What doesn't she do?

And the answer is....nothing! There is absolutely nothing that this Chik can't accomplish. A woman of a thousand talents and then some, Rebecca Medeiros Terkelsen is known to be one to wear MANY hats. She owns and runs an independent Pilates Reformer Studio (the Pilates Studio - MCAC) while also working as the Director of Fitness at Mid-Cape Athletic Club. Rebecca has worked in the fitness industry for well over 10 years here on Cape Cod as an instructor and Personal Trainer. She is also a stylist for Cabi - a high end clothing company based in CA. In her free time, she likes to participate in local community theater as an actress, singer and dancer. Family is her main priority, as she is a loving mother to her two children who are fully grown adults- Jordan who is 23 and Isabelle is turning 19 next month. Of course, we cannot forget her fur baby, Jedi Edelman. She told us he got his name because he is magic AND so handsome. Her husband Nic also plays one of the most crucial roles in her life, as she told us that “He is the most supportive, strong and helpful man you’ll ever meet… and the perfect one for me.” ♥ ( so sweet )

What is Dancing With The Docs?
“I am a practitioner for the charity Cape Wellness Collaborative which led me to participate as a ballroom dance pro for both DWTD’s events. I am also on the committee that is responsible for putting on the event which means I am involved behind the scenes from the first meeting many months before the event begins, all the way up to the night of when I am of course also dancing. The pro’s choreograph and perform with a non-dancer doctor to raise money for CWC.”
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You recently responded to our CC entrepreneur post, what is your big picture for yourself for your entrepreneurial endeavors?
“I feel like this is an ever evolving answer. In my life up until now I have seen my businesses grow and at some point with each of them thought IT would be THE thing. As I’ve grown, I’m learning I am not ONE thing, but many. I am Fitness, I am Fashion and I am a dog obsessed mom of adult kids! As I am settling into my (dare I say??!) 40’s I am finding even more I want to do. I love teaching people and I love public speaking…I’m starting to wonder how I can combine those two things in a relevant way to do MORE good in this community that I love so much..”
 
What kind of education and training did you have to undergo?
“As far as business goes, I grew up in a family business. My family owned and ran the Barnstable General Store for 20 or so years. I helped run everything at some point from people management and inventory ordering to banking. I would say the majority of my business sense and knowledge came from that, probably much of my people skills, as well. For Pilates I went through my certification process with STOTT and had to do months of training's' at the Manchester-By-the-Sea facility as well as a written and practical exam, and of course I have to keep my certifications current and continue my education. I feel like I am always learning. I love anatomy and enjoy figuring out new ways to help my clients understand their bodies and the exercises we try and master.”

What initially motivated you to want to become a business owner?
“Watching my family lose our store in the financial crisis of 2008 may sound like a strange answer, but it was the impetus for me to find my way as an owner. I was a single mom at that time and knew I could not go back to a traditional work place and try and work tradition hours. I had to make a way for myself and running my own business seemed the most logical.”

Why are you so passionate about what you do?
“Watching people have a break though about what they know is inspiring. Whether it is involving an exercise and their body/how they more, or how to wear the right combination of pants or how to add a cute accessory to make an outfit make them look their best and feel their best- seeing the “Ah HA!” moment cross their face fuels my soul.”

What do you see as your biggest challenge?
“On Cape Cod in particular it is hard to find new people who are ready to try new things. We see many of the same people in our day to day lives and reaching different groups of people is rare. Also, as a business owner in a service based business, I can’t work when I’m sick and I can’t get paid when I don’t work. That means vacation time is pretty rare, as well. This year I tragically lost my little brother suddenly and I was faced with not working for a time when I had to deal with that. The rough part was knowing I HAD to go back to work. Maybe before I was ready to, but I really didn’t have the option to NOT.”

What do you see as your biggest success?
Maintaining a happy client base and staying positive no matter what.

What is one piece of advice or helpful hint that you would give individuals who want to get started as an entrepreneur in the future?
“Get networking RIGHT AWAY. Don’t wait, meet as many business owners, local movers and shakers as you can. LOVE what you do- don’t bother if you’re trying to find the “way to make a million’- you won’t find that! If you love what you do, you won’t notice you’re working FAR more than you’re making!”

What a busy bee!!! Hats off for you, Rebecca! ☺ We don't know how you do it, but you surely do it well!

​Check out Chikchat next time to see who we'll be talking up next!

xoxo♥, 
Alayna Anderson
Editorial Contributor
Intern and Mini Badass in Training 
 

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