Jasmin Kirstein – Founder of My Sportlady
If Jasmin Kirstein could tell her 16-year-old self one thing, it would be to “follow your heart.”
In 1984, her heart led her to found My Sportlady, the first women’s-only gym in Germany. “I love what I am doing,” she said. “I am passionate about the industry.”
Because My Sportlady was the first of its kind in Germany, Kirstein worked hard to mold it into a full-service facility that women could turn to for health, fitness and support. In addition to a fitness facility, the club boasts The My Dance School, The Cooking School, The My Sportlady Foundation and The My Day Spa. Through these different avenues, the club strives to cater to women in all aspects of their health and wellness.
It was during a major expansion of the club that Kirstein faced one of her biggest challenges in life: watching her 17-year-old daughter fight a life-threatening illness.
Fortunately, both Kirstein and her daughter persevered. “My daughter recovered fully and my two clubs continued to be successful,” she said.
In July of 2014, My Sportlady celebrated 30 years in business. “It is still growing, developing and always trying to change for the good,” said Kirstein.
In addition to owning a health club, Kirstein is the author of a book and a yoga instructor. She is also the founder of the My Sportlady Trust Fund, which supports women and children, worldwide.
Regarding keys to her success, Kirstein referenced the great people she’s been able to work with and meet over the years. “Wonderful people are working in the industry and more great people want to work there,” she said. “So I always find fantastic people to work with, and they feel happy to come to work.”
Looking back at her time in the industry, Kirstein gave this piece of advice: “Keep up your motivation by joining industry events and try to remember the days when you started your business,” she said. “Usually there was a lot of passion.”
This story first appeared in the September 2015 issue of Club Solutions Magazine.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
