Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is celebrity trainer and health juice creator Kirsty Dunne, who we caught up with to find out what inspires her work and which former ‘Saved By The Bell’ cast member she had the pleasure of training with…
WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m a celebrity trainer and nutrition expert. I’ve created a signature juice line, OTG3, and the 21 Day Metabolic Shape Up program.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
To do what I love! I was always active growing up – I did everything, including dancing, swimming, basketball, and track and field. While working at a local health club at a young age, I was inspired to help others live a healthier lifestyle. I picked up my first textbook on anatomy and training science and I never put it down!
I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry, but I wanted to be unique and innovative and do it in my own way. This passion drove me to create a business model that could reach a broader audience and not just through a gym. When my stepfather passed away in part due to an unhealthy lifestyle, I was inspired to create my mantra for fitness and nutrition coaching: It Begins Within. I had a passion to impact as many people as possible; the art of working with clients and inspiring change from the inside out doesn’t just come from a program, it comes from understanding the client’s lifestyle and connecting with them.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Working with Mario Lopez. After growing up watching him on Saved by the Bell, I never thought that that I would be working with him in L.A. and featured in his celebrity training book!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years?
Continuing to do what I love and impacting as many people as possible. Whether I’m pregnant, after I have babies, or I’m a grandmother, I see myself sharing my journey, inspiring others to be fit and healthy, and continuing to evolve my business.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Success often has much more to do with perseverance than it does with a person’s innate qualities. This isn’t to say talent doesn’t matter, just that it only goes so far without sacrifice, persistence and effort. If you think something can’t be done, find a way.
I didn’t wait around, and a CEO once told me that it was my persistence that caught his attention. Stand out and be confident. Don’t get lost in cyberspace when it comes to huge opportunities. Pick up the phone, go to the head office, get out of your comfort zone. Don’t give up on your dreams; if it doesn’t go as planned, just change the path and reinvent – we all need to do it to succeed.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support a lot of charities through sporting events: SickKids, Cancer research, the Special Olympics. Training for a sporting event to support a charity is motivating to me.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Rejection. We can come so close to what we think is the greatest opportunity and put in so much work and time, and then it fails or falls through. I’ve had to remind myself that failure is a part of the journey; it’s a time to reflect, reevaluate and grow. I look back on opportunities lost as a gain because it pushed me to achieve even better opportunities.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Someone remarkable.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I love Cluny Bistro in the Distillery District. It reminds me of a trip to Paris and has my two favourites in one: a French café with the best cappuccinos by day and a fun lounge and bar with the best French martinis by night.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
My website, kirstydunne.com – I am always updating the blog with nutrition and fitness advice and exploring new ideas for my audience!
The most played song on your phone?
Porcelain (Ambient mix) just brings everything into perspective!
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Nature’s Emporium (@NaturesCanada). They have amazing recipes and ideas to make healthier dishes.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I love London! I was born in London and have family there.
I plan on travelling to Scotland; I have heard so many beautiful things and would love to cycle there!
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
When I see photos of others travelling to beautiful places around the world!
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
I love red wine from all over the world.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Healthy food – no compromises there! Technology, because I need more gadgets.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success is doing what you love, when you want, where you want, and with whom you want.
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