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Connie McInnes

Founder, RSTUDIOS

Finalist, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub Micro-Business Award, EAST

 

Connie hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia and is the creator and founder of RIO Halifax, an avant-garde studio specializing in pilates, yoga and movement classes and ROGUE, a kickboxing and circuit training studio. Connie has been an ambassador for Lululemon Athletica, as well as several other local brands. She also teaches at events, retreats, and festivals throughout Canada and Internationally.

 

My first job ever was… Coaching Gymnastics.

I decided to be an entrepreneur because… I wanted to do it my way.

My proudest accomplishment is… I was part of a National Award campaign earlier this year recognized for our contribution and involvement in the community. It was the first time business in Atlantic Canada had been recognized and selected as one of 7 businesses in North America. As part of the award, they made a massive contribution to an organization I am passionate about and to feel in that moment that I had done something that made a difference and opened opportunities for others… that was the best feeling.

My boldest move to date was… Having a goal to open one studio by the age of 30 and instead, opening 3.

I surprise people when I tell them… I built the vision for my business five years before it opened- it took me four years to save the money to do it. Businesses don’t just happen. When the doors open, the journey is already well on its way.

My best advice for small business owners is… Follow your gut.

My best advice from a mentor was… If you cant 10x yourself you can’t 10x your business.

 

“It is equally important to grow the self, as it is the business. It takes a huge investment of time and energy to push yourself forward through the downward spirals.”

 

My biggest setback was… Setbacks are what lead you to success. They were all big, they were all worth it.

I overcame it by… Never giving up on my thirst for knowledge, surrounding myself with supportive people, always seeing the silver lining.

I never go a day without… Coffee. movement. working.

The future excites me because… It is so unknown. There is so much opportunity. There is so much to be done.

Success to me means… Making an impact.