Company: ksm

Founder: Katharina Schimanski-Manhart

Founding date: January 1, 2025

Industry and company: Health - sports and fitness training, personal training

What drives you? What is your motto?

The goals of my clients. To bring more movement and therefore more suppleness into their lives. The "aha" effect and the gradual successes are what motivate me.

What is your start-up about and what is special about it?

With ksm, I want to offer a holistic, but above all individual and sustainable approach to exercise.

I combine the absolutely necessary specialist knowledge with scientifically sound methods and, what makes ksm special, I combine this with my motivating and empathetic approach - passion meets expertise!

What are your first successes?

My initial successes are reflected in my clients' progress - that's exactly what drives me the most. Seeing them achieve their goals and feel more comfortable in their bodies confirms me every day in my decision to go my own way in the dynamic fitness market.

What is your professional background?

I started out with an apprenticeship in tourism, followed by many years in various commercial areas - including assistance and project management.

At the same time, I started working as a trainer for aqua and indoor cycling. My curiosity led me to study to become a sports and fitness trainer, where the idea of putting my passion for exercise and health on a firmer footing was born.

After further stations and parallel to my permanent employment, I completed my studies to become a qualified prevention trainer. The successful completion of this course marked the start of my self-employment.

What was the trigger for you to start your own business?

The decisive trigger for me to start my own business with ksm came while I was working as a trainer in various fitness studios. I became increasingly aware that I wanted to implement my own, different idea of holistic support.

I want to accompany people individually, work freely and flexibly and not "just" offer a class. To convey movement and training as a conscious decision for a healthy everyday life - in other words, to realize a coherent, sustainable concept according to the wishes of my customers.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?

I was and still am very lucky to be able to count on a wide range of support.

I sought professional advice from an agency for reorientation and was able to exchange ideas with experienced entrepreneurs in various formats.

Family and friends gave me the support I needed and asked me the right questions - so I was able to hone my idea and develop it further.

This combination of personal support, valuable networks and professional advice helped me to choose my path with ksm.

How did you experience the first few days as a founder?

The first few days of my self-employment were a rollercoaster of emotions - full of highs and lows. There were moments when I thought: 'Wow, here we go!', but also days when things didn't go as planned.

Sometimes I lacked composure and I was impatient because I wanted to make faster progress. But I know that there will always be good days and less good days - that's exactly the challenge and opportunity of self-employment: developing new approaches and believing in yourself more and more.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was and is to have patience - especially in situations that I can't influence. The bureaucracy in Germany is complex and often lengthy. It takes strength and sometimes sleepless nights to trust that everything will develop step by step. Winning customers, positioning yourself on the market and optimizing processes takes time.

I have learned to be aware of smaller successes, to focus on my strengths and to approach new challenges with more composure.

How do you draw attention to your company? What is your best marketing idea?

I mainly promote my company through personal recommendations and social media. Satisfied customers are the best advertisement, because their success speaks for itself.

I use platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn to share my services and plan content on health and exercise to make my expertise visible. I am also expanding my network in a targeted manner to maintain a long-term presence.

How did you finance your start-up?

The financing is limited and is financed purely through equity.

What dream would you still like to realize?

Professionally, I can't let go of the idea of having my own studio - a place where I can bundle my services and at the same time create space for others.

I currently work in different premises, which requires a lot of additional organization - time that I would rather invest in my offer.

Privately, a multi-day crossing of the Alps is on my bucket list. I hope that I can fulfill this dream this year.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would ...

...think about many of my ideas further and give them space to develop.

What is your special tip: What would you recommend to founders?

Do it, dare to do it - it's better to start imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly. Ask questions, accept help - a strong network helps, offers support and is also there on the not-so-easy days. Implement ideas - if they don't work, something else will.

In summary - do it and don't think it through!