Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is GymKats founder Ashley Adler, who’s business harnesses the power of sport to develop confidence, social relationships, and moral development among children in the Toronto area. We caught up with her to find out what inspired the idea and where she sees herself in five years…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I own and operate GymKats, a facility that teaches gymnastics skills in an environment that facilitates positive child development. This involves designing and implementing lessons that foster a love of learning gymnastics, and provides opportunities to develop confidence, social relationships, and moral development.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started GymKats in June 2014 – and we opened our doors in February 2015. The inspiration to start GymKats began more than a decade ago when I realized that I had a passion for teaching gymnastics. I have spent the last 14 years coaching recreational and competitive gymnastics, and I thoroughly enjoyed helping children set and reach their goals, whether it was to win bold at a Provincial meet or bunny hop across the beam.
I always knew that I loved the sport of gymnastics, but it wasn’t until I completed my Masters in Sport Psychology that I truly began to understand the realms of possibility that sport has to influence youth development. The combination of this practical and theoretical knowledge led to the formation of GymKats – a facility designed to offer positive child development through gymnastics.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is coaching the children in my programs; seeing their faces light up when they achieve a skill. Their energy is what I thrive on. The most challenging part is the scheduling – in particular, trying to anticipate the needs of families and still taking time off to recharge.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
At the moment, I don’t think my work-life balance is off. My business is a big part of my life, and as it is with many start-ups, it requires a large investment of time.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself operating an expanded version of GymKats. I hope to expand both the population I serve and the programs that I offer. Additionally, I plan to deliver mentoring programs for coaches, educating them on how to structure their programs and environments to facilitate child development outside of the technical gymnastics training.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
A major challenge that I’ve had to overcome is saying “no.” I really want to please the families that I serve, and I want to work with as many children as possible. There are situations or instances where I cannot meet everyone’s needs, and saying “no” made me feel as though I was ignoring the needs of the families. I quickly realized that this wasn’t the case, and that the families usually accepted alternative solutions.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
For me, professional success is establishing a sustainable business that can grow into the long-time vision I have for the company. This long-term vision includes child development and coach education. Money is certainly a part of that as I cannot achieve growth without it, but it is not the only determining factor of happiness. Personal success for me includes living a healthy and active lifestyle, and building a happy and health family.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The most memorable milestone in my career thus far was seeing the very first registration come into my inbox – seeing the name of a child and parent who wanted to partake in a program that I created. It was an emotional moment, one that I chose to savour.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be resilient – figure out what it takes to build, harness, and be resilient. I believe that resilience is a disposition that we need to maintain to cope with the failures, and high and low points of managing our businesses.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
For desserts and coffee delights I love Hollywood Gelato at Bayview and Manor Rd. They always have new and tasty gelato flavours, and delicious cappuccinos and lattes to accompany them! My favourite place to dine is Nove Trattoria – a great Italian spot at Yonge and St. Clair. They have spectacular food and wine, but what makes this place special are the people and the neighbourhood atmosphere they cultivate.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Cliché perhaps, but I love going for walks around the city – it helps me to clear my mind and there are so many beautiful spots in this city to explore.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
That’s a difficult one. I’d have to say Sweden, especially the West Coast. I love how each of the locales in Sweden breed an active lifestyle. Fresh food and sailing down the coast, taking in the beautiful views – it’s an ideal blend!
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Inner Ninja – calm inspiration to the max.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
To be quite honest, I can’t envision myself doing anything different. I suppose I would have continued coaching gymnastics in the traditional sense, or practicing sport psychology.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
My fiancée and I have contributed to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Right to Play, and JDRF.
What to you is notable?
Since starting GymKats, I have had the opportunity to meet many entrepreneurs, who have had varying levels of success. In listening to their stories, I continue to be amazed and inspired by their proactive attitudes and resilience. I think that “not giving up” quality is notable – and I strive to foster this skill daily both in terms of my outlook towards my business, and in my athletes.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
