Celebrating International Women’s Day with Eliza from Fortitude Fitness for Women
International Women’s Day is a very special day of the year. It’s a day where we get to celebrate all the incredible women in our lives and acknowledge the hard work, they put into the things they’re passionate about each day. Whether they’re creative chefs serving up delicious dishes for the local community, fashion designers creating gorgeous gowns, or simply hard-working mums who are dedicated to teaching their children how to navigate the world, we’re constantly inspired by the women around us and how their diverse range of skills help to make the world a better place.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re taking the theme ‘inspired inclusion’ out into our local centres and showcasing some of our incredible retailers, staff, and community members who are paving the way for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.
Today, we’re chatting with Eliza from Fortitude Fitness for Women at Stockland Merrylands.
What inspired you to want to open your business?
I was inspired to run my own business because I like having the freedom that allows me to be more present in my kids' life. I find joy in serving the community here in Merrylands. Health and fitness have been my passion since I was very young. Being able to do what I love and make a living has been a blessing for me and my family.
What’s the most rewarding part about running your own business here at Stockland Merrylands?
Stockland is such a safe place for women to come and train. I feel safe to work inside the mall. Our ladies who attend the gym also love that feel about this mall. We also like how convenient it is to park, catch up on your shopping and run errands since everything is inside the mall. It saves so much time for busy women.
What does the phrase “inspired inclusion” mean to you?
To me "Inspired Inclusion" means - having that genuine and intentional effort to create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Sense of belonging and equity for everyone's involvement.
Who are some other women in your community that inspire you?
Karen has been working at Fortitude for over 14 years now, she is a source of inspiration to many women here at Fortitude, including myself.
What advice would you give to other women who may be looking to open their own business?
Well, running a business is not a piece of cake, it requires your wholehearted commitment. You really need to believe in yourself first so that you can keep on going when things don't go as planned. You also need to be open to continuous learning and growing. Because things keep on changing all the time, we need to be adaptable to learn new things, to keep growing even when we face many challenges during the course of running our own business. Lastly, be prepared to be paid last. You don't start your own business with only hope to be wealthy, you need a much bigger "why" than that. If you really love what you do, you can go the distance to be successful. In fitness terms, running a business is a marathon, not a sprint run.
International Women’s Day is the perfect time to thank the women in your community for all that they do. The next time you’re heading into Stockland Merrylands, say hello to Eliza and tell them about some of the women who inspire you. Happy International Women’s Day!
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