You’re in for a real treat getting to know this incredible client – with personal branding for entrepreneurs in our brand new studio in north Texas!
Mike Wilson, owner & head coach of CrossFit OYL with it’s new state-of-the-art gym in Rhome TX. This welcoming & inclusive fitness facility has great staff, knowledgeable coaches, & plenty of options for both adults & children looking to improve their fitness.
I had the honor of asking him a few questions prior to his personal branding session, that we did along side his family’s photoshoot, & here is what I learned.
Do you specialize in anything in particular?
Helping people take personal ownership of their lives through health & fitness, specifically those who need help & guidance on where to start.
Where can people find you/your work?
Website | OYLfitness.com
Instagram | @CrossFitOYL
Facebook | oylfit
How did you get started in your field of work? How long have you been doing it?
I started doing CrossFit in 2013 when I just needed something else in my own fitness then grew to love it. After working a few years as a mechanical engineer, I didn’t feel like I was making a true impact in the world and felt that through health & fitness, I could affect and change real people’s lives. So in 2016, we opened CrossFit Eta (& later changed the name to CrossFit OYL).
What is your key to success? How do YOU define success?
I think the key to success is your environment. It sets the tone for everything. Want to make a change in your nutrition? Throw out all the junk food in your house. Want to stop drinking? Don’t hangout with people who drink. Want to make a real impact on the world? Hang out with others who are already doing it! I’d define success as fully developing your power of choice. Once you’ve gained the freedom to know that you are ultimately in control of your life and no one else, only then can you be successful.
What do you find is the most challenging about your work?
The emotional drain of always working with people who need the help. Naturally when first meeting someone, they tend to be in an unhealthy state both physically and mentally. So it feels sometimes that you take on all their baggage at times and are always playing the role of a therapist, doctor, best friend, or parent to other adults!
What advice would you give to other business professionals?
Block out all distractions and what your friends and family are telling you. Eliminate what you “should” do according to society. Find a mentor who’s been there before and learn. Can’t find one? Then trial and error where there’s no such thing as failure, only learning what doesn’t work. If you can else to identify the NUMBER ONE thing in your business that is hold it/you/your customers back from making progress, and then do something about it, then you’ve learned the secret to business success.
Tell us about the people you have met with your career?
Everyone everywhere. I’ve met some people very high up in the gym tech and software world, a lot of gurus, and some famous CrossFitters. It’s also been a platform to network with other professionals in different industries. My favorite people I have met though are the members that come in and have true life change and then take that life change to their family. I love seeing a whole family get healthier
Where do you want to be in 1, 5, 10 years?
1 year – doing the same but better, with a bigger team and affecting more people 5 years – probably the same again but expanding my reach beyond just the single gym location, whether that’s going online, second location, consulting other gyms, or expanding the current even more 10 years – I always see myself helping others, so I think I’ll end up just upgrading who I am able to help. I still love fitness so believe it’ll always be a factor, but I like helping other professionals and gym owners too. I have an eye for marketing so something in that realm is intriguing too
Why is this photoshoot/portraits important to you?
I tend to be quite introverted and shy when I first meet people so it’s important for my pictures and online presence to begin the process of “warming” people up to me. I’m kind and gentle and compassionate, but it takes a long time for people to see that in me so my online presence is very important to starting that process.
It was an honor to work with Mike & his family, who is not only a dedicated CrossFit owner and coach, but also someone with a deeply compassionate and soft-hearted spirit. Through thoughtful direction, natural lighting, and intentional posing, we created a set of images that showcased his strength and his heart. These portraits reflect the full scope of who he is—not just the physical power and leadership he brings to his gym, but also the kindness, approachability, and depth he offers to everyone around him. It was a reminder that professional photos should capture the whole person, not just the title.
Personal Branding for Entrepreneurs | Best Headshots in Rhome TX
Heather McKinney, professional photographer at HM Photography & Boutique, a North Texas veteran-owned business, is proud to offer professional photography & printed artwork for her clients & their families.
Our new custom built, private photography studio is located in Rhome, Texas with easy access just off highways 287 & 114, & serves the northwest Dallas Fort Worth Texas areas to include New Fairview, Aurora, Justin, Avondale, Haslet, Roanoke, Argyle, Lantana, Denton, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Keller, Trophy Club, Westlake, Northlake, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Eagle Mountain, Saginaw, Azle, Lake Worth, Weatherford, Pelican Bay, Paradise, Springtown, Bridgeport, Boyd, & Decatur.
Sessions are now booking through the end of the year & are typically booked up 4-8 weeks in advance. Please reach out as soon as possible, as not to miss out on limited availability, and assure plenty of time for planning.
To learn more about the studio & the HMPB experience, check out ‘The Experience’ page, here. You can also learn more about Heather, here.
Ready to have your own beautiful portraits created for yourself, business, family, newborn, or motherhood? I’d love to help plan a custom photoshoot, just for you!
Please use the contact form to get started or learn more.
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