Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Ratkowski.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I started my business in 2013, I was a full-time Exercise Science student in my DPT undergrad and a full-time waitress. I was 26, newly married, had been on my own since I was 18, and was supporting myself through it all. My husband and I got married in 2011 and during our engagement, at 23, he was diagnosed with stage 3 appendix cancer. At the time, I was working a 9-5 and taking night classes. I couldn’t be there for the times he got the news or many surgeries he had, I had to hear everything over the phone from my cubicle.
I’m happy to say that ten years later, he’s here and thriving! This event set in motion a passionate desire for freedom to be able to BE HERE with my family, to be able to be there for the important news. This made us both realize how the standard workforce wasn’t going to work for us.
In 2013, I took the summer off of school to do some soul searching. This is when I got the opportunity to partner with the wellness and fitness company Beachbody and start my home wellness business. I worked it part-time to my class and work schedule, helping people reach their fitness and wellness goals from home. I built it for 18 months before I was able to replace my waitressing income and have that time freedom I was craving!
Now, in 2021, almost eight years later, I’m still here helping people get results from their homes with their families and build consistency and healthy habits. Over the last six years, I’ve never had to ask for permission to live my life or miss out on important moments! If I could say anything to a budding entrepreneur, your dreams are worth chasing, don’t give up! You only fail if you quit!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a business is not easy, especially online. But the biggest obstacle is your mindset. Every single obstacle I’ve come up against had to do with my own limiting beliefs and limited vision. I will say, though, that it’s also a gift! (though it’s frustrating at the time) breaking through those barriers helps expand your awareness and vision, which is imperative to your personal growth.
Lots of LIFE has happened over the last almost eight years, lots of moving including across country 2x, deaths in the family, 2020 tornado through our neighborhood, 2020 in general, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and so on. Some may find it difficult to stay consistent with an online business through it all, but it has been my anchor, helping others and giving back through the tough times is especially rewarding! It has taken grit and tenacity and focus. But when you’re doing what you’re passionate about, it’s actually FUN!
We’ve been impressed with Ignite Your Passion Coaching, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I help women claim their power through movement! I provide them with fitness plans they can do from home or traveling, nutrition courses that teach LIFESTYLE habits and practices so they know how to eat for wellness and never have to diet again! I support them in my private wellness community space, so they have a community and safe space to share their journey and be supported. And since this work has also changed my life, I mentor other women on how they, too, can build the life and wellness business of their dreams!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Helping women step into their power!!! So many of us have been suppressed by society and trying to fit into boxes of what we are told we need to be since we were little. I believe we are all here for a reason and our true purpose and light is hiding under all the conditioning of the world.
Movement is so much more than physical goals! It helps to heal trauma, wake us up, and remember who we are! It helps us connect to ourselves and grow in confidence and sureness! It’s the gift that keeps on growing and expanding.
Pricing:
- Total Wellness Pack (covers you for the year of coaching and tools) $140
Contact Info:
- Email: amanda@amandaratkowskifitness.com
- Website: amandaratkowskifitness.com, amandaratkowski.com/Mentorship
- Instagram: instagram.com/amandaratkowski
- Facebook: facebook.com/amandaratkowskifitness
- Youtube: youtube.com/amandaratkowski
