Colette Marie is the owner and lead trainer at Set Apart, a boutique HIIT studio in Gilbert that focuses on strength and conditioning. “At Set Apart, we believe fitness and well-being play a vital role in helping everyone become the highest version of themselves.” Learn about Colette Marie…
Hometown: Galesville, Wis., It is a one-stoplight kind of town, surrounded by corn fields.
First job: As soon as I could drive, I got my first job at Lady Foot Locker. I juggled selling shoes and playing sports all throughout high school. I worked there when they still wore the referee uniform and, yes, I still have mine.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: Anything outdoors! Hiking, biking and trying all the amazing restaurants. The food scene in Arizona is phenomenal!
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Opening up Set Apart has been my biggest leap of faith. I knew that operating as my own brand and not a franchise would make me the underdog. People told me I was crazy for leaving my comfortable corporate job but I knew it was now or never.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I suffer from severe anxiety, and it has caused many internal obstacles throughout my fitness journey and fitness career. I have learned to surround myself with people who are positive, authentic and kind.
Someone who inspires you and why: My mom is a huge inspiration. She managed two young kids as a single mother.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Know your why and stay on that path as best as you can. Be consistent with your voice, time and energy.
Favorite quote: “Fall seven, rise eight.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I was a corporate ladder climber by day and indoor cycling instructor by night for 10 years. After getting my MBA, I realized I wanted to take the business route as an entrepreneur and pursue my own dreams rather than work on someone else’s or rather than continue the corporate grind.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone who is true to themselves and is authentic. There is beauty in being different and being Set Apart.