We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Kinal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well, I live with a chronic illness/invisible disability. At the end of 2019, my issues flared up and took a brief amount of time off of working. I was going to get back to things in…March of 2020. And we all know what happened. So out of necessity, I started my own business, mainly doing personal training, but I also offer voice, ukulele, basic rhythm/percussion and accordion lessons. All online. I have a few creative projects I’m working on that will be in-person coming up.

That business has kept going. As a chronically ill individual it has been such a life-changer. So the pandemic created at least that silver lining for me. Wages in the fitness industry, like many, are not great in Colorado. The amount of work I was doing was not lining up with the amount I need to function. Even with having to pay my own expenses now, I’m better compensated for my time, energy, and expertise. And I can lie down for a little while and rest in the middle of the day, which most other jobs would look down on – but are necessary for me to take care of my body.

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.
My work finds the crossover between several different things. Although the main thing I have been doing for money has been fitness/movement training over the past several years, that training has a “heavy dose of theater school” as I like to say. I try to use play and creative expression as much as possible to keep people engaged and motivated. I myself went to theater school, and have also worked and trained as a clown, onstage and in healthcare settings.

It has not been easy. My health for the past 35 years has hindered me. But…it’s also inspired me to live a life worth living. I don’t wish pain on myself or anyone. But it teaches you things. If I’m allowed to use this word, I like to think of myself as a “Chronic Badass”.

On the horizon are a few projects. I’d like to get back to teaching more in-person workshops, where I find the crossover between things. Rhythm and martial arts. Ways to use elements of “clown” in your particular discipline. Theatricality for Dancers. Things of that nature. I see the connections between things and that excites me. I like people able to explore different modalities, and have experience in quite a few.

I’m in research and development mode for a healthcare clowning/humor program as well, and I’m feeling very inspired by that.

I want people to know that I want to meet them where they are at. Our energy and experience changes everyday and moment to moment, and I want to respect that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I live in one of the most gorgeous places ever, Boulder, Colorado. I would take them outside. There are so many options here, like hiking and biking. We could go chill by the creek, or head up to the mountains. In town, I’d take them over to sing with Boulder Pop Choir for a night. I’d take them to my jiu jitsu academy, Chroma BJJ, in Lafayette. I’d show them the Junkyard Social Club. I’d take them for a dance class or event at Mi Chantli, and arts and movement sanctuary that I’m on the board of.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to reach way back to when I was 12 years old. My chronic illness started rearing its face, while I was growing up in Florida, and there were some tough family things going on. Theater summer camp, and performing arts classes during the rest of the year saved me. In particular I want to thank Barbara Sloan for seeing something in me. And there have been many friends and families who have supported me along the way. But if I were to thank one of my fundamental mentors, it was Barbara.

Website: https://www.wendykinal.com

Instagram: @wendykinalllc

Image Credits
Simone Schiess Photography

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