19/12/2023
This post has taken a long time for me to write. It’s something that has been weighing on my mind, and while I know it’s the right thing to do, it is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. 😭
Strong Woman was born after my battle with a rare Gynaecological cancer in 2016. In the beginning, it was more of a blog where I would share my journey back to health after being so sick. As a result, it inspired others to become stronger versions of themselves and I decided to embrace the momentum and turn Strong Woman into a business.
I qualified as a personal trainer in 2017 and ran group fitness classes on our local school field. I also started to take training sessions in the home gym my husband Mathew lovingly built for me.
With a vision of supporting even more women, I needed a platform so I created the Strong Woman website and online community. This soon became the heart and soul of the business as it allowed ladies from all over New Zealand to be supported and encouraged on their journeys.
As the business continued to grow, I needed help to create valuable content for members, and through this, I met and worked with some incredible people whom I will forever be grateful for. Thank you to Karla, Eve, Lynley, Sarka and Alicia for being fabulous trainers, thank you also to Louise and Layla who worked on our platforms behind the scenes. ❤
A large part of the content that was shared online included images and stories of my family and our lives. In the beginning, the kids were young and keen to help mum’s business (or were easily bribed 😂), but are now entering their teen years, and they don’t want to be all over social media anymore.
Our family dynamic, needs and priorities (and even our family dog) have changed in these seven years, so with huge tears in my eyes, I type this post…
The time has come to say goodbye to Strong Woman and I need you to know that this decision has not been made lightly. I am heartbroken, but I also know it is the right thing to do for myself and my family.
I will always be incredibly grateful to everyone who showed support through our social media pages, attended fitness classes, personal training and health coaching sessions, and to all the ladies who joined the online platform over the years. Thank you to my professional colleagues and business partners who supported Strong Woman, and those who invited me to speak at and be present at events and expos. You not only helped the business grow but you also helped me grow as a person.
Many highlights of this business will live with me forever: featuring on the front cover of the Dairy Exporter magazine, speaking at the Dairy Women’s Network conference, and winning the 2022 Rural Women New Zealand Health and Wellbeing Business Award. But mostly I am incredibly grateful to everyone I have met along the way, you helped shape my life and I hope Strong Woman helped to shape yours too.
So after nearly seven years, I say farewell but not goodbye. The page will remain live for now, and I may occasionally share stories if I feel inspired to do so. I am excited for the new adventures life has in store for my family and me, and I wish you all the best for the holiday season and beyond.
Big hugs and love, Sarah xx ❤🙏
www.strongwoman.co.nz
