Just keep going. This motto defined Trixie Isla-Velez’s career early on in the fitness industry, and held true through all of the blood, sweat and tears she put in over the coming years. Even though she used to work for a fitness studio, she felt a strong attachment to the studio as if she owned it. She had no problem with working 14 hour days with minimal breaks, and even passed up on leisure or family time to work. She also began to form deep attachments with many of the clients in the gym, and was a big factor in the studio’s growth.
Sensing that she was worth more, Trixie felt unappreciated. To her surprise, she was told no after asking a question regarding her role in the company and was faced with a harsh reality: It was time for her to move on.
Although it was a tough decision, she ultimately left the gym and started her own company. It was far from easy at first, as she had to learn the nuances of being an entrepreneur, had to find spaces to rent out for class, and had to grow her clientele from scratch. But one thing remained constant, she just kept going.
With her intensely loyal clientele following her wherever she went, Trixie was able to finally rent a space of her own and have a permanent location for her gym, DEFIN8. Now, she is widely regarded as one of the leading pilates and fitness studios in all of Hong Kong and is a Nike Trainer and Amassador for various brands like Nosh, Myprotein, and Life Nutrition. She’s become one of the most sought after trainers in all of Hong Kong, and is only becoming better and more experienced as time goes on.
Trixie credits her success to her willingness to risk everything, jump out of her comfort zone, and chase greatness. None of what she’s accomplished as an entrepreneur would’ve been possible without her making the decision to leave the gym she worked at for several years. While it was an extremely difficult decision for her, it ultimately was the decision that allowed her to take her career to new heights and to realize her full potential as a trainer and entrepreneur.
Trixie admits that the biggest reward of running her own business has been seeing people’s lives being changed, making people fitter and connecting with new people. Because of how much her clients can sense her passion, positivity, and energy, she’s seen her hard work pay off majorly as she has received numerous awards like Best Instructor and Personal Trainer in Hongkong.
