She.E.O Series

2024 is the year of the Dragon which is supposed to bring Opportunities, Changes & Challenges. In honor of all three of these themes I want to network with as many Motherhood local businesses to collaborate and thrive with! Each episode I am going to interview a local small business owner in the Metro-Detroit area, and photograph them. I am so excited to meet every business that has volunteered to be interviewed, so we can all learn more about why you (and I) should utilize their services to learn, heal & empower your journey into and through motherhood! I am a new mom as of last year and I feel like I am always learning something new about my own body, so I really just want to help get this information out into new eyes & ears :). Let’s get started!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Branding Portfolio to book your next session!

About My Guest

Angelena Riggs is a NASM-certified personal trainer with expertise in fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching. She offers customized programs aimed at helping clients achieve sustainable health and fitness goals. In addition to being a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, she is certified in Kettlebell coaching and yoga for personal trainers. Angelena is passionate about empowering women to live their healthiest lives by creating personalized fitness solutions, helping them feel strong, and improving their overall well-being.

Q&A

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach?

I've always been an active person, largely thanks to my mom who set that example from an early age. My siblings and I were encouraged to play sports, stay active, and maintain good grades. It became part of our routine—walking after dinner, bike rides, and just being outdoors. My brother also got me into weightlifting when I was 14, which was a key part of my early fitness journey. However, things took a difficult turn for me after I lost my best friend to suicide two weeks after my wedding. It was such a devastating experience that I lost myself for a while. I stopped exercising, didn't take care of myself like I used to, and fell into depression. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a book, The Eat Clean Diet, that I decided to regain control of my health. I was about 40 pounds overweight at the time, which was unusual for me because I had always been active. I started eating better, exercising, and eventually went to see a grief counselor. That whole process helped me find myself again. It was then that I realized I wanted to help others who may have gone through something traumatic or those who never learned how to live a healthy lifestyle. So, I pursued certification through the NASM program and eventually became a personal trainer. After 15 years in the industry, I look back and know that fitness and nutrition are foundational to self-love and personal care.

Q: What sets your approach to fitness and nutrition apart from other trainers and coaches in the industry?

What sets me apart as a coach is that I work with each person individually. I meet them where they are instead of offering a one-size-fits-all approach. Over the 15 years I’ve been doing this, I’ve learned a lot from working with women—what works, what doesn’t—and I created Fit Club based on that. It’s not just about workouts; it’s about nutrition, mindset, accountability, and making everything sustainable for the long term. Each client is different, so no one is on the same program. I also don’t just focus on the physical aspects—like yelling at people to do more push-ups or put down the donut. I want to teach them how to take what they learn and turn it into a lifestyle they can sustain. I don’t just want people to lose 20 pounds and disappear—I want to help them build habits that will lead to long-term success. Many of the people I work with are moms, and I help them set a healthy example for their families, too. For me, it’s about creating a holistic, forward-thinking plan. I’m never going to judge someone for not working out in years or for where they are in life. I’m here to help them get to their goals in a sustainable way.

Q: Can you explain your philosophy of combining fitness, nutrition, and mindset to achieve lasting results?

I see fitness, nutrition, and mindset as interconnected—they all go hand-in-hand. Fitness provides the foundation for strength, and as I get older, I realize how important it is for women to learn strength training. It’s essential because as mothers and caretakers, we often put ourselves last, but that catches up with you. When you age and your kids are living their own lives, if you don’t have a strong foundation of muscle, it’s going to be hard to maintain your independence. Strength training is more than just looking good—it’s about being strong enough to do daily tasks, like carrying your kids or groceries. I laugh sometimes because I can lift heavy boxes onto shelves—things I wouldn’t have been able to do without that foundation of strength.

Nutrition supports your fitness efforts, but I approach it with flexibility. I teach my clients how to eat for their bodies and goals, but I’m not going to tell them they can’t have pizza, cookies, or wine because that’s not realistic. Moderation is key. I have a client with five kids, and there are cookies and chips all around. My pantry is full too, and I tell them it’s okay to have these things. Restricting yourself too much will backfire. If you allow yourself a cookie or two, you won’t end up binging on the whole bag later.

