Daily Inspiration: Meet Ryann Bowser

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ryann Bowser.

Hi Ryann, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hello. My name is Ryann Bowser. I am a small-town kid from Holton, KS. I grew up playing all the sports and was a decent athlete. I got recruited to play college basketball at Highland Community College and then transferred to Texas Tech University, where I finished my collegiate basketball career in 2016. I got my bachelor’s Degree in Human Sciences and coached women’s basketball for two years after that.

I loved coaching but disliked the lifestyle of a college coach, so I got my graduate degree in Kinesiology and took a job working with children in 2019. I worked with kids for about two years (during the pandemic) and enjoyed every part of it. Also, during this time, I was furloughed while school was out for about three months, so I started making t-shirts and doodling for extra money to pass the time. I came up with my brand, “Rare Breed,” in 2021, a brand that stood for the outcasts and misfits, those who were seen as different or unique, and those who stood up for the things they believed in. After returning to work with the kids, I was ready for something new!

I realized my passion was in sports & fitness, coaching and helping others. I got my Personal Training Certification in 2021 and, shortly after, took a job as the General Manager of a functional fitness gym. I managed that gym in South Johnson County for about 2.5 years. I put my 30-day notice in with nothing in sight, no job lined up, or any idea what was next for me.

I’ve always wanted to be able to own my own business, be my own boss, and make my own schedule & rules so the time was now. A PT client of mine told me about this space (the one I am currently in) in Waldo, KC. I contacted the owner and met with him in August, signed a lease in late September, and opened the doors to Rare Breed in November.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Over the last ten years, I’ve had bosses & coaches try to take me down. I have had them laugh in my face, belittle me, gaslight me, and want to see me fail or put me in positions to fail. There is no better feeling than opening your own business, being successful, and laughing back.

Over the last six months, I would say the biggest obstacle and challenge is the hours you have to put in to be successful. I have not stopped working since I signed a lease to our building. It’s taken a toll on my physical and mental health, as well as my relationships. As I become more settled into my role as a business owner, I am learning how to manage my time better, set boundaries, and be successful but still take care of myself.

Another obstacle would be others not agreeing with your values and mission and trying to take you down or dim your light because they don’t agree with you or want to see you succeed. In response to the hateful and discriminatory actions, I have pushed forward, stayed true to my values and my mission, and will always stand up for myself and the community I am building at Rare Breed.

Nobody will dim our light.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Level 1 CrossFit trainer, certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and weight loss specialist. I work with individuals to help them move better and live longer through resistance and cardio training techniques and programs.

I am most proud of the community I have built at Rare Breed. A safe exercise space for all bodies, all genders, all ages, and all levels. We are the most inclusive gym in the Kansas City and have helped many athletes become more confident in a gym environment.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
As a business owner, I would advise getting a mentor. Find someone who has been a successful business owner, preferably in your field of work, and listen to them, apply their knowledge, and always be willing to learn.

As a CrossFit newbie or gym newbie, find a space and coach that celebrates and supports you. Find a community that cares about you as a person and as an athlete. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are working toward the same goals as you!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rarebreedcfathletics.com
• Instagram: @rarebreedcfathletics
• Other: https://api.grow.pushpress.com/widget/form/TKSCKe56bbbjAJRqsGnW