and unsure and when they trust the process the same thing happens every time to the point that I can track where they are at. A few weeks pass, first they get their regrowth done, then they get their nails done, then they buy new runners, then they buy new active wear that isn’t black. These steps are their self worth coming back, these milestones are so common with my girls because I teach them so much more than weight loss, teach them self love and enable them to rediscover this new version of themselves.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
The biggest challenge for me is always linked to my mindset. It is really important to look at each new opportunity as an investment not a risk. Each expense when launching a new product or service is an investment not a loss and sometimes it can feel like you are just constantly outlaying money and it can feel lonely and expensive. This can be a real challenge at times.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
I teach my clients you have an idea you are sitting on and you have that idea for a reason. I call it a sole voice, and I know that someone out there needs your idea. I plant the seed in their head to start researching that thing they are waiting for the perfect time to start working on. My advice is you have the idea for a reason and someone out there needs you.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I have always known my business was something a bit special, by entering the awards gave my business a chance to receive the recognition it deserves. I am so excited I can now say I run an award winning business.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
Honestly, it was one of the best nights of my life. I will never forget hearing my name called out after ‘the winner is’! I was not expecting to place being up against such high calibre women. To walk up on to stage in a room of women cheering you on is something your soul really feels.
What surprised you most about the awards?
Winning. Honestly still pinching myself. I have been to 3 other award nights as a finalist, and to win changed the whole dynamic of the night. I was and still am on cloud 9.
How did the awards help you in your business?
The amount of DMs I have received from other AusMums connecting is remarkable, I am just stepping my toes into this network of powerhouse women and I love it.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Do it, even to be nominated or a finalist gives your business credibility and will set your business apart from your competition. I know no others in my industry in my local area in a completely saturated market of all things fitness were not nominated for a national award, so now I will be the one women go to because of this.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The freedom to build my business around my life, vs working your life around your work places expectations. I am there for every school interview, every drop off, every footy training. I am there because I run my own business.
What’s happening next in your business?
In January this year I opened my first physical studio, this year has been a steep learning curve and I also became a qualified Yoga Teacher so it’s been hectic. Next year will be an opportunity for me to sit back and take it all in. I plan to bring in more trainers with the intention of stepping out of the business to enable me to work on it vs in it.
What are your big plans for the future?
Ideally I see Platinum Body being a household name, I know it is in my local area so this encourages me to learn what systems and strategies I need for that sort of growth.
What is your website and/or social media links?