Jasmine:

That makes total sense. Moderation is key. If you restrict yourself, you end up craving it more and potentially splurging later.

Coach Angelena:

Exactly. And then there’s mindset, which ties everything together. You need a strong mindset to reach your goals, but working toward those goals also helps build that mindset. When you start, maybe you’re lifting 5-pound dumbbells, but in two or six months, you might be lifting 20 or 30 pounds. That progress shows you that you can do hard things, and that helps develop your mindset and discipline. Fitness has helped me get through tough times because it’s made me stronger, not just physically but mentally too.

As a coach, I’m here to cheer my clients on, but I also push them. If they’re missing workouts, I make them reflect on their actions and ask themselves why. Knowing your "why" is important. If you don’t have a strong reason, it’s easy to get distracted by the noise of life—your kids need you, your husband needs you, and the workout gets pushed until later, which often becomes never. I work with a lot of women who have put themselves last for years. They’ve given so much to everyone else, and now they look in the mirror and don’t recognize themselves. They don’t have hobbies or goals anymore.

Jasmine:

That’s so true, and it’s easy to fall into that pattern.

Coach Angelena:

Yes, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s about teaching women to prioritize themselves, and by doing that, they set an example for their families. I have a daughter, and I want her to know it’s okay to put herself first. You have to take care of yourself, or you won’t be able to take care of others. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and so many moms are running on empty because they’ve given everything without being replenished.

Q: Could you walk us through the various programs you offer, such as Fit Club and 1:1 Personal Training?

I don't offer one-on-one personal training anymore, though it might still be on my website, which is currently being redone. My main focus now is Fit Club, my signature program. It's an all-inclusive, subscription-based plan, unlike when I used to offer 3- or 6-month programs. Each client is different, and I can’t predict how long it will take someone to reach their goals. Some clients might hit the ground running, while others have mindset challenges or limiting beliefs to overcome, so I leave it open-ended. Clients can come and go as they please, though I do ask for a 30-day commitment. The subscription model sets them in the mindset that they are in it until they reach their goals.

The program is customized for each individual. Some women struggle just to put themselves first, and we might spend a month focusing on small goals like drinking water and going for daily walks. The structure allows clients the flexibility to stop if we don’t jive as coach and client, and I’m okay with that because I’ve learned that I can’t help everyone. It’s a hard lesson for me, being a people-pleaser, but as I’ve grown in my business, I understand that not everyone is my client, and that’s okay. I trust in my faith, praying that my message reaches those who truly need it.

In Fit Club, everyone gets their own workout plan, habits, and accountability. I use an app where everything is tracked — workouts, daily goals like drinking water or taking vitamins. Clients can message me whenever they need, and I’m checking in if they’re not staying on track. I approach my check-ins with understanding, but I remind them that they hired me to help them make changes. Weekly, I do check-ins via the app and monthly, we meet over Zoom to review progress and set new goals for the upcoming month. Each person’s journey is unique, and I customize the experience accordingly, whether they're a seasoned gym-goer or someone just starting out.

Jasmine:

That sounds like a great structure. Do you offer any kind of group setting where clients can interact with each other?

Coach Angelena:

I don’t have a specific group for Fit Club clients, but I run a free Facebook group where I host monthly challenges, like the current arm challenge. Some of my clients participate in those and can post their workout selfies or progress. I’ve thought about creating a Fit Club group, but it’s tough since everyone is so busy.

Jasmine:

What about offering a monthly Zoom call where anyone can join and share their experiences? Maybe someone who has been working out for years can inspire someone who’s just starting. In my photography accountability group, we have monthly calls to discuss our progress, challenges, and big problems. It helps to have that community support.

Coach Angelena:

I love that idea! I already do masterclasses every few months for educational purposes and to connect with potential clients. During those, we end up having amazing conversations, especially with women sharing their struggles around things like menopause. But the idea of a regular Zoom call for Fit Club clients to discuss their wins, challenges, and mindset struggles is brilliant. I’ve also thought about doing "open office hours" where anyone could pop in, but a structured Zoom call like you mentioned would be more focused and beneficial. I’m definitely going to start doing that once we get back into a routine after summer.

