Get To Know Jessica Darling, Founder of Jessica Darling Coaching | Canadian Business Owner Spotlights by Kelsey Reidl, Marketing Consultant.
Meet Jessica Darling!
Founder of Jessica Darling Coaching,
Helping women move with confidence and build strength through pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.
Welcome to our Canadian Business Owner Spotlight Series hosted by me… Kelsey Reidl (Business & Marketing Consultant).
In this series, I'll be catching up with the most talented, generous & inspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in Canada & beyond.
Enjoy learning more about these wonderful humans, and give them a ‘follow’ or get in touch in order to collaborate with them + work with them.
-Kelsey
The TL;DR for Jessica Darling of Jessica Darling Coaching.
Jessica's journey to becoming a personal trainer started after the birth of her daughter. As a lifelong athlete, her world was rocked when her HG pregnancy forced her to take a dramatic step back from activity. Getting back to exercise felt overwhelming, and ultimately it inspired her to help fellow moms navigate their own fitness journey through motherhood.Her coaching practice aims to help women feel gratitude for all their body can do, and feel strong mentally and physically in a way that’s sustainable for their “new normal”.
Jessica holds a Personal Training Specialist (canfitpro) and Prenatal & Postpartum specialist certifications. Her downtime is spent with her daughter, cycling on dirt roads, or picking up a new crafting hobby.
Okay, let’s get to know Jessica!
Name
Jessica Darling
Profession / Title
Perinatal Fitness Coach
Business Name
Jessica Darling Coaching
Industry / Niche
Personal training & group coaching for prenatal and postpartum women.
My Business Was Founded In
2022
Current Location
Toronto, Ontario
3 words you would use to describe yourself…
Relatable.
Curious.
Understanding.
Tell us more about your business
I’m all about getting women, usually pregnant and early postpartum women, moving their bodies with confidence to build a body that supports them through every step of motherhood. My days are a mix of high energy group classes, tailored 1:1 coaching sessions in clients homes and supporting distance clients online.
There’s never a dull moment, and it’s my absolute honour to be a small part of women’s motherhood journey.
In one or two sentences, what specific problem does your business solve for your clients?
I help anxious and unsure soon-to-be moms gain confidence through pregnancy to keep them feeling strong, confident and pain free through pregnancy & beyond.
What is a recent investment you’ve made in your business
After a year of saying I wanted to launch my own online offerings outside in person coaching but not actually doing it, I invested in a fitness business accelerator program to hold me accountable.
What changed after that investment? Why do you see it as an investment, not an expense?
Being with a group of like minded people, with a regular weekly cadence really ‘accelerated’ my progress. In three months I had a new program with a couple new clients and was starting to show up consistently on social media with positive effects! Without it, I’d still be in the same place - wanting to do something but hesitant to pull the trigger. Every day I didn’t launch was a day I didn’t reach potential new clients.
What would you tell a new entrepreneur who's considering investing in the same thing, but is hesitant?
Do it! Sure you ‘can’ do something alone, or figure it out yourself, but why? The support and accountability of people who’ve already done what you aspire to do will only push your farther and faster out of your comfort zone and into a place where you can actually change and grow!
Now for some fun stuff!
Always…
Always try something new, even if you think you’ll be terrible at it.
Never…
Never underestimate the power of the basics done consistently.
Advice for other entrepreneurs, who are slightly less far along…
It takes TIME. Don’t believe the online hype that you can build 6 figures in a month. A business built for longevity is one based on relationships and trust. That takes time!
What is a tool, resource, podcast, book or person you’ve invested in that’s added value to your entrepreneurial journey
In my niche Jill Coleman of JillFit is a no nonsense wealth of practical advice that is actionable and effective. I did her FBA course and she shares a wealth of knowledge on her free FitBizU podcast.
Favourite way to wind down after a long workweek
A quiet night in catching up on netflix or my current book. As a natural introvert - it feels good to have some quiet time to recharge.
Before starting my workday, I make sure to…
Visit my local coffee shop, check in with my “water cooler” peeps and start my day.
Best part of my work is…
Making a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients. When someone says (and they have) “my body finally feels like my own again” that hits different than clocking in to a 9-5 job.
Last vacation you took (and where did you go)
Solo vacation to Long Point Eco Adventures. Cabin in the woods - biking, hiking, crafting and nature. My idea of perfect!
