Anastasia Holmes, Founder of Start Your Engine NYC, discusses how she found her momentum

My Blog Post: The most unexpected benefit I have learned during the NYWSE Incubator program

I kicked around my idea to create a nonprofit health and fitness program for low-income women for a year before my acceptance to the New York Women Social Entrepreneurs Incubator Program. My goal for the program is to address obesity by emphasizing health lifestyle choices through education and practice in nutrition, fitness, life coaching, and mental health. When I sent in my application, I knew I needed structure to stay on task and a community to work within. But I actually didn’t know what to expect from the program, and so far, unexpected benefits are everywhere.

 I was lucky to be assigned a mentor and apprentice who both have experience and an interest in health and fitness. They have been pushing me along in this journey and giving feedback every step of the way. Since the Incubator began in January, I’ve named my project Start Your Engine, refined my long-term plan and goals, developed a logo and background materials, and started outreach to recruit women for the pilot.

 But the biggest surprise so far is a piece of advice from my mentor so simple it should be obvious—just show up.

 My mentor encouraged me to go to all the courses and events available through the Incubator Program because you never know who you will meet. I pushed myself past the fear and insecurity that people wouldn’t like my idea or think there was a need for this program. I had to learn from the “no’s” and engage with the “yes’s.”

 As I followed her advice—and showed up—more opportunities fell into place. My mentor knew someone at a potential partner organization and it turned out I knew them too. I went to a health seminar and met someone who ran a childhood obesity program interested in working with an adult program.

 I still have more work to do before I reach my goal to launch a pilot this summer. But the progress I’ve made in the first two months of the Incubator Program surpasses the work I completed the year before when I struggled on my own. Who knows what other unexpected benefits and lucky breaks are out there for me? Before I find out I have many more places to just show up.