What do want to be when you grow up? It's a question we ask kids all the time, but for many of us, we might have several different jobs or careers in our lifetime. In this episode, April Hattori from Yes2Next joins me to talk about her career transition which took her from New York to Las Vegas and from the field of communications into personal training and fitness. In this interview we discuss:
If you want to know more about Yes2Next, you can follow April and her mom on Youtube, Instagram, or through yes2next.com
What do want to be when you grow up? It's a question we ask kids all the time, but for many of us, we might have several different jobs or careers in our lifetime. In this episode, April Hattori from Yes2Next joins me to talk about her career transition which took her from New York to Las Vegas and from the field of communications into personal training and fitness. In this interview we discuss:
If you want to know more about Yes2Next, you can follow April and her mom on Youtube, Instagram, or through yes2next.com
Welcome to my intermission, a podcast conversation about the transitions and changes we face in life, and the strategies and approaches that support us in taking the next step in our journey. I'm your host Colleen Stanevich. Today I'm joined by April hitori. She's the founder of yes to next, a wellness website designed for seniors. After a 30 year full time career in journalism and communications, she made a break in 2019 to pursue her passion as a certified personal trainer to help seniors find fitness and joy in life. When the pandemic head, she shifted gears and lunch yes to next, to help seniors stay active at home. her YouTube channel currently has more than 35,000 subscribers with over 2 million views on her fitness videos. April, thanks so much for joining me on the My intermission podcast.
April Hattori:I'm glad to be here. Thanks, Colleen.
Colleen Stanevich:So let's kick it off by talking about some of the big changes in your life that brought you to where you are today.
April Hattori:Yeah, well, mywhole life, I think, is a series of transitions for sure. And, you know, one of the recent ones was me just transitioning from, you know, career communications, sort of your career in communications, and, you know, going into personal training. So that that all comes with a personal story to you know, my mom was married 30 years, my stepdad, he passed away, and I had to make a, you know, a tough decision, you know, to, to leave New York and be with her. And when I thought about life, and what's important, you know, that was a really important thing for me to do. And so I left New York, and came here and really didn't know what I was going to do in the Las Vegas area. But you know, it's an opportunity for me to think about my passions. And although I love communications, I've also wanted to follow this passion to help people and help improve their fitness. And so when I was in New York, I got my certification and personal training. And I was training people online and family members and stuff like that. But by moving here, I was like, Well, I'm just going to try this and see what happens. So I apply for a job at a local gym, and I came a personal trainer, and I specialize in senior fitness. And it's just been an awesome ride.
Colleen Stanevich:That's amazing. So I your transition story, encapsulate a lot of different changes and transitions. So there's a geographic transition that happened, right, New York to Las Vegas, that's not nothing. And then that idea of really shifting gears and something you said is really interesting to me that you said it's an opportunity to think about passions. And I think sometimes, when people think about big changes that are happening to them, they they focus a lot on the grief and what they're leaving behind, but that that focus on the opportunity instead. And that new beginning, why did you choose to take that perspective? Or where does that come from? Because I don't think everyone steps into transition that way. Well, you know, what, it's?
April Hattori:That's a really good question. I, I honestly, I think it goes back to just, you know, how I've approached life and how I was raised, you know, I mean, I can get into this whole swirl, I'll just get into I have to tell you, you know, my mom single was single parent, divorced, when I was one years old, had was raised raise three kids on her own, and, you know, throughout life, you know, she always just encouraged us to, to see the positive and, and to go for opportunities to better ourselves and have a better life. You know, so, I, that mindset has always been in me, you know. So I think that that's something that's just part of my, my mindset. I'm an optimist by nature. So, you know, I always try to see, you know, the, the good things are good people and good and opportunities, even if you know, something bad happens, it opens another door. And, you know, in my life, you know, particularly career wise, you know, when something one door closes, another one opened up, and it has led me to even better places,
Colleen Stanevich:Well, the other thing about your story that strikes me is because you are going through so many transitions at once. There's a lot there to juggle too. So what were some of the greatest challenges for you as you made the leap both in your professional life and in your geographic location? And and in just your relationship? Like you're moving in closer to your mom to? Yeah, yeah.
