What Will Never Change

Hi!

My name is Amber. I’m the owner and founder of Vie Athletics.  Some of you I know very well, and others whom I look forward to meeting.  I want to tell you about the start of Vie, what we are learning, what’s to come, and what will never change.  Come along with me.  It’s going to be an incredible journey.

I rarely, if ever, use the Vie blog to write a personal note. The idea of it makes me nervous.  You see, I don’t want Vie to be lessened by the focus shifting to me.  It is so much more than any one person!  It’s bigger than one owner, one leader, one coach, one location, or even one member.  Our strength lies in togetherness.  It’s a collective effort and mindset of thousands of women who wish to see change in their lives.  Women who want to find their strength physically, emotionally, and relationally.  This is how Vie started!  The need for a place like this was always there. My vision was to build space for it to be fully expressed.  It’s obvious that it was not through my efforts alone that got us through these years.  I have had support from family, managers, passionate one-of-a-kind coaches,  and devoted members.  The late nights, the chalk boards, the social media posts, the training, scheduling, the programming, and expansion – most good things require more than one person and Vie is no exception. Hundreds of faces and smiles run through my memory when I think all the way back to day one.

The Beginning…

Vie is a French word that means life. I had no idea when I named it this how accurate it would fit the company in regard to growth. Vie started with 50 members in downtown Puyallup in January, 2016.  Most of these being friends and family I had to beg to join (thank you for sticking with me). I drew designs, read books, and attempted a business plan. Now, we are going to open our fourth location, thirty months later. This only happened through the grace of God and the support of the women in this community.  I fully believe, that with this powerful combination, we will continue to grow and help others.

Blood, sweat, and tears…

Growth doesn’t happen over night.  It takes blood, sweat, and tears.  It’s not for the anyone who tires quickly. As a team, efforts have been made to not just grow, but improve. We are creating more efficient processes and structures. I wrote a short book, hired new coaches, and made plans for more community events.  All of it has been done in love and respect for the women who go to Vie, women who work at Vie, and the ones who will join. You deserve everything I have to give. Efforts the Vie team puts into the community won’t be without some mistakes.  I ask that you have patience with us (especially me) as we grow and learn.  New and seasoned coaches will be learning. Brand-new methods will be tested.  Classes will shrink and classes will grow. The sisterhood will expand.

You can’t grow without change…

Often times, change is received with fear or uncertainty.  I don’t blame anyone for feeling either of these emotions!  I struggle with them myself.  Whether it’s change to routine, relationships, career, goals, or mindset, it doesn’t come without some form of growing pain. I have been experiencing change both as a mother and a professional. Sometimes, it’s really hard.  Sometimes it’s heartbreaking.  Sometimes it’s scary. Even with all those refining emotions, I fully believe that change is good. I am convinced that you have to focus on the end goal and hold on to your values during the rough patches.  The road is not always smooth, but I’ve learned nothing good comes ease. I encourage you, as much as myself, to accept change with grace and humility. We are always stronger at the end if we keep a good attitude.  We can find comfort in the midst of change.

What will never change…

Vie’s mission statement: We were made to strengthen women, restore the sisterhood, and change lives.  That, my sisters, is the end goal.  I want to personally promise you something. I promise to continue to give every ounce of my energy and heart to make your life better.  I promise to go to bed tired, to handle all the change with grace, to stay positive, to stay in my circle of competence, to learn from my mistakes, to say sorry, to have hard conversations, to look for joy, to have integrity, all while seeking moments of togetherness. I won’t lose sight of this goal. I humbly ask that you trust in me, trust in my team, and trust in our mission.  There is one thing that won’t change while Vie is under my care – we are a sisterhood, based on strength, respect for one another, and kindness.  In all it’s imperfect perfection, that’s what we are.  We are going to continue to make women stronger friends, mothers, wives, colleagues, and sisters.  We are here to stay.

We are Vie.

With the upmost gratitude,

Amber French