Meet fitness professional Elle Linton

Hi Elle! Please can you introduce your business to us…

Hello Everyone! So, I’m Elle, a 30-something Fitness Professional and Blogger. I’m also a recent graduate with an MSc in Management with Business Innovation. Although I refrain from using the title Entrepreneur, I guess that really is what I am.

Essentially, I run my blog as a business and have recently launched an online fitness offering in light of the current global situation. Before my MSc, I also launched an events company specialising in catering events with smoothies. Sadly, something had to give when I began studying and it was that small business!

What inspired you to start your business?

I don’t think I ever made a decision to start a business; it’s always just happened. My events company came about after chatting with a friend. When it comes to my blog, I originally started that as a way to connect with my friends in the fitness world. Over time, I learnt more about blogging and ended up monetising it as part of my overall personal brand as a fitness professional. 

With my current online fitness offering, again, it was the choice between doing nothing with my customer facing role as a studio instructor gone or do something to stay connected doing something I am passionate about. 

Where and how do you work best?

It’s always at home for me. Either on my bed, or in my living room when I think I should spend some time outside of the bedroom! I do have the cutest desk and work area in one corner of the bedroom that I love to work from, but that only happens occasionally. 

As for time of day, I think I’m not an early bird at all. So late morning all the way through to the evening… I’m good.  

What value do you hope to bring to your clients and customers? How do you hope your work makes them feel?

Some of my core values personally and professionally are loyalty, honesty and fairness, so I live and work within these values each day. 

I hope that my work makes my clients and customers feel valued and empowered. 

Elle has unique approach to her work, removing the initimidation factor that so often comes with fitness work. Instead, her focus is on community and support.

How do you hope to be Unedited in your business? How do you seek to be authentic and true in your work?

I realised some years ago that the easiest way to be in life, is authentic which links closely to my values. I have learnt that we all have different causes to champion and things that affect us negatively, so I focus on what is most important to me. 

One thing that created a huge shift in perspective for me was the concept of a silent agreement. If / when we see things happening that we do not agree with, saying nothing is just as damaging as what is happening. 

If we see things happening that we do not agree with, saying nothing is just as damaging as what is happening. 

What’s been the biggest high of your business journey so far?

For me, all the little things I do which add up to create the highs, are what matter most. For my smoothie business, it was when I was asked by Puma to cater one of their events; I couldn’t believe that such a big brand had found my little business  and chosen to work with me. 

For my blog, it’s similar. Tracking my analytics and seeing growth, which has come from spending time working on things like SEO and researching what my audience wants and needs. Being recognised is always a bonus too; I was listed as one of the Top 10 UK Health & Fitness Bloggers since 2017 by Vuelio, and I recently improved my ranking all the way up to the number 2 spot now!

What was your greatest fear when you started your business?

My greatest fear was probably that I would create a business and no one would be interested. Most recently, I’ve had to remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day and people need time to become aware of you, trust you and then choose to become a customer. When they do though, that’s a big deal, and should be celebrated! 

How do you overcome self doubt as a small business owner?

As a woman, I think self doubt is built into my DNA! It’s probably cliche, but remembering that we are not able to please everyone, helps me to take onboard feedback and constructive criticism. Normally, once I get into a groove, I’m too busy to remember to doubt myself!

Like most of us, Elle experiences self-doubt at times.

But her passion for her work sees her through.

How do you make sure to have time for yourself as a business owner?

That’s a tough one because as an Entrepreneur, I feel like if my eyes are open, it’s an opportunity to be working.  When things become too much though, I have learnt to recognise the signs – poor sleep, low energy and feeling low. When that happens, I ensure I dial everything back and focus on regaining some balance.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to a new Unedited business owner what would it be?

My advice would be to know your worth and don’t be afraid to say no. I hope you would know when you need each piece of this advice…

You can find Elle on Instagram @ellelinton or over at keepitsimpelle.com. Head to Elle’s website to explore her new range of super-affordable online fitness classes, helping you find community and movement during this lockdown period wherever you are in the world.

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