April Hattori:Oh, you know, what, that that's there was just so much I mean, just that the there was a whole year of transition, just just moving geographically, right? I mean, so much of the town's dealing with you know, obviously my stepdad passed away too. So dealing with that, you know, my mom being being supportive and all that so, I think it was just kind of day by day, you know, taking it as it comes piece by piece. You know, being there for my mom listening to my mom Um, and just trying to keep it all in perspective and, you know, taking it slow every day. like not being too stressed out about, you know, oh my god, you know, what am I gonna do? You know, it's just like, okay, let's kind of take it as it comes, let it present itself, move on.
Colleen Stanevich:I think that's amazing in and of itself too, because I do think when there's a lot of transition, sometimes people have the mindset of just get through this, like, I'm just gonna barrel ahead and push hard and get through and I will endure. But the first thing you said was slow down, take it as it comes, see what happens. And I think that for some folks that can feel very counterintuitive to say, like, I'm going to slow down so that I can be present to all of this, instead of just pushing through and persevering.
April Hattori:Yeah, no, Ithink that's, I think, yeah, I think that's true. And, and in your first, you, it's, it's easy to be very reactive to something, right. It's just like, Oh, my God happened to me, I gotta, I gotta do something. And, you know, it's worked for me to just, you know, just take a step back, breathe, and just take it as it comes. It's okay, it's okay, not to beat yourself up about it, either. You know, and, you know, and it's important to set deadlines and things like that. But, you know, in times of stress, like this, and particularly now, you know, it's like, you know, you have to give your mind you have to give yourself a break, you know, and, you know, we're going through this, everyone's going through transition now. But you know, during that time, yeah, I was going through transition, I didn't know what I was going to do, but, but I've been through that kind of thing before where I'm changing jobs or whatever. And I was like, you know, what, it's okay, I'm gonna breathe here, take a take a beat, and just just kind of gravitate toward those things that are important. And in, you know, bring me some joy.
Colleen Stanevich:So with that, let's let's talk about your choice to step into joy as you made your professional transition. On the podcast, we've been talking a lot about when roles shift. And so for you, there was a big professional shifts that are coming from your background and communications and going into personal fitness and becoming a personal trainer with a with a focus on senior fitness, too. So give us a little bit more about your back background and communications. And then what led you to pursue personal fitness.
April Hattori:Yeah, so, um, I think just all my life, I've always wanted to help people, you know, that's kind of been my, my mindset. And, you know, my career has is, has just meandered, you know, I was I started out, you know, thinking I was going to be in the medical profession. And, and that didn't pan out, we can talk about that. And, you know, it led me to communications and in education, right. So I was like, Oh, this is great, I can use my skills in writing communications to, you know, help people and kids and, and that's great. But I was always searching for this, searching for what was in tangible things, like helping people one on one, and, you know, being one face to face with people and, and in seeing, you know, impact, positive impact making positive impact in your life. And so that I will and I've always been in, you know, interested in my own health and fitness. And so I thought about, like, wow, what can I do to, you know, that incorporate that joy and love for fitness and health, with something that I really want to do in life. And so that kind of put the personal training bug in my ear. And so when I was in New York, and I had gotten my certification, personal training, and I was just doing kind of, like, the side gig thing. Um, and, you know, it was, um, you know, communications, is a has always been something that I've been, like I said, a good writer, have had that skill. And so, you know, being able to incorporate just being able to communicate with people, and helping people was just kind of a nice fit for me with personal training. And I've always just loved helping seniors, like, my grandmother was like, a second mother to me. So I just have this affinity to help seniors because, you know, I think even in the fitness world, sometimes they're forgotten, you know, see lots of videos and things like that, that are just titled for younger folks. And I was like, no, it should be, it should be more for older folks. So it just was a natural, natural thing for me to gravitate to. And so too, you know, with with the different, you know, being able to just transition. I don't know, I just,
Unknown:I just did it. I just,
April Hattori:I don't know how to explain it. I I knew that that that door with communications was you know, was not close, but I kind of left that behind and I'm like, well, I've just got to beat the pavement and, you know, I just started talking to people here and and applying for jobs and talking to anyone that that could Give me information about how to get into this business here. So that was fun. And someone Someone gave me a break, you know, just like that. And it just being, you know, just persevering and is staying with it. So I felt very fortunate to be able to get a job and doing that.
