In May of 2015, Ashley Niblett opened the doors to Tri Lakes Training
in beautiful Minett of the Township of Muskoka Lakes. She grew up cottaging in Muskoka every summer and loved every minute, but never imagined living here full time. It was clear that Ashley was not happy working and living in the bustling busy city. When the opportunity came available to purchase a property in Muskoka and open her dream gym, Ashley knew it was meant to be. Three years after opening the doors, the gym is now open year round, offering workout classes, personal training, and health services such as massage, chiropractic and naturopathic.
Since becoming a permanent Muskoka resident, Ashley and her fiancé Craig are really enjoying the different seasons. Only being in Muskoka during the summer, they had not grown to appreciate the peacefulness and tranquility of the so-called “off-seasons” in Muskoka. “The best thing about working in Muskoka is having the ability to work and play in the same place. Whether it is being able to enjoy the water, the wilderness or hang out on the dock when I am not at the gym. The work life balance is magical in Muskoka,” says Ashley.
“The best thing about working in Muskoka is having the ability to work and play in the same place. Whether it is being able to enjoy the water, the wilderness or hang out on the dock when I am not at the gym. The work life balance is magical in Muskoka.”
Tri Lakes Training has now been open for 3 seasons and Ashley could not be happier with her decision to leave a career in teaching in the city to pursue the job of her dreams of having her own fitness facility. “It is so exciting to see the fitness community grow in Muskoka Lakes each and every year as clients continue to bring their friends and family with them to Tri Lakes Training,” says Ashley. Expansion of the business is already on the mind of Ashley. Her goal is to continue to develop and expand the gyms offerings in order to deliver the best possible services to her clientele. “We will be doing some exciting renovations this year including building a brand new personal training studio and renovating our massage, naturopathic and chiropractic space,” says Ashley.
After being successful in her move to Muskoka and pursuing her dream job, Ashley hopes others will follow in similar footsteps. “A goal should scare you a little, but also excite you a lot,” states Ashley. She is constantly building meaningful relationships with clients and people in the local community. As a business owner, she focuses on setting and achieving incremental goals. As with any business, Ashley mentions the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. “Your business is only as strong as the people you have working on you team,” says Ashley.
Her one piece of advice for aspiring business owners is “hard work pays off”. Although owning a business in Muskoka may require extra hours of work in the summer, it is all worth every minute as an entrepreneur to see your business thrive.
