Meet Ayse Sukola | Founder/Owner & Head Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayse Sukola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayse, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a combination of factors that stemmed from my passion for fitness and the desire to provide the best possible training environment for my athletes. As I began building a weightlifting program at a CrossFit gym, I foresaw the need for more space, time, and flexibility to support the growth of our weightlifters. While I had a great relationship with the gym, its owner, and coaches, I knew that stepping out on our own would be necessary for our continued development.

My passion for Olympic weightlifting was a significant driver. I wanted to create a dedicated space for Olympic weightlifting and offer specialized coaching and training programs to share my love and knowledge of the sport with others.

Additionally, I recognized the importance of a comprehensive approach to health and fitness. This led us to develop a nutrition program that complemented our physical training, further enhancing the effectiveness of our programs. Nutrition is a crucial aspect of overall health and performance, and I wanted to ensure that our athletes had access to the best possible guidance in this area.

Furthermore, my vision for the gym extended beyond weightlifting. I wanted to create a facility that catered to a wide range of fitness needs, including powerlifting, functional training, youth sports performance, and more. By offering a variety of services, we could cater to a diverse clientele and provide a well-rounded fitness experience for everyone who walked through our doors.

Starting my own business allowed me to bring all of these elements together and create a space where athletes of all levels could train, grow, and achieve their goals. I am proud of what we have built at Cherokee Barbell Strength and Nutrition, and I am excited to continue inspiring and empowering others on their fitness journeys

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets Cherokee Barbell Strength and Nutrition apart is our holistic approach to health and fitness. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we tailor our coaching, nutrition programs, and training to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual who walks through our doors. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a competitive athlete, or somewhere in between, we welcome you with open arms.

We are not just a gym; we are a community dedicated to helping our members achieve their fitness goals and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Our focus on Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, functional training, youth sports performance, and nutrition programs sets us apart from other facilities, as we offer a comprehensive range of services to cater to a diverse clientele.

What I am most proud of is the impact we have had on our athletes’ lives. Seeing them grow stronger, both physically and mentally, and achieve things they never thought possible is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s helping someone reach a new personal best in the gym or seeing a young athlete gain confidence and excel in their sport, these moments are what make all the hard work worthwhile.

I am also excited about the future of Cherokee Barbell Strength and Nutrition. We have exciting plans to expand our offerings and reach even more people in our community. I am confident that we will continue to make a positive impact and inspire others to prioritize their health and fitness.

My journey to where I am today business-wise has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding one. It all began with my passion for fitness and the desire to create a space where athletes could train and grow. I started Cherokee Barbell Strength and Nutrition when I was 3 months postpartum, with a traveling husband and a 10-year-old daughter, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting out, I faced numerous challenges, from finding the right location to building a clientele and establishing our reputation in the community.

It was not easy, and there were many obstacles along the way. However, I was fortunate to have a strong support system, and a dedicated team of coaches who shared my vision.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of perseverance and adaptability. In the face of adversity, it’s crucial to remain flexible and open to new ideas and approaches. I’ve also learned the value of building strong relationships with clients and the community, as these connections have been instrumental in the success of Cherokee Barbell Strength and Nutrition.

What I want the world to know about Cherokee Barbell Strength and Nutrition is that we are more than just a gym; we are a community dedicated to helping our members achieve their fitness goals and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Our holistic approach to health and fitness sets us apart, and we are committed to providing the best possible training environment for our members. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished, and I am excited about the future of Cherokee Barbell Strength and Nutrition

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Actually, it’s quite amusing! Our business is located in a bustling business complex that offers a unique blend of experiences. You can start your day with a delicious Italian meal at the restaurant nearby, then pamper yourself with a manicure at the nail salon next door. After that, you can enjoy some refreshing margaritas at the adjacent bar. If you’re an animal lover, you can even visit the friendly cat at the vet next door, who greets visitors like a dog!

After indulging in these experiences, you can hop over to our gym for a workout session to burn off those calories and stay active. And if you happen to need an emissions test for your vehicle, you can conveniently get that done in the same complex! It’s a one-stop destination for a fun and diverse range of activities.

For a change of scenery, I would take my friends to experience the vibrant restaurant scene in Downtown Woodstock and Canton. There are several fantastic restaurants owned by my friends, offering a variety of cuisines that are sure to impress.

Additionally, a visit to the aquarium would be a must! It’s a fascinating place with a wide variety of marine life that never fails to amaze visitors of all ages.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Whitney Maher with Maher Realty Group/exp – whitney.maher@exprealty.com – 404 376-1020

Website: www.cherokeebarbell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherokeebarbell/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysegsukola/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamCherokeeBarbell/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TEAMCHEROKEEBARBELL/videos

Image Credits
Ayse Sukola, Rachel Romano, Whitney Maher, Kara Everill, Thomas Minor, Ruby Shiva Dasi , Ayla Teresi , Ben Collins