Colleen Stanevich:Well, and I think you and I have talked before about your your story. And when you got your break, and became a personal trainer out there in Las Vegas, it happened. I mean, you weren't you weren't there very long before COVID hit and everything shut down. And so you were faced with with a choice once again, like you just made a transition, and then you had a choice of so what's the next transition or pivot? So help us understand what's up with yes to next?
April Hattori:Yes. So yeah, so yeah. So to your point, yes, March 2020 gyms closed down, right. And I was like, Well, I know, I'm not going to be going back to the gym because my mom's 80 years old. And I can't risk getting exposed and exposing her to that. And so then it was like, a great now now what I do, I was working as a personal trainer, loving it for like five or six months and getting great experience. And now that kind of shut down. And I was just like, oh, now what do I do? So then I thought like, Wow, well, you know, everyone's at home. For two seniors now they're like, locked up in their homes, how can I help them? And so I was like, Wow, well, why don't we start just why don't I start doing exercise videos to help seniors? You know, I can, starting off with, you know, I've think about even my, you know, folks that I knew that needed help. And then I was like, looking at my mom's like, my mom's 80 years old. I'm like, well, she needs to stay fit, too. I'm like, Mom, would you want to make these videos with me? And she's like, she didn't know what she was getting into. But she said, Okay, and so we started making these videos under the yes to next banner. And that was in May 2020. And yes to next is, you know, it is a name that I came up with to say yes, to your next steps to get healthier to you have a better life to experience fitness enjoying your life. So say yes to next to that everyone should say yes to next at any age. And so that that's how we started. And you know, we've got like, 40 4040 videos so far and over 34,000 subscribers, 2 million views on a video. So it's been just such a joy to, to see it grow. And, you know, I mean, my goal with this whole thing was just to help one person, you know, I just like if I could help one person through this awesome, and you know, now like, work with my mom, we're helping 1000s of people. And that's all just icing on the cake. Right? Right?
Colleen Stanevich:And how's it been working with your mom, like, I love that you just, you know, you knew you needed, you wanted to reach seniors, and you looked over and realized, Hey, Mom, you need to stay active too. But what is that then like to step into this new business venture with your mom to?
April Hattori:Oh, it's just been awesome. You know, my mom has been an inspiration my whole life, you know, she is the, he sets an example for me for you know, strength and perseverance, and living life with humor. You know, my mom is a very kind, you know, positive person. And, you know, her view is really funny, too. So, it's been just such a great ride to, you know, to, to do these with her. And, and to, you know, to see the reaction from from folks to her is just wonderful. You know, people of all ages actually are like, Wow, my, if your mom at 80 can do it, and I can do it. You know, for seniors, it's like, Wow, she can do it. I can do and then there's like younger people, they're like, wait a minute, she's 80, then I should be able to do this. So she's been just amazing, great inspiration.
Colleen Stanevich:Maybe you should interview your mom too, about being a social media influencer? Because that's what it sounds like, right?
April Hattori:She is she's a he is. She's a rock star. I have to say. He's amazing.
Colleen Stanevich:So April, you describe a lot of change that you have faced and kind of your attitude and approach to dealing with transitions in your life. How do you use that in your inspiration and support of others who are trying to make physical changes and say yes to next in their life? Do you help? Do you bring some of your background and an experiencing transition and change to what you do today?
