Building Resilience: The Story of Ohana Fitness and Wellness

In today’s episode of the She Means Business podcast, host Ashley Mastowski, Ashley delves into the inspiring journey of Samantha Dawson and Erin Saba, Co-Founders of Ohana Fitness and Wellness Studio in Michigan. These remarkable entrepreneurs share their story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and how their paths crossed, leading to a thriving business partnership despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Episode Highlights:

• Samantha and Erin discuss the inception of their fitness studio and their paths from varied careers to entrepreneurs in the wellness industry. (1:52)
• Erin shares insights into maintaining a healthy partnership in business while managing personal lives and significant life events. (10:48)
• Erin and Samantha discuss the challenges and strategies of balancing their roles as business owners with being mothers and spouses. (14:34)
• Samantha shares her struggles with balancing business and personal life while dealing with infertility. (20:29)
• Ashley recounts her 7-year journey with fertility treatments. (21:44)
• Samantha and Erin share strategies they implemented to adapt their business during the pandemic, including moving classes online and maintaining client relationships. (30:45)
• The duo discusses their future plans for Ohana Fitness, focusing on expanding their online presence and enhancing their community contributions. (40:31)

Key Quotes:

• "It's crazy, because, you think about your original goals when you first started a business and where you thought you would be in 10 years, it's so much different than where you end up." - Samantha Dawson
• "I truly believe like, especially if you are ambitious, and a female, a mom, like somebody looking to become a mom or a mom currently, you can still work on your goals and dreams and be a great mom. It's just you need help, there's no way around it." - Erin Saba 
• "If you want something bad enough, you're going to work hard enough to get it." - Samantha Dawson

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Samantha Dawson
• Connect with Erin Saba
• Ohana Fitness and Wellness Studio
• Connect with Ashley Mastowski
• She Means Business Podcast
• First Choice Insurance Group
• Contact First Choice Insurance Group
• Little Dog Social Media