Today's MP Local is a goodie because not only was she one of our first clients but she's become such a good friend to us! She is so involved in this community and you can pretty much find her at any #kwawesome event. Her words, her why, her messaging and her drive is SO inspiring! We've loved watching her grow over the last year and it's only just begun.
If you've had the pleasure of meeting her, then YOUUUU know, but for those who haven't (yet) - we're so excited to share Lee-Anne from Sekond Skin Studios with you!
Name: Lee-Anne Reuber
Your title: Owner/Director of Sekond Skin Studios
Your elevator pitch:
Sekond Skin Studios offers niche yoga practices that combine yoga with athleticism. Currently specializing in Buti Yoga (a combination of yoga, HIIT, plyometrics and dance), my team and I travel around southern Ontario teaching to this ever-growing community who thrive on the high vibes we bring to each class.
One word to describe yourself:
Caring
Why did you choose that word?
The reason I do what I do is because I care for others and I make it my business to be a help to as many people as I can in this life.
Why did you start the business that you did and what was the inspiration or reasoning of how it came it life?
The story of how my business came to be is a series of being at the right place at the right time. It’s far too long to get into here, but basically, I found a practice that changed my life. It changed me from the inside out. It was something I knew I NEEDED to teach because I felt it would be selfish of me to keep it to myself – I knew people needed it. Once I started teaching, all of the pieces started falling into place and I saw an opportunity for business because I was the only one teaching this niche practice.
First thought when you officially became your own boss:
First thoughtS… because it was many at once… OMG, what am I doing, this is so exciting, I can’t believe I get to live this life, how am I going to pay my bills, this is going to be hard, I can do anything I set my mind to….haha all of those and many more
When you’re not hustling, what do you do in your free time?
At this point I don’t have a lot of free time. My time not teaching is spent attending events for the business, planning for the business, learning about my market and my customers, planning events, going over budgets, etc. All related to the business. I have very little time away from the business at this point because I have a lot of balls in the air. But when I am completely free, I spend time with my partner and our pets, lots of time watching the Raptors, Netflix or Crave, good food and good wine. And also find time for family and friends as much as I can.
Describe a day in your life:
I am up early every day. Usually around 530am. Some days I get up and get right to work or hit the road to travel to wherever I teach that day. Other days I enjoy coffee and breakfast without any rush and then start my day when I feel ready. For the most part, my days start with computer work: sending emails, updating client account information, updating financials, seeking out opportunities for things online, etc. I respond to messages on Instagram and Facebook, prepare my post for the day, engage with other accounts, etc. The majority of my teaching time is late afternoon and evening so I usually hit the road mid-afternoon to drive to Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, Listowel, Brantford, or wherever I am for my first class. I have my schedule so classes are lined up back to back and I teach 2-3 each evening before making my trek back home. Usually home around 9pm, I have the world’s hottest shower, pour a glass of wine, grab a snack and then enjoy some relaxing until I fall asleep generally around 1030pm.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment is this business. It has taken me so far out of my comfort zone and I am truly grateful for each day I get to wake up and create my life how I want it to look.
What are your top 3 bucket list items?
1. More travel all over the world is a definite must
2. Own income properties
3. Sit courtside at many Raptors games
What or who inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing?
Each and every person whom I get to teach inspire me to do what I’m doing. I have seen so many people fall in love with who they are right beside me as we are moving and breathing and sweating and doing things we never thought we could. The practises my team and I teach allow the space for people to challenge themselves and remove the words “I can’t do that” from their vocabulary. It’s accomplishing things inside the studios and then going back into the world thinking, “hey, I did something I never in a million years thought I could… I wonder what else I can do if I set my mind to it?”
What animal do you relate with and why?
I am a lover of all animals so this is really hard. But I have to say I can relate to cats the most. I want attention when I want it and not when I don’t. I want to eat and drink the best of the best food and drink lol. I love to sleep. I’m cute ;) I can be very lazy and also extremely determined when I want to be – just depends on if I’m taking a rest day or not. I put my body through A LOT and I’m still alive! Haha. So I guess I have 9 lives.
What is your daily mantra?
Actually, this would change daily depending on the day. When I’m having a really rough day, I do allow myself to feel it and accept that my productivity that day might not be what it was the day before. And that’s ok. But regardless of how I’m feeling or what the days bring, I always accomplish SOMETHING. It might not be what I had planned or what was on my to do list for that day, but as long as I do SOMETHING, I can see the good in that and appreciate my ability to take a step forward.
What are some tips and tricks you use to stay motivated?
Come back to your why. I say this all of the time. Why do you do what you do? It needs to be so strong and so powerful that it can pull you up out of the darkest of days to keep going.
I’m also big on organization and efficiency. So I would encourage people to get good at these things because they will help you work smarter, not harder, and the more you accomplish, the more motivated you become to accomplish more. At least, that’s how I am.
Lastly, as I mentioned before, if you can accomplish just one small thing in a day, it’s a win. You don’t always have to be moving at the speed of light. Celebrate and be proud of each and every thing you get done. This allows room for life as it happens, and also keeps you moving in the right direction. And just as said in the last tip, when you accomplish something, you are motivated to accomplish more.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
I have learned SO much!! But if I had to choose something, I think the biggest lesson I have learned is that I am capable of anything. Where there is a will, there IS a way. It might not be the way I thought it would be when I first started out, but keeping an open mind to opportunities as they come, and working really hard for the things that are important to me, I am capable of whatever I set my mind to. It’s a huge lesson learned because I no longer limit the success I can achieve. The sky is literally the limit.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on some really exciting things right now that are both business and personal. Not going to say too much about what I’m doing but I will say I am in the process of creating my own yoga practice.
How can our readers find you?
Best way to get me is Instagram: @sekond_skin_studios
My website is currently being revamped but I can also be reached at www.sekondskinstudios.ca
We cannot wait to see Lee-Anne grow this year and see all her dreams come true. Definitely follow her on Instagram and attend one of her pop up classes if you can.
We are constantly looking to promote local businesses and freelancers in the community, so if you are interested in sharing a bit about your life and your journey, send us a DM or email us at hello@mintandpoppy.com.
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