April Hattori:Yeah, um, yeah, thanks for that question. You know, when I started at the gym, it was very interesting for me to start working with seniors and a lot of them couldn't, you know, lift a, you know, even like a two pound dumbbell do a bicep curl dumbbell, right? And so, you know, I had to really like scale down the training, you know, for them, you know, to work without weights and then maybe work with some bands, you know, to gradually scale scale up their strength to be able to lift that five pound dumbbell All right. And so, you know, the idea of going slow, you know, this idea we just talked about, you know, taking things as they come not to beat yourself up, if you can't, you know, this the five pound dumbbell, that's okay, the important thing is that you are starting somewhere, in that you are making a commitment, you want to get healthier, it doesn't matter where you are, in this whole journey, it's important to just say, I'm going to do it, and I'm going to start somewhere. And so that has been my approach with, with all of my training with with volks and Miss how we approach it in our videos, because, you know, our videos are tailored for people that are, hey, just just where do I begin? I've never exercised, whether you're, you know, a younger person or older person, how can we help you just get excited about moving? In just taking it slow? It's okay. In fact, that's the healthiest way to to get healthier is to go slow and build strength gradually.
Unknown:Mm hmm.
Colleen Stanevich:What are your hopes for your next steps? And what are you saying yes, to next to now. You know, I
April Hattori:am excited about this, this journey that my mom and I are on with, with yes to Next, you know, it's it's starting with these videos, and we're so honored and pleased to help so many people. But, you know, it's kind of seeing where this takes us, you know, growing it, you know, what could it mean? Could it I don't know, I you know, it's videos right now, I mean, I would love to do more writing stories, you know, talking to people, we started by, we did a video of a woman who is like, over 90, who was just was an inspiration to me, and I shared that story. But, but, you know, focusing on on stories and, and information that can help inspire people, you know, to live healthier, high quality lives, and to do that with with joy, you know, so, so I, I'm, I'm so happy to be in a place that where I found my passion, you know, where, where I wake up thinking about this, and, and, you know, I know that this is the right thing, you know, because it's, it's just part of my being, you know, and I can't tell you how happy that makes me feel. It's just, it's a very fulfilling, and comforting feeling to know that, that I found something that I'm passionate about, and that is helping people and that I'm doing something with my mom, now that's making her life better as well.
Colleen Stanevich:Is there any advice or strategies, you would offer people to try and get in touch with where their passion is, or, or awaken themselves to what's going to fulfill them? Because I, I think we we, as humans can spend a lot of time, you know, hearing our inner critic about, oh, you can't do this, or just having trepidation about taking the big, big leap into something new. So any advice or guidance you would get? Yeah, I
April Hattori:would say, um, you know, um, you know, just follow, you know, I have, a lot of my things are kind of cliche, but I live it, you know, it's like, you know, follow to follow your gut, you know, to really listen, you know, to, to how you're feeling and how you're thinking of something doesn't feel right, you know, it's not right for you, you know, till fall, follow your gut. And, and I've been in situations where I didn't follow my gut, and I'm like, and then later, I forgot, I should have followed my gut. I should have followed what my inner voice was telling me. And so that's one thing. The other thing is, you know, fine, you know, go into the direction of things that you love, you know, your joy, you know, that will always lead you to a good place. And it will always enable you to put energy into it, because you love it, you know, so if you love it, you're going to do it. And it's going to you're, I would say I would say that you probably be successful, because you're putting so much energy into it. And, you know, and not to think about so much the end goal, like I've always had, like big goals. And if I'm aiming for a big goal, it always leaves me somewhere. So maybe I don't reach the big goal when I'm bled me someplace that is just been just as awesome or even better. So those are just a few things. Okay, so
Colleen Stanevich:you talked a lot about the way you ground yourself and make that decision to take the leap following your gut and really thinking about what what brings you fulfillment? What about the practical side of things and taking the leap? So if I have a steady job, that's getting me a regular income, what advice would you give people before taking the leap where there is a little more unknown in terms of their financial security?
