International Women's Day

Help us celebrate International Women's Day with the strong women of #SNAPNATION. This year's International Women's Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Our women club owners challenge stereotypes and forge a gender-equal world every day. Get to know our community of fierce women gym owners below:

Kim Schuerger, Medina OH Club Owner

What did you do before owning a Snap Fitness club & what made you decide you wanted to open your own business?
Before I owned a Snap Fitness club, I was in the bar industry both bartending and in management. I wanted to work for myself and be an owner. I love the fitness industry and love working out. It just so happened the Snap I was a member of was for sale, so I decided to apply for the process to purchase Snap Fitness Medina!

Why is it important for women to run their own businesses?
It’s important for women—especially strong, independent women to be able to work for themselves, as many of us have proven to be very successful!



Jen Rhodes, Shawnee and Basehor KS Club Owner

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give other women thinking about opening their own business?
Don’t ever doubt your gut…ever. And if you begin to question your gut? Call me. Mine’s as solid as granite.

What are the key highlights of owning your own business?
Truthfully, owning your own business is ROUGH! I know that the lessons that I have learned along the way have made me successful, but the recognition of others within our organization and at the corporate level for the work we do in empowering others is honestly one of the greatest rewards I’ve been given.



Rachel Licursi, Norwood Young America, and Waconia MN Club Owner 

What are your key highlights of owning your own business?
For me, having a somewhat flexible schedule while raising a family is important. I love working really, really hard at a project and feeling so proud that it's my own dream that I am working on. And the people—I get to meet so many people and knowing my businesses can directly influence and help them is awesome! Another huge highlight for me is learning something new every day—new challenges arise constantly and being able to try new things and learn from mistakes is key in terms of progress.

Why is it important for women to run their own businesses?
It's important for a lot of reasons. One big one is teaching the next generation of females that they can do or be whatever they want! Owning your own business builds confidence, ingenuity, and life lessons that are hard to find elsewhere.



Shannon Reid, Winnipeg MB (Canada) Club Owner

How do you challenge stereotypes and biases as a female business owner?
I believe that stereotypes are molds that society has created. I believe in changing the mold. As a woman, I may not be able to lift the same weight as a man physically is capable of lifting. I accept that, and I don’t focus on trying to prove that I can. I accept help when needed and surround myself with people who support and believe in my strengths and want to see me succeed. I keep pushing forward every day. As a business owner, you don’t have someone to pat you on the back and tell you “good job.” You have to be resilient in knowing that you gave everything you could each day. Some days there’s more to give than others.

Who inspires you and why?
My Aunt Lorraine is one my biggest inspirations. Ever since I was little, I have always looked up to her. She is the most selfless human I know. She is a Mom, and Wife, a Daughter, a Doula, and Godmom (only to name a few of her roles). She has to wear many hats in her daily life and does it with the kindest smile and more energy that anyone I know! My Aunt Lorraine is the kind of person that makes everyone want to be a better person. She never misses an important detail and encourages women all around her to be great!! She has been one of my biggest supporters!! xo



Kelli Nadeau, Foley MN Club Owner

What are the key highlights of owning your own business?
I have the freedom to use my creativity to make a difference, and I also get to provide opportunities for others to do the same. I think it is so cool that my work ethic provides job opportunities for others. Leadership is my favorite part of owning a business.

Why is it important for women to run their own businesses?
I think running a business as a woman helps us grow our emotional intelligence. We have to know how to manage ourselves so that we can be successful leaders for others. This skill makes life challenges more manageable and grows you into a happier person so that you can be better for your loved ones.



Lori Lockwood, Berlin, Burlington, and Milton VT Club Owner

What are the key highlights of owning your own business?
The harder we work, the better we do. We are rewarded for our hard work financially and for changing people’s lives.

Why is it important for women to run their own businesses?
It makes you feel empowered, in control, and strong.



Sarah Heins, Andover MN Club Owner

What did you do before owning a Snap Fitness club & what made you decide you wanted to open your own business?
For 14 years I worked in the National Security industry as an Investigator conducting various investigations for the federal government. For approximately 4 years in that industry, I was a Field Manager and led a team of 34 investigators in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and the Dakotas.

How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship as a career?
Having honest conversations about the positives of owning your own businesses and the struggles and hardships. I think there is a lack of conversation about these things which leads to mystery or fear surrounding entrepreneurship. Some may think it is harder than it actually is. Others may find it less scary after speaking with a female business owner, even after hearing about the struggles. Bookkeeping scared me before I opened my own business. By chance, I ended up in a conversation with a female restaurant manager who gave me some tips, and it was a lot less scary than I had imagined.

Faamati Aumua Winey, Blaine, Forest Lake, Stillwater MN Club Owner

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give other women thinking about opening their own business?
Being different can be good. I am proud to be a gym owner as a woman and a Samoan.

Why is it important for women to run their own businesses?
Women should be encouraged to open their own businesses. Women should not be afraid to lead because of who we are.



Heather Rockhill, Fallston MD Club Owner

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give other women thinking about opening their own business?
The most important piece of advice that I could give a woman who wants to open her own business is to get in, get dirty, and do everything that she can. Even if you don’t know it, learn it. Never let someone do it for you. You will cry, you will not sleep, and you will question if it’s right. But at the end of the day, you will be stronger for all of it. You will learn, you will grow, and you will set the precedent for the next woman.

Who inspires you and why?
One of my favorite quotes is “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent” by Eleanor Roosevelt. Words to live by!

We are truly inspired by our #SNAPNATION women everyday! To read more about the International Woman's Day Challenge read more stories here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Know someone who should be featured on our social? Tag #SNAPNATION in your posts for a chance to be featured!