Meet Natalie Yco | Private and Group Fitness Trainer & Co-founder

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

Hi Natalie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Until now, I’ve never truly thought about risk being an integral part of my life and career. It literally dawned on me that my entire career has been based off of risk. I received a B.S. degree in Sports Management. I could’ve continued on the path of working a 9-5, with the security of a salary and benefits. Instead, I chose the life as a fitness professional and owner of an activewear brand. Having my own business offers it’s perks, however, it’s a constant hustle. As a personal trainer I can never assume each month will be the same. It’s like a roller coaster. Same idea owning my own activewear brand. When starting my activewear company, my business partner and I didn’t fully understand how saturated the activewear industry would become. So when reading this question, I realized that I risked quite a bit for the career I have. I risked a potentially secure job with a regular salary and benefits, to a life of uncertainty. It feels like I’m in always on hustle mode, which can be exhausting. However, I could also say I avoid dull moments, and I am my own boss, which has its own rewards. I’m still learning and growing. And, especially now, amid our current situation, I’m learning even more and have to hustle even more. I have friends that have careers which provide them with financial security and the ability to not have to ride the roller coaster. However, I believe that we all have gifts and are where we are supposed to be. For some reason I was led on this path. Would I trade my situation to have a secure 9-5? I don’t think so. Though my life is like living on one of those gut turning rides at your favorite theme park, I work for myself. And it’s so rewarding as a fitness professional to help so many people to feel good! And as the owner of an activewear brand, seeing people wearing the designs my partner and I created is so very cool! Not taking a risk means I’m being fearful. And being fearful would prevent me from knowing my potential. I won’t know if I’ll succeed if I don’t try.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business partner Rachel Chavez and I started YCO Active not knowing anything about the fashion industry. We were absolutely clueless and we took advice from some people that weren’t the best to have listened to. We made so many mistakes. However, we are soon to launch our second collection and, though it’s still not a smooth ride, we are making every effort to learn from our previous mistakes so we don’t repeat them. One of our strategies to avoid any complications is to continue to learn as much as we can. We are also very hands on with the entire process. If something doesn’t go right we want to know exactly what happened and why. If we aren’t involved then we have no control and that would be our fault. However, we are so far pleased with our new team.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, she would expect a week of outdoor fun and my cooking. LOL! Likely we would go to visit as many beaches as possible. Perhaps get a surfing lesson. I would take her hiking. I learning there are so many hidden gems I have been to yet, but Paseo Mira Mar used to be one of my favorite trails. I don’t eat out very often, especially now during our current situation, however, I have gone to Nosh Bagel a few times for lunch to get a tuna sandwich. So yummy! I understand their patty melt is so good. Another spot is my 2 Cents. They have amazing soul food!!! Most definitely I would take her there!

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? Our first responders

Website: www.ycoactive.com
Instagram: @natalieyco

Image Credits
Arthur Lang