Jolene Cherry is a certified and experienced yoga instructor and personal trainer based in Portland, Oregon. She has always been interested in fitness, meditation, and nutrition and decided to help others reach their desired levels of physical fitness. Her international training and experience, ranging from Hawaii to Thailand, along with her nurturing one-on-one sessions have helped propel her to a prominent personal trainer and yoga instructor in the Pacific Northwest. She excels in a variety of yoga styles, especially Vinyasa Yoga, traditional Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, as well as meditation-oriented Yin Yoga.
Jolene believes that striking a balance in life is the key to wellbeing. She aims to help her clients reach that balance through physical activity, mindfulness, and healthy nutrition. While it’s important to exercise your body, you must also exercise your mind to find harmony, and be careful about what you eat to fuel both your body and your mind – this is Jolene’s guiding principle in everything she does.
Jolene is also a passionate health advocate and environmentalist. When she is not working, she likes to travel, hike, and enjoy the best espresso in town at the Spella Caffe. She also volunteers at Yoga in the Park and is a big dog lover.
How did you get started in this business?
My love for fitness really took root at the start of high school. I had some terrific coaches and mentors, and ever since, I’ve been passionate about helping others create their ideal healthy lifestyle.
How do you make money?
I have a healthy client base and primarily focus on personal training and private yoga sessions.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Self-doubt is part of the game, but it doesn’t have to win. Operating a business is like running a marathon. You have markers that track your progress, but some miles will be more challenging than others. It’s just as much a mental game as it is a physical one. You will want to give up, but I’ve found that if you dig deep, you’ll find reasons to keep going.
How did you get your first customer?
A friend took a chance on me, which led to another, and so on. The rest, as they say, is history.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Growing your digital brand is a must, but I’m still a bit old school at heart and thrive off of referrals. Take pride in what you do, put in the work, and people will want to be a part of that.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
I’m currently exploring expansion possibilities. Either opening a small studio or partnering with another instructor to increase our client base. Patience and time will tell what’s the right move.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
For me, balance is everything. I strive to find harmony in three areas: physically, mentally, and spiritually. Nutrition, exercise, and meditation all play a part in that. Together, they keep me energized, focused, and motivated.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
As a personal trainer and fitness coach, I’m rewarded on a weekly and daily basis by the progress my clients make. Growth is different for everyone, but it always takes dedication and hard work to transform your lifestyle around healthy habits. I’m proud of them for that.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The fitness world is always full of new fads, but I’m most excited about tech innovation: everything from wearable fitness bands to smart water bottles that track your water intake to live streaming a personal training session. I think there’s enormous growth in the latter.
What business books have inspired you?
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Breathe through your problems and enjoy the ride. Life is full of unexpected obstacles, but as you overcome them, you grow stronger.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
The best way to reach me is at https://www.jolenecherrywellness.com/.