Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisheva Kletzkin.
Hi elisheva, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was alwasy into gymnastics as a child, I did not go to lessons until I was a teenager as my family could not afford it, I started teaching gymnastics in high school, I bought some gym equipment on craigslist from a gym that was closing down, rented a truck with my dad, borrowed a couple thousand dollars from a kind neighbor of ours ( I’m sure he thought he would never see the money again..) I set up a mini gym and started giving lessons, only a few months later I knocked on my neighbor’s door to return the money to his surprise! As I grew, so did the bussiness, I expanded to a 3000 square foot retail space for 1 year, opened my own website, advertised and did everything from the front to the back end on my own as well as coaching alongside my team! I was in over my head!! but thank god it was going well and I was able to make cash flow from the very beggining as I did not have any money to invest aside from about 10k of my savings! The following year I got married to my wonderful husband and got the back bone together to take a 5 year lease and much larger space, I jumped in, rebranded, made a REAL website and proper backend system…hired more staff, bought more equipment and jumped right into it! thank god it filled up and the feedback weve been getting is amazing. Since then we have joined the JGL the jewish gymnastics league that gave us the ability to form a USAG team (levels 3-8) we now have multiple different teams for competitive and recreational gymnastics bringing fun and empwerment to everyone!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
its been a journey, there have definitely been hard times when I just wanted to hide under my blanket and not face the next day but thank god it gets better things pass and we get stronger and more confident! I would say most of my struggles were and are internally my own shortcomings as a business is a mirror – it is who you are reflecting back where I struggle in life I will struggle in my business and where i thrive in life I will thrive in business it takes time to developed the areas and delegate with trust to others in order to grow. i did have a hard time in the beginning to let go and trust that the jobs will get done at the highest level as I would do it myself, but ive learned to step back and not be a slave to my bussiness, to remember I dont want to be physically tied to being there all the time because then what did I gain as a bussiness owner if i have no freedom and I work all hours of the day plus I hold all the responsibility. I think it was a game of values and trust and not loosing myself in the process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
the name of the bussiness is Empower gymnastics, I remember sitting in my room trying to come up with a name to create the bussiness under and I was thinking what is my mission, what am i trying to accomplish and it came to me! EMPOWER! My goal is to empower children teens and evern adults through gymnastics, I know how much gymnastics has given me as a child, teenager and adult and I want to share the natural positivie affects it had on me and make it fun and alive!
What I love the most is seeing kids smiles and confidence grow as they learn new skills and get more trust in their bodies and spirit. I think what sets us apart is our mission, we are not looking to create top athetes or win gold – we are here for the sheer joy, fun and positive affects gymnastics offers and making it a highlight of our students week, Some people call it an outlet – I call it an INLET since it gives IN so much!! Its an honor to be contributing to our community in such a way, to affect so many childrnes self esteem and positive outlook on life!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It is wodnerfull to have a mentor and guidance I have had some good people along the way but I would say mostly that god is my mentor, I talk to him and share my struggles he alwasy helps much more than any human can! In ways that i couldnt imagine I remember times when i saw no way out and I just trusted god that he has a way to figure it out even if i cannot fathom it and ofc he did! So I stick to the best! the source of messengers 🙂
meditation has helped me ground a lot and find my center as well, even if its 15 minutes I always feel I can get myself back with clean energy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: empower_gymnastics