Jasmine:

It’s great because it adds an extra layer of accountability and community. Even if the focus isn’t entirely on fitness, they can talk about nutrition, mindset, or whatever is on their minds. Sometimes, just having someone listen is all a person needs.

Coach Angelena:

Exactly. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about building a community where women don’t feel alone. We talked a lot about perimenopause in the last masterclass, and many women felt like they were the only ones going through it. They didn’t realize others were experiencing the same symptoms, like hair thinning, and just hearing that validation meant a lot to them. Doctors often gaslight women, telling them to just accept these changes, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Creating that sense of community can help women feel supported and less isolated.

I’m going to incorporate these Zoom calls and maybe even open them up to my free group. It’s such a great way to foster connection. Some women might not feel comfortable sharing openly, so I could offer an option for them to submit questions or concerns anonymously, and we can still discuss them as a group. I love that idea!

Q: How do you tailor your fitness and nutrition plans to meet the unique needs of each client?

I think I covered most of it, but to expand a little more: I really focus on getting to know my clients on a personal level. I’m not just handing out workouts. I need to understand their day-to-day lives, what their schedules are like, and where we can realistically fit in their workouts. A lot of it comes down to troubleshooting, especially for busy clients like one I have who’s a realtor and also a mom. She was putting herself last, and I asked her, "Do you miss appointments with your clients when you’re showing a house?" She said, "No, never." So I told her, "Give yourself that same level of commitment. Put your workout in your calendar and treat it like an important appointment."

It's about prioritizing self-care and understanding why you hired a coach in the first place. One of my clients had a tough time getting her workouts done at the end of the day because her kids were going to bed later in the summer, and she wasn’t on a routine. So we strategized, and she admitted that while she hates waking up early, she could do it for a month. Just for August, she could manage getting up early and knocking out her workout so it’s done and off her plate for the day. I plan workouts that are 30 minutes long—because honestly, we don’t have time for more than that, nor do we need to.

Now she’s consistently doing her workouts. We realized that trying to squeeze them in at midnight wasn’t working, so we adjusted. It's about fitting workouts into life, not just giving out plans and nagging about missed workouts. If I’m not coaching my clients and holding them accountable, what’s the point of them hiring me? I’m here to help them make sure they can fit these things into their lives in a sustainable way.

Q: Can you share a success story from one of your clients that stands out to you?

I have a client, let’s call her Susie. She’s a busy working mom of five, and honestly, she’s a rock star. If you check my social media, you’ll probably see her because she has absolutely blown me away with her progress. What’s really incredible is that she’s only lost about nine pounds, but when you look at her pictures, it’s like, "Whoa!" That’s why I try to help women understand that the scale doesn’t really matter. It’s just one small tool in the bigger picture.

Susie had been working out here and there, but she didn’t really know what she needed to eat to hit her goals. I suspect she was in perimenopause, and her body was changing in ways she didn’t quite know how to handle. So, we got her on a plan and tracking her macros, but what I love is that she can still eat the foods she enjoys. Just last week, she went to a wine and chocolate pairing event, and she had a great time, enjoying it in moderation without going overboard. She’s learning the tools she needs to live her life and still reach her goals.

She’s not perfect—none of us are—but her consistency over the past four months has been amazing. She misses workouts and doesn’t always track her meals, but it’s the overall pattern that’s making a difference. She’s losing inches, building muscle, and she looks fantastic. I’ve been trying to get her to write a testimonial, but I know she’s busy. I gave her a template to make it easy, but I get it—she’s juggling a lot.

She fits her workouts into her schedule, often getting them done before everyone else in the house is up. She’s a mom of five, so she’s got a lot going on, but she makes time for herself, which is hard to do. It’s not like she’s making special meals for herself, either—she’s eating with her family and making it all work. I’m so proud of her because she could easily make excuses, but she doesn’t. She’s got a child in college, one on a competitive cheer team, a son who just finished driver’s training, and a little one starting kindergarten, plus a daughter in middle school. Despite all that, she still prioritizes herself. She knows that if she doesn’t take care of herself, she can’t be there fully for everyone else. She’s just incredible.

