We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Hagan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking risks are a big part of life and what brings it joy and excitement! If we don’t try something new in life we will be going through the motions and life will be dull and boring, in my opinion. I stepped out of a job and switched into a totally different field of work and it has had many ups and downs but I would never go back. If I wouldn’t have made the choice to take a risk I would still be working a job I dreaded going to everyday. Cheers to many more challenges and risks that make me grow into a better/more well rounded person!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a personal trainer and nutrition coach. Since gyms closed during Covid I had no choice but to start personal training on my own, without a gym. At first it was almost a disappointment that I got certified right when all gyms were closed but then I realized it was kind of a blessing. Gyms being closed = training on your own, which meant more work for personal trainers because we can train someone almost anywhere. I go to parks and people’s homes during this time. I think training without all the gym equipment has been challenging in some ways but taught me how to get creative so whenever I do go train in a gym, things will seem easy. My business is still a work in progress. I learn something new every time I coach. As I am a more recently certified nutrition coach, even after passing the test I am realizing there is so much information out there. What I find the most difficult is just to trust myself and the process, clients will come and I know the information I just need to put myself out there and go for it. My mind is definitely what holds me back, I have so many good ideas I talk myself out of on the daily, but I am realizing more than ever is to just trust the ideas and run with them. When I do I get great responses! I am working on building more positivity on my social media platforms; with motivating and inspiring quotes, videos, and pictures. I want people to see how much fitness can change your mood and make you a more positive and uplifting person. The main thing I learned through all this is starting a business is harder than I ever imagined and there are lots of little steps that no one warns you about when getting into personal training. What I have taken away from this process and something I am proud of is how persistent I was to get two certifications during this pandemic and getting clients in the first month. What sets me apart from other trainers is I am very personable, I love getting to know my clients and being in their life. I feel the best way to train someone is by learning who they are as a person. What they do for work, hobbies, likes and dislikes. The more I know the better I can train and understand someone. I love people and am so happy I am able to work with them and help them achieve their goals!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a quality time person and I love hanging out with friends. I am not the best tour guide and knowing where to bring friends when they come visit LA, even though I have lived here for 8 years haha. But I love hiking and I thinking taking friends to Malibu to hike and then go to the beach is lots of fun. Malibu and Oxnard are some of my favorite beaches because they have good memories attached to them. Also, Oxnard is never crowed! I enjoy taking people to Venice Beach and walking around the cute shops and through the canals, watching the skateboarders can be fun too. Going out to eat and drink is fun but I actually just enjoy staying at a lot of the local bars and breweries near me. I always enjoy attending a comedy show at either Groundings or UCB, when they open back up I can’t wait to get my laughs in! If I take my friends to a show there are some cute spots to grab a drink close by. Griffith park is always a must, in my opinion, to bring friends and go on a hike. I run in that park every week so I know almost every trail. I love going to coffee shops and know a bunch of good ones in LA. I think walking around Silverlake, going to a cafe or coffee shop and then walking around the reservoir is always a great time! It’s a cute area with lots of fun shops and art. In Los Angeles there is so much to do and see so no one can ever get bored.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to thank Ashley Post for encouraging me all time in my fitness journey. She pushed me to get my personal training certification and when I get discouraged she always talks positivity and truth into me. She inspires me to keep going and to work through the mental blocks and times when I don’t want to work on my business. Ashley is a great accountability partner and I am so happy to call her my best friend! She is also a wonderful yoga instructor!

Website: https://amyhagan1.wixsite.com/amyhagan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyhaganfitnessmodel/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amyhagan75b450198
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAk96LDj2xVye-_NGeNlwyA
Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amy.hagan?lang=en

Image Credits
IG: vitaly.pdx , mac1photo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.