TopMarx: Sue’s story
as featured in the ‘Women in Small Business Report (NSW – FEB 2020)’ found >> here. (P25 – ‘Getting Down to Business’).
Reassessing options for a return to the paid workforce led Sue Marx to a light bulb moment. She decided against a return to the corporate world in favour of working for herself in her area of passion – health and wellbeing. Based in Sydney, she now runs a flourishing business from her home-based, purpose-built exercise studio.
“I became passionate about wanting to support others with their overall wellness journey after personally experiencing optimal physical and mental wellness thanks to incorporating a more balanced approach to include many forms of exercise,” she says.
Operating since 2010, Sue has gained an impressive list of qualifications to run small group exercise and movement classes, ranging from high intensity sessions to mind/body and meditation classes. The business has also now expanded into offering Reiki sessions and coaching in holistic wellness, including food and nutrition.
“As a small business owner, I love that I can work from home and be available for my children, as well as being able to expand the business as they grew older and more independent,” she says. “I am completely autonomous and in control of all the business decision-making processes, such as setting the core Studio hours, choosing the areas to specialise in, and choosing the services I provide.”
Sue says it is challenging to find the time to manage the administration and expenses, accounts, website, advertising, insurance, ensuring all legal requirements are met, and maintaining professional development.
“I often think that in many industries, small businesses share a similar cost for expenses as a larger business but without having the specialist resources to assist,” she says.
Sue draws support from family members with expertise in areas that she needs, and by basing the business at home and growing it progressively, she avoids the need for a business loan to finance her venture.
Her locally-based, specialised and personal approach quickly established a good foundation of clients, reinforced now by word of mouth, an internet presence, and occasional community-based advertising. Networking is also important, with Sue maintaining contact with other people in the industry.
Most importantly, though, Sue feels passion is critical to the success of her small business.
“Being passionate about what I do means I look forward to what each day brings. I think my passion is then contagious and inspiring for my clients. If people desire a change to get to where they want to be, as a Coach I can support them with this journey. I feel if more people improve their health and find their passion in life, it leads to more intrinsic happiness which can also create a more compassionate and better world”.
TopMarx is bringing exercise and wellness to a diverse clientele, including children with disability and autism, people with Alzheimer’s disease and older people. Sue has shown that following her belief in a personalised exercise experience and a passion for what she does has resulted in a sustainable, home-based, flexible small business.
