Meet Andrea –
(in her words)
“I started teaching fitness classes back in the early eighties when leg warmers, Reebok hightop gym shoes, and thong leotards with a matching headband was the attire everyone was wearing. Fast forward more than 35 years, a part-time job led to a multi-faceted career in the fitness world and I’ve loved every minute of where it has taken me… all over the world, meeting so many people, and seeing people make changes to liver happier and healthier.
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
The journey in these years has led me to many ways of sharing my knowledge and passion for living healthy. With more than 100 TV appearances over the last 15 years including the NBC Today Show, Steve Harvey, and Fox News Chicago, I learned quickly how to break down complex fitness myths, diets and news to bite-size easy-to-understand concepts. This led to editorial assignments, brand integrations, and even a best-selling book.
But being in fitness has made me an entrepreneur in so many ways. From producing television shows, to opening my latest Studios FUSE, cooperative style fitness studio. Just over a year ago, it opened and is home to four fitness studios, including my Barre-Pilates, Surf and Yoga studio: Hang 5 Fitness. Studios FUSE share common areas, locker rooms and front desk similar to the popular share work spaces of this decade.
I have found that believing in yourself is key. Have the courage to see your path and ask for what you want. The worst that could happen is that someone will say no or you’ll find another way to get where you want to be. I once cold-called the president of NBC Chicago to ask for a paying job on television which led to almost a decade of being part of the NBC 5 Fitness team.
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
One obstacle that I struggle with is asking for the money. It makes me uncomfortable and I would rather just send a bill and hope it is paid or trust someone else with it. But as an entrepreneur, you have to stay on top of your finances. You have to know where the money is going and coming from. At times, it would be difficult to find the right way to ask for the bigger dollars so I used an alter-ego email Michelle, my (made-up) assistant to do the hard talk and it helped me find my voice to be able to do it as myself for myself.
But my proudest accomplishment is my three children: Bruce Metcalf, M.D., (29) recent medical school graduate, Maddie Metcalf, Regional Director of Sales, Midwest for Reno Tahoe USA, (28) and getting married this July and Charles Metcalf (26) the creative music/photography producer and Sales Associate for Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits. I couldn’t imagine my life without my kids….they are my besties for sure.
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
I guess, most of my life has been defined by movement.. but it’s not just physical movement, it is being moved by people’s stories, achievements and spirit. I am blessed to work with people on a day-to-day basis that is so rewarding in seeing them lose weight, gain confidence and live better.”
*** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Andrea. This year for my birthday, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 39 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!**
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