It started as a hobby, a way to channel their talents. But then they realized their skill set didn’t just give them an enjoyable pastime, it could also spark a rewarding career. Meet four hardworking women who took their hobbies and — with determination, creativity, and a generous dose of siyata d’Shmaya — created successful businesses.
Fitness with Finesse
The only girl in a household of boys and a natural athlete Miriam Newhouse has always been interested in fitness. After her third child was born Miriam decided it was time to follow her dream and become a fitness instructor. For the next six years Miriam trained five days a week. “I was good at it and I loved it ” she says.
As Miriam’s expertise grew she started teaching classes at a local Bais Yaakov high school. “I enjoyed using my skills to help girls feel empowered and safe” she says. “And it was a wonderful outlet for them.” She also started women’s “boot camp” classes in her mother’s backyard.
As her classes developed a following Miriam transformed her basement playroom into a fitness space — the Power Studio — complete with a mirrored wall and a professional dance floor. Three and a half years later the Power Studio in conjunction with its sister studio in nearby Pomona hosts more than 45 classes a week taught by a variety of teachers including separate classes for children and men. Miriam teaches about 12 women’s classes a week and supervises the fitness program of over 100 children.
“I didn’t start out with a business plan — it grew as demand grew” Miriam explains. “Because it developed organically I was able to build step-by-step without getting in over my head.”
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