We had the good fortune of connecting with Masiel Encarnación and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Masiel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business was actually an accident! I was going through a breakup where I had gained almost 20 lbs and wanted to feel good about myself again and build my confidence by hiring a trainer. Once I had my own transformation, I wanted to share everything I had learned from the experience which I started to do on a blog and on my social media. One of my favorite classes I used to take at the gym was Zumba, and the instructor urged me to become an instructor myself because she could see I had skill and talent. Once I did that, I started teaching classes all over my city and the women in my class would ask “How did you get your body to look like THAT!?” “What should I be eating to look like you?” – and I would spend 30 minutes after class answering all of their questions. One day, a girl I went to high school with sent me a message on Instagram asking me to train her – and that’s when I realized I could really make this into a business. I got my personal training certification and the rest is history!
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As of this article, I am exclusively training all of my clients online which has been amazing because I’m able to coach women all around the country/world!! I’m most proud of my tenacity in being a woman of color in a primarily white space. I’m proud that I show up for my people in ways that are genuinely helpful, authentic, and consistent. This year I’m most excited about reaching even more women of color who need my help!
Starting a fitness coaching business was hard as hell. It still is hard, but absolutely worth every single minute. I have trained women in their homes, at the gym, in outdoor boot camps and have now served over 200+ clients because I’ve been willing to put in the work to serve my audience every chance I get. I believe women choosing me to be their coach in a part of their health and fitness journey is my karma. I’ve always been willing to share what I’ve learned for myself which has positioned me as a trusted friend and professional to the women in my community.
The biggest lesson in business is: You have to show up and put yourself out there to actually be found!
I want the world to know that fitness is for every body! You can still eat your cultural food and still lose weight + have the body of your dreams. You don’t have to give up who you are at your core to be the best version of yourself!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a foodie so this would be a food tour LOL! I would make sure to take them to dinner at Rincon Macrorisao (my uncles Dominican restaurant!) in my hometown of the Blue Ox, in Lynn Ma for their signature burger, to Antique table in Lynn, MA for their bread and pasta, to Exchange Street Bistro in Malden, MA to have a yummy Martini, to Sweet green in Lynnfield for a delicious salad and some makeup shopping at Sephora, then go into Boston for brunch at Bartaco, and dinner at Strega and maybe fit in a workout at our local gym! We’re going to eat and be merry 🙂
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would dedicate my shoutout to all of the women in my community who trust me enough to help guide them through their fitness journeys! I call them my Slay Squad 🙂
Website: getfitwithmassi.com
Instagram: instagram.com/getfitwithmassi/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/getfitwithmassi/
Image Credits
Photographer Credit: Jarrod Anderson (IG: Createdbyjarrod)