Meet Emily Hennelly | Women’s Strength & Empowerment Coach

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

Hi Emily, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In college, I had a coach who taught me the value of strength training and the importance of fitness beyond just physical appearance. His classes made me feel empowered and gave me newfound confidence that changed the way I viewed myself, both mentally and physically. This feeling inspired me to want to help other women who also struggle with body image, gym anxiety, and low self-esteem.

After obtaining my training license and working in a gym, I noticed that the specific message I wanted to convey was not being taught. This led me to start my own fitness and lifestyle brand, which focuses on women’s mental and physical health. I am excited to share my passion for fitness with other women and help them feel confident and empowered through their fitness journeys.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Owning your own company is far from easy. As the owner, you’re required to fulfill every role, from CEO to marketing team to personal trainer and everything in between. One of the most challenging lessons I’ve learned is knowing when to ask for help. Although I wear many hats, I can’t manage everything alone. So far, I’ve overcome every obstacle through support from friends and family and by watching instructional videos on YouTube.

My company is committed to empowering women through strength training and mindset coaching. Personally, fitness has helped me feel more confident than ever before, and I want to share that same feeling with as many women as possible.

My proudest and most fulfilling moments come from seeing my clients achieve their fitness goals and accomplishing things they never thought possible. From squatting 300lbs to overcoming gym anxiety and entering the gym with confidence.

Unfortunately, some parts of the fitness industry capitalize on women’s insecurities, focusing solely on their appearance and promoting the idea that women should strive to be skinny. Consequently, many women are afraid to lift weights or add resistance to their workouts, fearing they will become bulky or look masculine. At the same time, there’s pressure to be toned, leaving women feeling stuck and unsure of how to proceed.

That’s where my business comes in – to help women feel like the strongest, most confident version of themselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have fallen in love with California since moving here. If my best friend visited for a week, we would have a busy itinerary!

On Day 1, we would explore Glendale, where I live. We would spend the day shopping in the Americana and Galleria malls, stopping by my favorite boutique, Lilyful. We would finish the night with dinner and drinks at Bacari GDL.

On Day 2, we will head to Malibu for an ocean hike. Charmlee Wilderness Park offers a great spot at the top of the trail to sit and enjoy the view. Afterwards, we will embark on another hike, this time through the beautiful Malibu Hills and vineyards, and end it with a little wine at Malibu Wine Hikes.

Day 3 would be spent soaking up the sun at Manhattan Beach Pier, followed by dinner at Joey’s Manhattan Beach to relax after the previous day’s hike.

Days 4, 5, & 6 would be a mini road trip to one of my favorite places in California, Big Sur! We would make stops along the way in Santa Barbara or Carmel for lunch and exploration. We would hike throughout Big Sur to explore the gorgeous redwood trees and oceanside cliffs that house adorable seals and sea otters. Camping under the stars would be the perfect way to end a fun cliffside dinner at Nepenthe.

On Day 7, we would take a well-deserved, relaxing day by the pool after the long trip back from Big Sur before my bestie heads home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my college coaches, Eddie Concepción and Jamie Ives. My love for fitness came from their knowledge and support. They changed the meaning of fitness and working out for me and showed me some of my greatest strengths.

Secondly, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my amazing family, especially my mom. She raised my two siblings and me with so much strength and always encouraged us to pursue our dreams.

I also want to thank my clients and all of the people that have helped me build my business: to friends Robin Copple, Emma Fierberg and Chris Henry who have created amazing content for me in this article! And to my clients, past and present, I wouldn’t be where I am without any of you believing in me and trusting me to help you on your fitness journey!

Last but certainly not least, my boyfriend, Ali, deserves recognition and dedication for always believing in me, even on days when I didn’t believe in myself. Being an entrepreneur is rewarding but also challenging, and he has been an incredible sounding board for ideas and a source of encouragement. I don’t think I would have gotten to where I am without him.

Website: www.hennellyhealth.fitness

Instagram: @hennellyhealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyhennellyfitness

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hennelly-health-and-fitness-glendale

Youtube: https://youtu.be/cF-mONtwaHA?si=33GN_6EgyVXpHvrk

Image Credits
For images and youtube video linked in this article: Director- Robin Copple Producer- Chris Henry Director of Photography- Emma Fierberg