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

Hi Itzy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I went to school for architecture, a completely different field from the fitness realm. I was extremely passionate for it until I wasn’t. Health and fitness became the love of my life, and before the pandemic I was slowly making my way towards creating that a second income. However, when the pandemic hit, I knew this was my chance to pursue what I really loved in life. I wanted to do something that I truly loved, and that is help people reach their fitness goals and their best self. So instead of working for another gym, one in which I would have to follow certain standards and “work culture”, I decided to create my own work space. Something that would start a movement, a feeling, and a culture among individuals with the same goals and similar aspirations. It would be my very own space in which people feel comfortable coming to.

What should our readers know about your business?
The reason behind opening up for business in January is kind of a long one. I have a Master’s in Architecture, and opened a private personal training gym in January of 2021. Most people are blow away by the fact that I would leave Architecture, since I was extremely passionate about it. The truth is fitness and wellness stole my heart. I had a body transformation of my own after my undergrad years, and it changed my entire life. It enhanced my mindset, confidence, and completely realigned my purpose. I wanted others to feel this exact same feeling. So I decided to open a gym that would feel like home. There aren’t a ton of private personal training gyms out there. As a matter of fact, I don’t know of any others in Houston. But this is not the only reason my business is different. I COMPLETELY hone in on every client and their goals, Their dreams, their aspirations, their insecurities, and I build their plans accordingly. It has been a little over 6 months since I have been a business owner, and all the responsibility that comes with it is all worth it when I see a client smiling after hitting milestones in their journeys. It hasn’t been easy to do everything myself, from the marketing, to the sales, and managing all my clients. But it has been the most rewarding job of my life. I have so many ideas and things in the works, and it feels amazing to know that the sky is the limit, and that I am truly making an impact in others lives and in my own. I am blessed to have had this opportunity throughout a time when so many people suffered so much.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am actually not the greatest at this! haha. As a bodybuilder, I tend to spend a lot of the time at the gym, and eating my home prepped meals. So I don’t really get out much. If I do have friends who are visiting, I tend to take them on outdoor activities with me. I enjoy exploring Buffalo Bayou park, or even go gym hopping to gyms like Alphalete and Braniak. As far as food, they would definitely have to make a trip with me to The Breakfast Klub for brunch and maybe some yummy burgers at the Burger Joint or Hop Doddy. Most friends want to check out NASA since its a huge staple for Houston, so that’s always a nice little trip. Other than that, I am a pretty simple, outdoorsy type of girl!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think the biggest credit will always go to my parents. Both my mother and father sacrificed their own lives and careers and aspirations to move to this country and give me a shot at creating something bigger than myself. Even though I switched careers, even though pursuing a career in fitness was unorthodox, they continue to support my decisions and be there for me through it all. My work ethic is directly aligned with everything they have taught me about life, and I couldn’t name better mentorship and love and support than my own mother and father. My husband is also a very driven individual with an entrepreneurial mind whom has inspired me to create my own waves and never settle for anything less than exactly what I want out of life.

Website: 10thfitness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeefitzy/?hl=en

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

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