#WeAreSouthQueens - Tish Singh
Our third feature for #WeAreSouthQueens is the one and only Tish Singh of The Figure Studio! This project was launched for Women's History Month 2022 in collaboration with our partners at Queens Economic Development Corporation / It's In Richmond Hill and will continue as a South Queens Women's March project to document the stories of individuals in Souths who make up the fabric of our neighborhoods.
Here's Tish's interview!
What inspired you to start your business?
“I grew up in Richmond Hill. Right before high school I moved with my family to Queens Village. After college, I began my weight loss journey, and thought to myself: this is something I want to share. I shared my journey on social media, and I would get asked a lot of questions. I really enjoyed answering those questions and helping others through their journey, especially women. I loved dancing, and also lifting weights, so I decided why not bring these two together. initially, I was looking for a space in queens village but this space became available. The opportunity was too good to pass because I grew up in this neighborhood, and the women of this community needed this kind of safe space to come out and communicate with other women.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
“A typical day looks like me coming in mornings to start personal trainings. I usually take a break in between clients to clean, and some admin work. If I have time, I’m posting on social media, engaging with clients, or monitoring the daily schedule. For the evening classes it’s mostly meeting & greeting clients as they arrive and making sure everything is good in the studio (like the sound systems and the lights). There are seven instructors that rotate on the schedule. “
What are some challenges you’ve experienced along your journey?
“As a woman owned business, I feel like there’s a lot of support and respect, because there’s nothing like this in the community. The challenge in this community is not prioritizing fitness, Health, and nutrition. The business is growing slowly. The concept of a woman going out to take care of herself by working out or learning about nutrition is very foreign. The Figure Studio was opened in August 2018 and was completely self funded. It was moving very slow and then the pandemic hit, it was a wake up call to prioritize health.”
What are your goals for the future?
“I hope that The Figure Studio becomes a staple in this community. We’ve become the go-to for women trying to be healthy and fit. I would love to open another space, different branches of business from one thing, like opening a juice bar that would go under The Figure Studio brand. Making the community healthier, and more aware of their bodies & nutrition.”
What advice would you have for young women entrepreneurs?
“My advice to women and to young women entrepreneurs is to have a business plan and make sure that you’ve got all your boxes checked, especially financially. Owning a business comes with expenses that you may not foresee but try to do as much as you can to prepare for it. It’s great to do what you like and great to change the world and do something good. Sometimes we can get Wrapped up in changing the world but we’re not concentrating on how sustainable this is going to be. So make sure you’re very clear and it makes sense. And go for it! and... come try my class!”Our third feature for #WeAreSouthQueens is the one and only Tish Singh of The Figure Studio! This project was launched for Women's History Month 2022 in collaboration with our partners at Queens Economic Development Corporation / It's In Richmond Hill and will continue as a South Queens Women's March project to document the stories of individuals in Souths who make up the fabric of our neighborhoods.
Here's Tish's interview!
What inspired you to start your business?
“I grew up in Richmond Hill. Right before high school I moved with my family to Queens Village. After college, I began my weight loss journey, and thought to myself: this is something I want to share. I shared my journey on social media, and I would get asked a lot of questions. I really enjoyed answering those questions and helping others through their journey, especially women. I loved dancing, and also lifting weights, so I decided why not bring these two together. initially, I was looking for a space in queens village but this space became available. The opportunity was too good to pass because I grew up in this neighborhood, and the women of this community needed this kind of safe space to come out and communicate with other women.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
“A typical day looks like me coming in mornings to start personal trainings. I usually take a break in between clients to clean, and some admin work. If I have time, I’m posting on social media, engaging with clients, or monitoring the daily schedule. For the evening classes it’s mostly meeting & greeting clients as they arrive and making sure everything is good in the studio (like the sound systems and the lights). There are seven instructors that rotate on the schedule. “
What are some challenges you’ve experienced along your journey?
“As a woman owned business, I feel like there’s a lot of support and respect, because there’s nothing like this in the community. The challenge in this community is not prioritizing fitness, Health, and nutrition. The business is growing slowly. The concept of a woman going out to take care of herself by working out or learning about nutrition is very foreign. The Figure Studio was opened in August 2018 and was completely self funded. It was moving very slow and then the pandemic hit, it was a wake up call to prioritize health.”
What are your goals for the future?
“I hope that The Figure Studio becomes a staple in this community. We’ve become the go-to for women trying to be healthy and fit. I would love to open another space, different branches of business from one thing, like opening a juice bar that would go under The Figure Studio brand. Making the community healthier, and more aware of their bodies & nutrition.”
What advice would you have for young women entrepreneurs?
“My advice to women and to young women entrepreneurs is to have a business plan and make sure that you’ve got all your boxes checked, especially financially. Owning a business comes with expenses that you may not foresee but try to do as much as you can to prepare for it. It’s great to do what you like and great to change the world and do something good. Sometimes we can get Wrapped up in changing the world but we’re not concentrating on how sustainable this is going to be. So make sure you’re very clear and it makes sense. And go for it! and... come try my class!”
