We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Brascetta and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’d always been independent, especially financially independent. And I’ve always had a “work” focused mind. Through school, I was the one to always have three jobs while being competitive in sports and focusing on my education. It’s all I knew, and I absolutely thrived off of it. But I also had the dream to one day be able to stay home with my kids when the time came. And so when it did, I absolutely took advantage. I love being home with my kids more than anything, but I also missed the grind of the workplace. After some time, I began to lose myself a bit to the title of “mom”. Everything I did was for them, for our house, for our family. And I needed more. But, the thought of going back to a 9-5 and losing this time with my family was so discouraging… really not even an option. To work for someone else and get paid, likely, just enough to cover child care (been there, done that), it just didn’t make sense. Yet I knew I needed more! So I thought about what truly made me happy… being with my family, having flexibility and freedom while bringing in an income to help support us. That was it. And then I realized I could do that exact thing in the world of health and fitness which has always been a passion of mine. If I made the commitment, I could have everything I already mentioned WHILE helping other people live healthier lives. It was a no brainier! I now get to put that hustle that I’ve always been used to as a employee into practice, but this time for myself, while at home with my kids 🙂
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I didn’t start in the world of health and fitness as a personal trainer or a fitness expert by any means. I was a mom who was lost and had to learn to love herself and take her mental and physical health seriously because of the way that bleeds into all other aspects of life. I’m BUSY. I have three young, wild and crazy boys (ages 5, 3, and 1), I have my own business, I am in class for different certifications, I work outside of the house at my family business, I (try to) have a social life, my husband works full time from HOME… busy is an understatement. And the chaos that comes with the boys’ needs and schedules is a full time job in itself. But with practice, I’ve learned that I’m so much better for them, for my business, and for my household and husband, when I take care of me too. My goal in creating my business was to show others that it’s possible. It’s possible to have an endless ‘to-do’ list, life obligations, other priorities, and still show up for yourself. Because we matter too! And we can’t pour from an empty cup. I was terrified of the fitness world, passionate about it, but still fearful of my role because of self limiting beliefs. And it took a while to get past that. But I”m here to tell you, If I can do it, there is NO reason you can’t! I am proud of the fact that I have been able to do something for me at least once a day, even if there is chaos surrounding me, because it’s important to me, and now, to them. So what I do now is just that. I help people with crazy, busy lives and a lot of motivation find the right fit for themselves. Because that’s what we forget, that fitness journeys look different for everyone. And there is no one “right” way. Only that each person is wanting to make themselves a priority and is willing to make that commitment. The rest will follow. But I feel like we spend so much time thinking that if we do something for ourselves, it;s selfish. When it’s the complete opposite!! We HAVE to take care of ourselves to be our best in every other setting; that starts with our physical and mental health. Peroid. I have all the tools imaginable from workout programs, nutrition guides, support resources, accountability groups, and individualized, one on one, interaction for each client at our fingertips, along with being a Certified Personal Trainer myself to add that extra value. It’s pretty cool. And it’s ALL DONE VIRTUALLY! So at ones own time on their own schedule 🙂 Helping people get started on their journey is a feeling like none other. Because I’ve been there- I still AM there. So I will do my best to support them as best I can along the way. The crazier the life, the better haha
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Red Rocks! Seriously, it’s amazing. I love lake Dillon and spending time in Breckenridge; Summer especially. But honestly, I’m all about local joints! And I’m just outside of Denver so my immediate is a spot called The Rock Restaurant and Bar. It’s a little neighborhood, Mexican/American restaurant with awesome food, cheap drinks, and just a great neighborhood vibe! There are a ton of local mom and pop shops from restaurants to shopping to coffee to breweries in the area but this is my fave for food and drinks! That, and the view of the mountains is amazing!! (plus, it’s my mom’s restaurant so I have a piece of my heart there 😉 ha!) Other than that, I’d say check out The Crawford in Union Station and then go walk around 16th Street Mall. Cave of the Winds, Hanging Lakes, Washington Park for a low key park day and you HAVE to visit all the Breweries!! If you want to get adventurous, get to the mountains. There are endless hikes, waterfalls, rafting, skiing, tubing, historical tours, wildlife, you name it! Well worth the short drive!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ohhhh man. It goes without saying, my husband 100%. He has had my back since day one. He gave me the nudge I needed saying, “either make a change, or stop wishing you would have”. I told him about the venture I was considering taking and before I finished my thoughts, he walked over with a credit card saying “let’s do it”. And then when I wanted to take it a step further, he again handed me the card because I came up with a million reasons not to. After the decision was set in stone, we sat for hours and talked; his excitement was just as great as mine through the entire conversation.. and it still is! Truth be told, I’ve had to lean on him through the challenging times along with celebrating the good and he’s never once shown an ounce of doubt in our decision. He is my backbone and greatest supporter in every ounce of the word and doesn’t get near the appreciation shown that he deserves. Especially doing this all with three wild boys at home running around while he is still working a full time job and supporting my dreams.
Website: https://linktr.ee/forever.fitish
Instagram: @gina.brascetta
Facebook: www.facebook.com/forever.fitish/