Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Tannis Miller, who launched Twistmetoned.com (TMT) with partner Ainsley McSorley this past October. The program has received an incredible response so far with a strong momentum to change women’s lifestyles with online fitness programs and an app…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
The great thing about TMT is that we offer all the tools, motivation and support needed to get fit, but without the grueling workout schedule or restrictive diet. For Ainsley and I, “dieting” is out. We’re into lifestyle.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
TMT came about after Ainsley and I had found so much common ground, chatting about how we’ve finally come to find balance after years of professional fitness modelling and competing. Although we looked amazing at our contests and photoshoots, we always made reference to how much happier and healthier we were now that the days of strenuous dieting and training were behind us. Both in our late twenties, we realized there was more to life than stressing about how our bodies looked and obsessing over dieting. We honestly just wanted to share with the rest of the fitness community that you can still look good without giving up your entire life to do so. We created TMT to really preach balance, and so far I think we’ve done a really good job at demonstrating how to do that.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of what I do is the people. I’m so blessed to have so many positive and upbeat people in my life that it makes it easier to be the same way myself. From colleagues, to clients, to friends, I’m lucky to have such amazing people so closely knit into my day-to-day life in one way or another. As far as clients go, if I can help even a small number of them hit their personal goals and realize their true potential, and see the inner strengths they might not have otherwise been in touch with, I’m happy; it doesn’t get much better than that for me. On the other hand, I’ve come to realize that not everyone will have the same mindset or work ethic and it’s been a learning curve for me in terms of dealing with different types of people. Everyone is of course motivated differently and needs different amounts of time to adhere to lifestyle changes. It’s up to me to recognize these differences and bring to light for them that they can hit the goals they’ve set without being discouraged myself if it takes longer.
Where do you see your business going in five years?
I see TMT being a worldwide online training company, reaching out to health-conscious women (or women who strive to be) around the globe. I see us connecting with international fitness magazines, commercials, and dominating social media. This way, women in all sorts of places can utilize the tools we have come up with to transform our own quality of life.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is not just having an abundance of money. Of course earning a good paycheck is part of it, but I think a lot of it is loving what you do to a point that it doesn’t feel like work, with awesome people around to share that love.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When I was 25 I realized that I had built up enough recurring clientele with my personal training and online business to be able to afford to move out and live comfortably on my own. I figured at that point I had made it, haha.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Stick with the dream even when things get tough, when people tell you to give up, or even when you think you should give up yourself. Things will become difficult, but you need to remember why you started in the first place. Just promote what you love. Have confidence in yourself and in your business idea and it will take off if you believe in it.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support and donate to the Canadian Paraplegic Association. My grandpa, who died in 2006, was a quadriplegic and I feel good knowing I have the opportunity to potentially make a difference in other people’s lives, similar to my grandpa who I know went through a lot without the use of his arms and legs, especially after being an athlete his entire life.
What is Notable to you?
When someone radiates a genuinely cheerful demeanour even when you know they have been through a lot of tough times. When someone can show that they love their life even though they haven’t had the easiest one; I think that’s just so admirable and inspiring. It’s a good reminder to me to push my own limits even when things aren’t so smooth sailing.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone… however, I don’t have a huge opinion on this. I’m not very techy.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I’m actually pretty lucky that my training job is in a really positive and upbeat environment. It also doesn’t hurt that I’m constantly around a lot of amazing clients that make me laugh anytime I step foot into the gym, so it’s not too difficult for me. I’ve also always found that anytime you’re in a glum mood or a little off, the best thing to do is just “fake” it for a bit. Get out there and surround yourself with upbeat people, pump some dance music, find something to smile at, and pretty soon you’ll realize your mood has shifted. Obviously eating clean foods, exercising regularly, and getting a good night’s sleep are also huge not-so-secret weapons.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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