Today’s Notable Young Professional is fitness enthusiast Cosette Dorge-Bott, owner and operator of one of Canada’s leading fitness franchises for moms and moms-to-be. Here’s where she sees herself in five years and what inspired her career path…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the owner and operator of the Fit 4 Two Pre and Postnatal Fitness Winnipeg-East franchise. I teach and sub-contract a variety of fitness classes for moms and moms-to-be such as Prenatal Yoga, Stroller Fitness, and Mom & Baby Bootcamp in over a dozen locations.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I have always been a fitness enthusiast. When I became pregnant, I looked into programs specifically tailored to pregnant women and found Fit 4 Two. I enjoyed the camaraderie and energy from participating in prenatal fitness classes, but it wasn’t until my first mom and baby class that I truly fell in love. I knew I wanted to share this feeling and all the other wonderful benefits of this type of program with other moms and moms-to-be in my community. It just so happened that the East-Winnipeg franchise was vacant and available for purchase. That is how my journey began.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is working up a good sweat with an amazingly strong and inspirational group of women who share my passion for health, fitness and family. The most challenging part is scheduling.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Replying to work emails on my phone in the middle of the night while breastfeeding my newborn…
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Promoting health and fitness to families living in rural areas, as I have recently moved outside of the city.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Keeping up my energy level when teaching over nine classes per week and raising a toddler at home. On some days it was hard for my body to keep up, so I recruited and mentored a few new, awesome instructors who took over some of my class load.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success is making a positive impact on people’s lives. When I receive emails that say: My goal was to become healthier for my family and thanks to you I have never felt stronger, or I would have lost my sanity during my mat leave if it weren’t for your classes, that to me is the ultimate reward!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Selling out my first Stroller Bootcamp class. I remember feeling so honoured and overwhelmed that such a large group of women wanted to be a part of what I was offering, and that they put their trust in me to help them better their lives.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Ask questions; learn from those who have been in the industry for longer than you have. They are the best source of knowledge.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Earl’s Main because one of my best friends is a manager there, so I love any excuse to see her… and I almost always run into a familiar face.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Glass of wine and Netflix… it’s not the healthiest pastime, but hey, everyone needs a break!
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Louisiana. My in-laws live there; great people, great music and great food. I especially loooove crawfish!
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Happy by Pharrell Williams. I love to kick off my classes (and my day, for that matter) with that song. You can’t help but feel good when it comes on. It gets everyone in a good mood!
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Maybe a phys-ed teacher?
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, Variety, the Children’s Charity, for obvious reasons. We have organized fundraising fitness classes in the past in support of this charity, but this year it hit even closer to home as one of our instructors’ baby was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, so we held a very special class for her and her family.
What to you is notable?
Mothers who can run a household and a business simultaneously, and successfully.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
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