Rachel Koretsky is the founder and CEO of upace, and app that makes reserving group fitness classes and equipment easy, so you have more time to focus on the things you want to do and not just the things you have to do. Learn more about upace at http://upaceapp.com/.
What motivated you to start your business?
In college I hated going to the university recreation center… waiting up to 30 minutes for a cardio machine, needing to be at the gym 40 minutes in advance for a spin class, and having to walk out of the gym since it is simply too crowded. I thought there had to be a better option and when I realized there wasn’t, I decided to create upace.
What is the greatest barrier you faced in launching your business and how did you overcome it?
The greatest barrier I faced has been my age. At first people tend to assume this is just a “college” project since I am a 23-year old recent college graduate. However, to overcome this I found it is simply being confident when communicating this is my full time job, the advantages of a young female entrepreneur and how I am determined to succeed.
Do you have a mentor? How did you find him/her?
I have been very lucky to find several mentors ranging from current & former CEOs, investors and legal to help guide me on how to grow the business successfully. I have found mentors through my family, university and networking events.
If you could go back in time to when you were first starting, what would you tell yourself, with the intention of avoiding mistakes and heart ache?
TRUST YOUR GUT.
What resources have been most helfpul to you?
The American University Incubator has been an extremely important resource through providing us with mentors, advice, events and office space.
What does success look like for you?
Success to me is being able to make an impact on each partner college campus through upace.
What do you do to recharge?
Workout! I love anything from going to a yoga sculpt class or taking my dog on a walk outside.
What’s your advice for a young woman that’s considering starting her own business?
Be confident. People notice confidence and in turn will believe in your company because they will believe in you.
During the month of May, National Women’s Business Council will be profiling young women entrepreneurs—many of whom are still students. Visit the NWBC Blog every Tuesday of the month to learn more about these inspiring women.