The energy and passion of Jill Pagano really lights up any room. As a former aerobics instructor and current Nia (non-impact aerobics) Black Belt she "puts fun back into fitness". Her business NiaDivas in W. Seattle helps those with an injury or physical challenge get moving - Sway and Shift in a safe way.
As a business owner Jill shines. She understands the benefit of business planning, working IN the business, and creating value for her clients.
What got you into the Nia business?
I was a personal trainer and fitness instructor and while attending an IDEA Health and Fitness Convention I read this description of Nia class. I tried it and loved it. That was in 1995.
What do you know now that you wish you knew before you started your Nia business?
For me, I think to stay with it more. I fractioned off a lot. Nia has been a constant and I've had other side businesses along the way. Nia has been a business/hobby that I dabbled in and now want to grow into a successful business.
Did you have any mentors or role models has you launched your Nia practice?
There are many Nia trainers that are role models to me around the world. Helen Terry, a teacher and trainer in Houston has a very successful business. Ann Christiansen, a European trainer for Nia. They make their living very successfully at educating people in Nia. And of course, Debbie Rosas Stuart and Carlos Rosas who founded Nia are my mentors.
As your business grows how do you get it all done? Any tips on streamlining or
outsourcing?
I do believe in outsourcing. What I've discovered recently is outsourcing to other people that do what I do. That was a big aha moment for me. I'm a Nia teacher and I have a graphic designer that's also a Nia teacher and the ability for her to understand what I want is so streamlined and so much easier. There are 2,500 Nia instructors around the world and potentially they all do other things so it's a great community for me to jump into and use. My postcard came together in just days because she got Nia.
When you get to the point of hiring people in your business what trait will you look for that will complement yours?
Consistency...detail oriented...someone who is able to track projects and know where we are along the way. Right now I have an assistant that tracks our numbers...how many attendees, how many memberships sold, and if someone hasn't shown up for class she'll send a note.
As I hold the container for the big vision of Nia and bringing the education and inspiration I need someone to also maintain the details. It makes me a better teacher.
What personality trait serves you best in your business?
Creative vision...seeing the big picture....thinking outside the box. It's a huge bonus that I bring. As I develop that ...to follow through on ideas that are very good...that will propel the business. Definitely, follow through on the big ideas.
Did you dream of owning a business as a child?
I knew I didn't want to work for anyone else. When I was a junior in college I wrote a training manual for aerobic instructors. I had the vision of working with and training people in the area of fitness. I could never sit at a desk and wear nylons everyday.
What was your first business?
Where I went out on my own and hung my own shingle? It was called Iron and Oxygen and that was in 1992. I worked out of ProRobics as a contractor...I taught aerobics and also contracted as a personal trainer. I had a logo and brochures and everything. It was all about lifting weights and aerobics. All the pieces were there for great success and it was a dream job.
How much do you trust your intuition?
I really don't and that's a weakness of mine. I'm not even sure I know what my gut is saying half of the time. I'm very transparent about how I question my gut all the time. So as I move into this next phase of Nia it's all about understanding the sensation of the body that says "Look at this." I'm excited about this since I haven't learned to value or trust my intuition.
Are you more of a collaborator or a go it alone kind of gal?
I'm naturally a go it alone gal....that's my instinct but I'm surprised at how much I like to collaborate. I like to do what I do...I don't need approval of a bunch of people and I'm learning the importance of collaborating as long as I'm in the driver's seat....ha ha ha!
Your Favorite Song - Shimmer by Shawn Mullins It's all about understanding that we're all born to Shine.
Your Favorite Book - Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman. I read it during my 20's and on a personal level, when I needed it, it showed up.
Your Favorite Movie - Sliding Doors A brilliant movie that shows how one split second influences our lives one way and also shows what the parallel view too. What's our destiny?
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