Many women have an aversion to the typical gym. 

It can be a frightening place – a forbidden zone, even – especially when you’re going solo. 

Sometimes daily life feels like that, too, when you’re trying to move up the corporate ladder, or start a new business. But with the right community, it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Photo credit: Contributed by TWP

Ashley Munro and Taylor Kolar are sisters and business partners, and their area of expertise is helping other women feel powerful and connected. As co-owners of TWP Fitness Inc., their goal is to cultivate a safe space for women to come and work out and feel empowered. 

Photo credit: Contributed by TWP

Munro says that the word that resonates the most when it comes to their business is “community,” which is an important factor in the success women experience, whether they’re lifting weights or working towards career goals. 

Creating a place where community flourishes means being mindful about the way you communicate and the type of expectations you set for yourself and for others. It’s not about how you look, it’s about how you feel.

Photo credit: Contributed by TWP

“You’ll never hear the word ‘bikini’ or ‘weight-loss’ at TWP,” says Kolar. 

“It’s always about focusing on being strong, having performance goals and being the best version of yourself. Growth, leadership, empowerment – those are kinda big ones for us.”

“We’re big on individuality,” Kolar adds. “There’s no one that is you, and that is your power – to steal a quote there.” 

Not only can these kinds of values help you reach your physical fitness goals, but Kolar and Munro say they see the confidence their members develop seep into their daily lives. 

Having other people in your community who want you to succeed and can show you the way is a great way to build your own leadership skills. 

The two sisters were lucky to have a strong leadership role model in their mother, who started out as a sales rep over 20 years ago. She was the only woman in a male-dominated industry, and had to really hustle to gain respect in her field, something many women can relate to.  

Munro and Kolar learnt from their mother to have no fear when it comes to working towards their goals. 

“I think, ultimately, when you’re going to go for something, go for it. Go for it big. Don’t stand back or stay behind,” Munro says. 

“And really spend time, daily, weekly, whatever that looks like, to figure out what you stand for, what you want, what your values are and do not ever bend on that. 

“There’s a lot of people that want to give really great advice, but sometimes it doesn’t align with your values as a business. Finding a network in the community that aligns with those values is a pretty special thing.”

Photo credit: Contributed by TWP

“If anyone is feeling lost or they don’t know where to start or they’re not feeling super empowered, you don’t even have to come to TWP to workout,” Munro concludes. 

“Come for a coffee, hang out, be inspired by the amazing community of women there and just know that our doors are always open.”