Meet Daniela Restrepo of Fitt Factory in East Boston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Restrepo.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Daniela. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am an immigrant from Colombia. In 2000 I had the chance to come to Massachusetts to find better opportunities for me and my family. Shortly after, I found a job in a bakery, and was able to earn more money than I made in Colombia help my family back in Colombia. After that I had several jobs. A friend of mine who was a nurse encouraged me to study nursing. I completed a certification but I really didn’t like it that much. I dreamed about having my own business. But without higher education it seemed impossible. One day I had an accident and broke the Achilles’ heel. I was sent home for several weeks for recovery, and after that I had to do physical therapy and exercise. I loved that, and after doing it for a few months I discovered a real passion for exercising. I used to go to the gym every day, and completed a certification as a personal trainer and Zumba instructor. So I started to do private training and people loved it, so they encouraged me to start my own business little by little. At the beginning, in 2013, it was just me. Now I have hired more instructors and have over 100 members. We want to keep growing. That accident changed my life.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I love serving Latinos, but it is challenging. I decided to focus on the Hispanic population for 2 reasons: One, because I was surrounded by them in East Boston, Chelsea and Revere and I am one of them! Second, because I noticed that immigrants need help in dealing with the American life style. Many of Hispanics have 2 or 3 jobs, they don’t eat well and don’t exercise or don’t know how to do it properly. So I wanted to help them, but it has been a challenge. They are struggling to pay bills every month, and many see gym as a luxury. I offer a semi personal training, which is very effective formula for them, but of course pricier than regular “do-it-yourself” gyms. We just have 6 to 7 people in every class.

So trying to gain their trust and convince them that it was an investment for their own health was difficult. But I think I have achieve it. Now I see my costumers are happy, they recommend Fitt Factory and that is what matters. I even have a wait list. We are thinking on expanding the space and hiring more instructors.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fitt Factory – what should we know?
I am a certified personal trainer and Zumba instructor. I founded Fitt Factory, which is a space where you’ll learn how to properly exercise and eat well to improve your overall health.

Me and my team of certified trainers offer a semi-private and unique workout that has proven effective to weight loss and muscle toning. Our team help you discover your full potential.

At Fitt Factory you won’t only improve your physical condition, you will build community.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The fact that we offer a semi personal training for an affordable price. If you go to a personal trainer you will pay a lot more than you are paying here, and still receive a lot of attention and guidance from the team. I think that is what people love. Is not you in front of the machine: it’s us, our community and the trainers challenging you.

Pricing:

• Zumba; Abs & Cardio; Cardiotherapy; Super cola classes: $8

Contact Info:

• Address: 5 Breed St. East Boston
• Website: www.fittfactoryboston.com
• Phone: 978-8104310
• Email: fittfactorygym@gmail.com
• Instagram: fittfactoryboston
• Facebook: Fitt Factory East Boston
• Yelp: Fitt Factory

Image Credit:
Renato Castelo

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