Meet Dawn Rattan of EverFit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Rattan.

Hi Dawn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have a degree in Chemical Engineering and worked for Procter and Gamble until my 3rd child was born. I’ve always loved fitness and I enjoy the way it makes me feel mentally and physically. I’d always daydreamed about the perfect gym – it would have a variety of classes, it would feel like a family, it would be easy to join, classes would be small and it would be FUN!

I also recognize that there are many obstacles to overcome when coming to a new gym, so my dream gym would be a place where members are challenged but can modify to their level of ability, and feel like part of a community. When my local gym closed, I decided to take the chance to open the gym I moved forward to create this dream gym and named it EverFit. We opened in March 2015. I have a handful of great instructors and I lead classes too.

Classes have 15 or fewer people and we (members and instructors) try our best to make new members feel welcomed. We offer cycling, boxing, yoga, HIIT, weights, TRX, Barre, and a variety of fused classes (example: Boxing + TRX + Weights) We also do fun pop-ups, private training, and Bootcamp + Beverages, and we love partnering with other small businesses.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. EverFit is not a chain, so I have to figure out marketing and all the aspects of the business myself.

I initially rented a very expensive place with a hostile landlord who had lots of surprise charges (10K in surprise maintenance charges!!) and learned a hard lesson there. About one a half years ago, I moved to a larger location that is 1/3rd of the previous rent. Initially, I should have done some pop-ups before renting, or I should have checked more places to find lower rent.

I want EverFit to feel like a happy escape, like the “Cheers” for fitness, where members block out drama and concerns, but I’ve had (past) instructors that added to drama instead of helping to keep EverFit’s positive vibe. It’s all good now! My instructor’s ROCK.

Covid-19 has made members weary of working out, so I have pivoted to add online classes and meet members outdoors, at their homes, wherever I can to keep them healthy and safe. We stay creative to keep in touch with members.

We’ve been impressed with EverFit, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
WE specialize in Fun Fitness! We have the workout variety of larger gyms, but the family feels like a smaller studio. Members of all abilities are welcome. We also have unique classes that are not given at any other gym in the KC area, like Boxing + TRX + Weights (BTW) or the EverFit60 (Cycle + Boxing + HIIT) or Bootcamp and Beverages to keep things fun!

Our prices are affordable, there are no joining fees and members can select packages that cater to their schedule, from one class or unlimited classes monthly.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Research, and talk with people who own similar businesses. Start-up costs will always be higher than your estimates.

Think with your brain, instead of your heart.

Consider starting small, with pop-ups, before committing to a brick-and-mortar.

Pricing:

• First Class Free
• Buy 2, Get 2 Free for $34
• Special Sale for Readers, 8 Classes for $69, $10 off with promo code FITFAM21
• Unlimited monthly classes, $105

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everfitkc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverFitKC

Image Credits
Rob Battista