Stephanie Mansour, CEO of Step It Up with Steph, is on a mission to help women lose weight fast and make it last. Steph is a Weightloss & Lifestyle Coach for women, a TV Personality, and a Health and Fitness Expert.
She’s been featured on CNN, Dr. Oz, and over 50 television shows. She has coached and trained one reality TV show client to lose 83 lbs in just 12 weeks. Her emphasis on gaining confidence in yourself and creating your own version of the perfect body and lifestyle has made her a favorite among her clients and fans.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always been passionate about women’s issues, and women’s health and wellness in particular. I wanted to create positive pro-social media messages for women to feel good about their bodies and good in their skin!
Tell us about your business.
Step It Up with Steph is a TV show, and I personally coach women to lose weight and keep it off through my online & private programs.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Women everywhere can join our FREE 21 Day Challenge that includes an easy eating plan, workout guide, and confidence boosting exercises! It’s here: StepItUpChallenge.com.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Step It Up with Steph on WTTW Chicago was just nominated for 2 Emmy awards!
- I also personally coached and trained one client to lose 83 lbs in just 12 weeks.
Where is your business based?
Chicago, IL.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Initially, I needed to pay my rent. I printed business cards out from my computer (I didn’t even know you could order them!) and posted fliers up in grocery stores and coffee shops. I had no idea what “finding your niche” meant! I would work with anyone and everyone who would pay me.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Nowadays, I’m much more strategic in who I work with and the type of clientele that I target. I focus on women who’ve been successful in many areas of their lives except weight loss. Why is it that we know what to do, but we’re just not doing it? Or why is everything else in place, except for our personal health and wellness? I get to the bottom of this for my clients both privately, on television, and in our online programs.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenges have been running and operating a business without a formal business background. When I first started, I didn’t even know what the title CEO stood for!
How did you overcome these challenges?
Because my ultimate goal has always been a health and wellness TV show, I kept my eye on the prize and did whatever I had to do to get there. Being crystal clear on my goal has been KEY!
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
- I wake up and say positive affirmations to myself everyday. I read high-vibe books about personal development and manifestation.
- I write in a gratitude journal every night.
- I cling to these habits when the times get tough.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
This came a little later in my business, about 4 years in. I started only working with women, and then created this whole concept around being successful in your professional life but not in your own personal lifestyle. This really resonates with women because many weight loss coaches or health experts work with a variety of clients or audiences. I have really focused my message so that it’s tailored to the exact audience that I work best with.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Just keep going, one day at a time!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself. Many people will try to tell you that they’re more of an expert about something than you. Take as much advice as you can from others, but at the end of the day evaluate it yourself.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
I love my google calendar, subscribing to the Daily Om (a spiritual passage that gets emailed to me everyday), and using LinkedIn to research people and their backgrounds.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I love reading “Think and Grow Rich” over and over again. It’s about manifesting money, but I use its principles to manifest any goal.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’m looking for an executive personal assistant – it’s hard to find the right person, but I will know her when I find her!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals are to get as many women enrolled in our Free 21 Day Challenge as possible! Whether it’s the holidays, the new year, or a change in seasons, our lives are constantly in flux. This challenge is meant for women to utilize the principles not only within the 21 days, but also afterwards. It really helps women see that there’s more to weight loss and health and wellness than just food and fitness.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemansour
Instagram @stepitupwithsteph
Twitter @stepitupwsteph
Facebook www.facebook.com/stephanie.mansour.5
Website www.StepItUpwithSteph.com
Email info@stepitupwithsteph.com
Hashtags #stepitupwithsteph