I am happy to share my next interview with wonderful Entrepreneur Pieta McCrum, the founder of BODYbyPieta: A personable whole-body online solution for hardworking women who want more out of life.
I met Pieta at a dinner party at the AllBright Mayfair club back in May. We instantly clicked, chatted like old friends and connected over our shared passion for women’s empowerment. A few weeks later I decided to start her BODYbyPieta program. I really love the experience as it’s not only another online fitness program but a complex solution for women that also supports wellness, nutrition and provides an amazing community of like-minded women.
I was thrilled when Pieta asked me to help her with her re-branding and to take her new brand photos. We created different stories that we captured in her gorgeous home in London.
I absolutely love sharing inspiring stories and interviews with incredible women like Pieta:
What career did you have before you set up your own business, and what made you want to start it?
I was in TV & film for 22nd years before I changed careers and industries! I used to be a TV presenter & production manager in NZ. I started in music television and later produced my childhood dream show “Ready to Roll” which was a popular top 20 music video chart show. And believe it or not when I was about 20, I was a contestant on the very first reality TV show ‘Treasure Island’, which was the first of it’s kind before Survivor aired. When I moved to London in my late 20’s, I had my sights on working for top entertainment companies as a producer. I spent 10 years at MTV as a Senior Director for digital media before I decided to call it quits. I had been curious about entrepreneurship for some time and passionate for all things wellness. Becoming a mum changed everything for me. Also meeting other career-driven women who’d gone through this amazing life-changing transition fascinated me. I saw a real need to help women feel confident and strong again, especially after having kids. The next thing I knew I was on a path to building my own business helping women, just like me.
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What was your main source of motivation when you started your own business?
My boys. I couldn’t stomach the commute to the office and the stress of trying to fit my work-commute life around raising my boys, it was just too taxing, I didn’t want to live my life that way anymore. This epiphany certainly accelerated my drive to get off my butt and make a go of my own business.
How long did it take you to go from just having an idea to actually starting your business?
Probably about 6 months from concept to actually doing something. At first it started as a blog to explore my creativity, writing & photo-videography skills. I focused mostly on recipes, nutrition guidance and workouts I could do with my kids. Then I started a free in-person group for mums to workout in a local playground called FIT KIDS. They’d bring their kids twice a week come rain or shine. It was amazing. And it was that very group of amazing women which encouraged me create a business. Every year it evolved, and grew, and it evolved again when Covid hit. 7 years on since I started and I can’t quite believe I have a global online business now. Time flies!
What did you find hardest?
This is a hard one, I am super grateful for the journey thus far, even the tough moments. There are many ups and downs building a business. My actual business footprint is very small, it’s just me – so the hardest thing is having to wear all hats and do all things. I’m in the process of recruiting help, it’s time!
If you could go back and do it all again, would you do anything differently?
I may have started the online side of my business sooner. I procrastinated on this for a long time.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Find a way”. My ex-boss in New Zealand was a bulldog. She was incredibly successful and anytime I was faced with the seemingly impossible, she’d scream at me “ FIND A WAY”.. I’ll never forget it. She was tough but it did teach me that there is always a way to resolve a problem if we put our mind to it ( eg: like the time we were filming another Treasure Island on an uninhabited island in Tonga and this time I was Production Manager. Our cargo ship failed to deliver a generator so I had find a large power source in the middle of no-where for our crew camp whilst a huge thunder storm struck. Needless to say I found a way. ha!
How was your experience with the personal brand photoshoot?
Outstanding. Petra is so easy to be around, like an old friend I’ve known for years. Her easy going manner is instantly relaxing and she captures beautiful natural photos so effortlessly. I’m so impressed with her professional service and variety of images too! It was the best business decision I’ve made yet – that’s for certain!
How have your clients/ potential clients responded to your personal branding shoot?
I’ve had messages congratulating me and saying how much they love the new look. It’s really helped me capture the attention of women who I think have been watching but I wasn’t really ‘speaking’ enough to them – now they’re contacting me!
Do you have any pearls of wisdom for other women who have just set up their own business or are thinking about it?
Yes join a business group-course on the same journey as you. It’s a great way to learn ‘how’ to start and this very network can often be your first customers too. It helps to make connections early on and have people you can bounce ideas off
How did the pandemic affect your business?
It actually was a gift. It threw me online overnight and it was the best thing ever. My background in TV / digital definitely helped. wish I’d done it sooner!
Who would be your 5 ideal dinner party guests?
David Attenborough, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, My Mum, Emma Thompson (and you Petra!)
Instagram: @bypieta
Web: https://subscribepage.io/BODYbyPieta_Relaunch
READY TO STEP INTO YOUR WHOLE POWER AND LEVEL UP YOUR BUSINESS WITH A PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT?
Then I can help! I can help reveal your essence that captures the heart of your audience. Wherever your path has brought you today, I want to celebrate you and support you on your journey to build your brand, and be more visible and successful! Get in touch for a chat with no obligations to book, you can pick a day and time here that suits you. I cannot wait to hear from you!
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Behind the scenes of BODYbyPieta
