Meet Aesha Tahir, Founder & CEO Tone and Strengthen Wellness and this week’s feature story
Tell us about your business
As the Founder & CEO of Tone and Strengthen Wellness, a full-service wellness consulting firm, I offer a range of in-person and virtual workshops, coaching, and training programs to help organizations and non-profits prioritize employee wellness.
My firm specializes in providing customized solutions that cater to the unique needs of mid to large-scale corporations and non-profits. Tone and Strengthen Wellness services improve employee productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and promote a culture of well-being.
My programs extend from one-on-one coaching sessions to group workshops and wellness training programs. These programs focus on four major dimensions of the wellness wheel, physical, emotional, social, and occupational wellness. I work closely with my clients to understand their goals and develop personalized strategies that deliver measurable results.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
To me, entrepreneurship means having a bigger impact on the community. As an entrepreneur my primary motivation is to give back to society and make a positive difference in people’s lives. I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, and I firmly believe that chronic health conditions are ongoing social problems that require attention. Having experienced musculoskeletal issues due to sedentary work as an ex-corporate employee, I know firsthand the importance of exercise and proper nutrition for physical health and mental well-being. I wanted to help others in the corporate world who face similar challenges, which led me to start my own business. My company focuses on promoting healthy lifestyle choices and offering solutions to organizations to address these issues. Through my business, I aim to educate people about the significance of proper nutrition, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, positive psychology, and overall wellness. I provide them with the tools and resources they need to achieve their health goals. Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact on individuals, organizations, and families and contribute to a healthier and happier community.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
As a female entrepreneur, I have always looked up to the women who have come before me and made a name for themselves in the business world like Sara Blakely and Oprah Winfrey. These women have been a great professional influence on me, and I have learned a lot from their experiences and successes. Their stories of hard work, determination, and a strong vision, have inspired me to pursue my own entrepreneurial journey and to never give up on my dreams. I am grateful for all the trailblazing women who have paved the way for me.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
The truth about becoming successful in business is your mindset. To succeed, you need to have a strong and positive mindset, the ability to think critically and creatively, and the determination to overcome any obstacles that come your way. You need to be willing to take risks, learn from your mistakes (there will be many), and constantly adapt to changing circumstances. While there may be some tips and tricks that can help you along the way, ultimately it is your mindset and determination that will decide your success in business. Focus on developing these qualities within yourself, and the rest will follow.
What productivity tools do you use?
As someone who values organization and productivity, I have a few go-to tools that I rely on. When it comes to brainstorming and organizing information for a project, I prefer the tried-and-true method of using an easel pad with sticky notes. For digital storage and collaboration, I use Google Drive, which provides a cloud-based solution for storing and sharing files with team members. And to simplify the appointment booking process, I use Calendly, which is seamlessly integrated with my website and calendar.
Do you have any new projects coming up?
As the author of the popular wellness book “Unhunched: Discover Wellness Through Posture,” I have several exciting projects in the pipeline. Currently, I am focused on developing an online course and an accompanying App to complement the book. Additionally, I am in the early stages of brainstorming my next book idea and have recently launched a new podcast called “Total Wellness Factor.” It’s been a fulfilling year as my book is an international bestseller and it’s now readily available on Amazon.
What is a typical day like for you?
Beginning my day with a workout is a must for me, so I rise early to get started. To make things easier, I lay out my workout clothes on my vanity table the night before. I find that a vigorous workout helps me start my day off right and feel more productive. Following my workout, I attend meetings with my staff and network with other business owners. Most days I have coaching clients or wellness workshops in afternoon but if I don’t then I focus on writing for my personal blog or magazine columns. To wrap up my workday, I dedicate time to email correspondence and setting goals for the next morning. Finally, I like to end my day with a leisurely long walk with kids.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed, I take a break from my electronic devices for at least an hour and engage in some physical activity. I enjoy a variety of activities, including running, hiking, biking, and taking yoga classes. Being active, spending time in nature, and breathing in fresh air helps me unwind and clear my mind. I love exploring new places and pushing my physical limits while running and hiking, while biking allows me to cover more ground and appreciate the scenery. Yoga, on the other hand, helps me connect with my breath, stretch my muscles, and find inner peace. Whether I’m running on a trail, biking through the city, or flowing through a yoga class, I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated afterwards. For me, movement isn’t just fun and relaxing, it’s an essential part of my daily routine.
Tell us about your community involvement – what you are passionate about outside of work and home and why/how you participate?
Community involvement and volunteering hold a special place in my heart. I firmly believe that giving back to others not only brings a sense of fulfillment but also fosters a spirit of camaraderie and belonging within the community. In my role as the director of the afterschool running club at my kids’ elementary school, I can merge my love for running with my goal of helping children cultivate healthy habits and enhance their self-esteem. Additionally, as an active member of Toastmasters, I volunteer my time to assist others in improving their public speaking and leadership abilities. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and learn from their unique experiences.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
The key to achieving your business goals is to start today! Waiting around for funding or assistance from others will only hinder your progress. The only real way to learn is by doing, so it’s crucial to act and begin executing on your ideas, even if it means taking small steps. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. So, take that first step towards your goals today!
What is the number one book you recommend to our readers? And why?
Female entrepreneurs looking for a new perspective on building a business that aligns with their values, passions, and purpose should read “Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur.” Author Christine Kane provides valuable insights on the significance of trusting one’s intuition, taking risks, and learning from mistakes. The book also tackles the distinct challenges that female entrepreneurs encounter, including imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the pressure to conform to conventional business models. I gained many useful business-building techniques from this book and highly recommend it to fellow female entrepreneurs.
What’s the best way for the readers of WE Magazine for Women to connect with you?
I relish the opportunity to connect with other like-minded women. If you’re interested in connecting with me, there are several ways to do so. The most common way is to connect on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
Other platforms to connect are as follows:
Website: https://toneandstrengthen.com
Instagram: @tone_and_strengthen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toneandstrengthen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir
You can find my book Unhunched here- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5HBVG8C