Q: What advice would you give to other women looking to start their own businesses while managing family life?

First, I want to say that I don’t believe there’s a true balance between business and family life. I tried for years to balance things, but family always came first, and my business was constantly on the back burner. This year, I decided to let go of the idea of balance and just go for it. I feel like I’m showing my kids that it can be done, even if my son sometimes feels like I’m not around enough. He’ll appreciate it when he’s older and understands more. It’s important to me, especially for my daughter, to see that she can set up the life she wants for herself and still be a mom if that’s what she chooses.

Some days are easier than others—sometimes the kids play nicely, and I can get work done, and other days I’m breaking up fights. My biggest advice to other moms starting a business is to find a support group. You need to find a network of like-minded women who can remind you that you’re not struggling alone. Social media shows the best parts of everyone’s lives, but in reality, it’s much messier. My house is usually a disaster, but it’s okay—everyone’s fed, has clean clothes, and we’re getting through. It’s about letting go of the idealized version of life and accepting the chaos.

Another piece of advice I have is to step out of your comfort zone and connect with others going through similar experiences. For me, it’s been groups like Empowered Moms, which works well because it’s online, and I can fit it into my schedule. Having a supportive partner helps too. My husband steps in with the kids when I have meetings, and I try to involve my daughter when possible, even though she gets bored. I want her to see that it’s possible to work and still have a family.

Nowadays, things are so different—college used to be the only path, but now I believe if you have an idea, you should go for it. My goal for my kids is to guide them toward what they love, not just push them toward college because it’s what’s expected. I wish someone had helped me figure out my passions earlier in life. My vision for my kids is to send them to community college first, where they can learn about running a business, and then they can build from there without the massive debt.

Q: In what ways do you feel your coaching has impacted your clients’ lives beyond just physical fitness?

The biggest thing I focus on is helping moms not just find time for themselves, but actually make time for their goals. We’ve talked about how you can’t pour from an empty cup—you need to fill yourself up first before you can take care of your family. A big part of it is also setting a healthy example for your kids. I want them to see that exercising and taking care of yourself is just part of life. So many people think they don’t have time, but when you look at the way they spend their day, you realize there are moments to fit it in. For example, if you can watch Netflix for an hour, you can walk on the treadmill during your favorite show.

It’s about creating healthy habits for yourself and for your family—going on walks together, making dinner as a family. It strengthens the bond and teaches children what a healthy lifestyle looks like. And honestly, with the way food is processed today, it's scary. Someone once said if there’s a health food section in the grocery store, what does that say about the rest of the store? It’s so true—the food we’re fed now isn’t really food anymore.

I’ve lost family members to illnesses that were preventable, and it’s heartbreaking because we can do something about it. But in this country, it’s so easy to be sick, overweight, and unhealthy. You go to the doctor, and instead of being given advice on how to change your lifestyle, you get a prescription. Then that medication has side effects, which lead to more medications, and it becomes an endless cycle. My grandmother passed away from liver cancer, which started with diabetes. She wasn’t taught how to change her lifestyle to prevent the need for all those medications.

Jasmine:

Exactly, the healthcare system is more about money now—insurance and big pharma. It's not truly about your health. I remember going for blood work once, and the doctor told me, "You're so healthy, I don’t know what to do with you." I was like, "Isn’t that the goal?!" It’s sad how many healthcare professionals don’t take care of their own health. You have overweight doctors who barely know anything about nutrition because they only get one class on it in medical school.

My husband’s also really strict about what he eats and working out, and one time he asked for a full panel of blood work, including testosterone levels, but the doctor didn’t seem to understand why he wanted it. Knowing your baseline, especially when you’re young, is important. Then, as you age, you can see how things change and make adjustments. I’m a big advocate for blood work—it’s crazy how many tools for maintaining health are out there but aren’t offered because there’s no profit in them.

