Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Montreal-based private fitness trainer and lifestyle coach Drea Wheeler, who took some time out of her busy schedule to share with us what inspired her career and how other young professionals best achieve their goals…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am a private fitness trainer, a lifestyle coach, a wellness coordinator at Victoria Park, and a brand ambassador. Everything I do involves helping people feel good about themselves and making healthier choices. I am deeply invested in helping my clients live long, healthy and happy lives.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I grew up in a household where physical activity and education were essential. My mother believes competitive sports would teach my siblings and I how to set and attain goals. I always challenge myself to be the best, which is what led me to becoming an All-American track athlete and to become a coach at McGill University when I moved to Montreal.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Every time I achieve a goal, whether small or big, I consider it a memorable milestone. I believe it’s important to celebrate the small victories just as much as the big ones because it keeps you motivated and because life is short. I celebrate whenever I can. Creating and teaching my unique high intensity class, Bodylicious, has definitely been my pride and joy. It is my trademark and clients can’t seem to get enough of it! Joining the elite team at Victorian Park also feels like a new and important chapter in my career.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
That’s a hard question! I have so many ideas to take over the world, it’s hard to guest which one will come first. I’m an entrepreneur at heart so I definitely see myself involved in a few business ventures related to fitness. I am my brand so don’t be surprised to see Drea Wheeler fitness DVDs and a lifestyle clothing line coming to a store near you!
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Persistence! Just like when you’re running track, you need to keep challenging yourself – and when you’re thinking of giving up, find one more burst of energy to make it to the finish line. The only real failure in life is to not give it your best.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I love to get involved with any organization that has to do with keeping children active. Children are meant to be active, and if they start young it will become an effortless lifestyle as they grow up. I volunteer my time in daycares sometimes but the Montreal Cares foundation has been great. I organized a workshop with Montreal Cares because they take kids who come from difficult homes and neighbourhoods and they help them feel empowered to change their circumstances.
7. What does the word notable mean to you?
I think that someone or something notable is about making a noticeable difference in your community.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I love SUWU; it’s just a really cool vibe and great music. BUT as a Texan girl, I must say Rubs has my heart! It’s absolutely finger licking good.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
YouTube. I like to see different fitness trends and what the competition is doing. I also like watching dance videos to get a little inspiration for my choreographies.
3. What’s your favourite cocktail?
I recommend everyone tries a Mexican Bulldog at least once in their lives! It reminds me of my sorority days. But the reality is that after a long day at work, nothing relaxes me more than a nice glass of wine.
4. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I must say, I never experience this. I’m very in the moment so I never worry about what I could be missing out elsewhere…Especially if I’m with my love ones, I have no problem disconnecting from social media.
5. What would be your last meal? And don’t hold back…
Well, I’m a simple girl when it comes to food. Give me a meaty thin crust Dominos pizza and a glass of wine that I can enjoy on my couch and I’m in heaven! I’m visualizing it as we speak… Oh wait, maybe I would go to Rubs in Laval… I’m torn.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
I’m embarrassed to say, but my guiltiest pleasure is reality shows! They are just so entertaining. I watch mostly out of disbelief that these shows aren’t scripted.
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