Traci Phillips is the CEO and owner of Fun Fitness Kids Club, where she focuses on bringing fun to her customers in Charleston,Huntington and Beckley areas. Traci’s spouse, Justin Phillips, is the COO of the business. They provide rental fitness equipment for any age from birth to five years old. Fun Fitness Kids Club was recently named Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year by the West Virginia Small Business Administration.
The Phillips talked with Jim Matuga, host of The Positively West Virginia Podcast, about their business, their plans for the future and how they attract new customers.
Is this a mobile business? How does that work?
“Yes, we are a mobile business, and I think that is one of the best characteristics of Fun Fitness Kids Club. Now in the middle of a pandemic, people are not getting out, and they do not want to be in places where there are a lot of people. We bring the parties to people, with the parties being very small and having sanitation stations, we can ensure safety,” said Justin.
When did you start your business?
“Our business started in 2014,” said Traci.
What is your long term vision for Fun Fitness Kids Club?
“We would like to expand throughout the state with the Fun Fitness Bus. Another thing I am really excited about is with Fun Fitness Kids Club at this point; the West Virginia economy has not been very good, so we came up with an idea to start a non-profit organization.This organization is called The Fun Fitness Foundation.The foundation has the same mission to curve the obesity rate in West Virginia; however, we removed kids from the foundation because we wanted to provide fun fitness for all ages. The Fun Fitness Foundation has been in operation since 2018. We have done some wonderful things in the community, like paying a few grants to provide fun fitness. We also have some great partners in the community that are helping us expand our reach,” said Traci.
How do you attract new customers?
“The community has been great with uplifting us and has made an effort to keep our business sustained,” said Justin.
What is one thing you do every day that contributes to your success?
“We try to have half-hour meetings in the morning to get everything in line, and I think those are our best days as entrepreneurs,” said Traci.
Phillips was a guest on The Positively West Virginia Podcast. Listen to their full podcast here.
PWV QUICK BITS | FUN FITNESS KIDS CLUB
PIECE OF ADVICE: “Do your research and see what worked or did not work for other businesses,” advised Traci. “You should follow your passion; you have to like what you are doing to get the best out of yourself,” suggested Justin.
This article was written by the InnerAction Media staff.