Coach Angelena:

Exactly! If your doctor isn’t living the lifestyle they’re recommending, how can you trust their advice? I’ve had similar experiences. I also went through a whole journey with vaccines for my son. My husband did a ton of research, and we decided to go with a modified vaccine schedule. But nowadays, it’s almost impossible to find a pediatrician who allows that. We had to go all the way to Bloomfield Hills to find one who wasn’t strict about the CDC schedule. Most pediatricians won’t take you as a patient if you don’t follow the exact schedule, and that includes the COVID vaccine. They don’t get paid if they don’t meet a certain quota of vaccinated patients, which is so messed up.

Michigan is a waiver state, so you don’t have to be fully vaccinated to attend school, but pediatricians are a different story. You practically have to sign a contract agreeing to the full schedule, and if you deviate from it, they drop you as a patient. It’s so different from when we were kids. My brother didn’t get certain vaccines, and my mom just signed a paper acknowledging the decision. It was no big deal. Now, you can hardly find anyone willing to allow that.

Q: What are your future goals for Coach Angelena, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I've been thinking about how to grow my business and help more women. Since I’m just one person, I’m considering adding another coach to my team—someone who shares my values and can help take on more clients while keeping the essence of what makes Fit Club special. I'm also thinking about bringing on a hormone specialist to offer more services to clients. On top of that, I'm getting certified in menopause coaching, so I can expand my services in that area as well.

Collaboration is something I’m really excited about. I love the idea of "collaboration over competition," especially among moms in business. Instead of seeing others as competition, I want to work with women who might offer different services that complement what I do. For instance, I’m collaborating with Jennifer on a menopause program, and I recently met Nick Cole from Grace in Motion. She specializes in pelvic floor and core therapy, so we’re brainstorming ways to collaborate, as pelvic health is a big concern for moms. It's crucial to strengthen the pelvic floor and core after having kids because those areas change so much with age and childbirth.

I'm looking for ways to not only grow my business but also to connect with other professionals who can provide services I don't. For example, I don't specialize in pelvic floor therapy, but I can collaborate with someone who does, to better serve our clients. It’s about building a community where women can find experts for different needs. I think this approach will really help women access the resources they need, whether it’s for their fitness, pelvic health, or emotional well-being.

I’ve also noticed that many women in their 40s experience significant life changes, and sometimes these lead to divorces. Many don't realize that what they’re going through is normal—doctors often dismiss their concerns. That’s where having someone like McCare, who specializes in the emotional and relationship side of menopause, comes in. She helps women navigate these changes and maintain healthy relationships with their spouses, especially when they’re going through such a turbulent time hormonally.

Q: What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting their journey in health and fitness?

My biggest piece of advice is to find a coach you connect with. A coach should be your biggest cheerleader, but also someone who won't let you give up on your goals. Especially if you're just starting out, having a coach is invaluable. People often see it as an expense, but I view it as an investment. A good coach will show you how to do things right from the beginning, saving you from trying random things and hoping they work. I’ve seen women try this and that without real guidance, but having someone who tailors a plan just for you makes all the difference. A good coach teaches you a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, and after working with them, you should feel empowered enough that you won’t need another coach again.

Personally, I’ve had my own coaches over the years, and I currently have a coach for functional nutrition because I’m learning what works best for my body as I go through changes. It’s not just about pushing through challenges on your own; having someone in your corner keeps you on track. Often, as women and moms, we tend to put everything and everyone else before ourselves, and before we know it, years pass, and our goals are still sitting there, untouched. The same applies to business – we put that last too. That's why I think having a business coach is just as important, helping you become the best version of yourself. 

So, finding a coach is invaluable, no matter where you are in your journey. But it’s also about connecting with the right coach. If you don’t click with someone, it’s okay to move on and find someone who’s a better fit. I’ve let go of coaches I didn’t vibe with, and there’s a coach out there for everyone. I’m not the right coach for every person, and that’s fine because I want to work with women I truly connect with. There have been women I’ve spoken to where I didn’t even make an offer because I knew we weren’t the right match.

Get In Contact with Coach Angelena

To get in touch with Coach Angelena you can visit her Website and use the contact form available there. Alternatively, you can connect with her through her Facebook or Instagram social media profiles for more direct communication.

Jasmine Robertson