April Hattori:Wow, oh, great question. I mean, we all have to make a living, right? Yeah. put food on the table and feed our families. Absolutely. I totally get it. And you know, I mean, I I'm in that same same boat, you know, so you know, going back to it New York, right? You know, I mean, I had a full time job and communications, but I knew what my passion was. And it was in personal training. So, you know, I, I took that took the time, on my own time, you know, to study, get my certification, do that, you know, on on the side. So yeah, so, you know, it takes some work, you know, if you really want to follow your passion, but it can be done, and you have to make the, you know, the investment in time, but also in your mind, you know, the commitment to do that. So, it is possible, and even, even when I got here to the Las Vegas area, you know, I mean, I still had to make a living and so, um, you know, and today, right now, even I'm doing, you know, communications on the side, you know, bringing in some income while I do yes to next and in personal training. So, you know, that's all part of the transition, right? You know, we're all kind of on this journey, where, you know, you know, maybe one day, you know, I'll be able to do you know, yesterday, next, you know, full time, but for now, it's fine. And I'm actually enjoying having the two things going on at one time, because it's not such an abrupt cut. Yeah,
Colleen Stanevich:well, and I think that's important, because I think people can look at a big, a big shift in their professional role as an either or that I have to do one of these things. Yeah. And, and, you know, there are a lot of different approaches, whether it's, you know, on your own time, step into new passions, and explore and get new certifications, or even for some people, they can scale back a little bit, and maybe, you know, step down to 75% of their job, and then that affords them some time for the what's next for them. So I think it's an opportunity to be creative as well, of how I use my time. Right, I
April Hattori:totally, totally get it. And, you know, I'll be honest, you know, I'm 56, you know, and I've been thinking about, you know, hey, you know, what I want to be doing in the next 510 years, right. And so, you know, this transition for me, it's been good. I mean, I've transitioned from full time, you know, PR to part time, PR, it's great. And, you know, doing this, you know, doing the yes to next part time, too, so, and my whole goal is to be able to find something that I would enjoy into my, my, you know, I 67 or something, you know, right. And so, for me at this stage in life, it really works
Colleen Stanevich:well. And the other day, somebody asked my daughter what she wants to be when she grows up. And I thought that's a question we get to ask ourselves over and over and over again, like I I'm still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. I think that's, that's one of the opportunities to step into transition and just feel like what's what's right for me in this stage of my life, just like you said, so April's, we wrap up here, do you have any quotes that inspire you and drive you to do the work you do in the world? Yeah, I
April Hattori:have a simple one. I live by it. Some I don't know who said it. But it's, it's, it's do something your future self will thank you for Hmm, you know, so it's, it's being good to yourself, you know, it's follow your passion. You know, if you're good to yourself, the world will benefit. So, do something your future self will thank you for loving.
Colleen Stanevich:April. Is there anything else that you want to share with us about your work right now? Or lessons that you've learned?
April Hattori:Yeah, thanks for that good question. I would say, in life, just just to take a risk, you know, in my life, some of the most wonderful things that have happened to me have happened when I've, I've taken a big risk and taking that leap. You know, it's, it's, it's easy to be fearful. And I've experienced this myself, my my sheer fear in life, especially as relates to my career. And, you know, I just just taking that risk in jumping has served me well. So I would just say, yeah, take a risk.
Colleen Stanevich:That's great. And if folks want to learn more, or follow you and yes to next, how can they learn about your work?
April Hattori:Yeah, you can find us at yes to next calm. We're on all social media channels under sought me out yesterday, next. So Facebook, Twitter, and also obviously, YouTube, our videos are there as well. So Instagram, as well. So feel free to
Unknown:look us up.
Colleen Stanevich:And I will link to all those in the show notes as well, so people can find you easily.
Unknown:Awesome.
Colleen Stanevich:April, thanks so much for taking the time. I just appreciate talking to you. And thanks so much for the great work you do in the world. Oh, well. Thank you so much, Colleen. It was really fun. Thanks for listening to the My Innermission podcast. And I know we've covered a lot of ground this season from transitions around divorce to transitions in parenting our parents to transitions and careers. And hopefully not all of these transitions are occurring for you at once. But please feel free to share and invite others to listen to my intermission If they are facing some of these other life's changes. Until next time, thanks for listening to My Innermission.