Company: ksm – Kraft, Stärke und Mobilität (Strength,
Power, and Mobility) Founder: Katharina Schimanski-Manhart
Date founded: January 1, 2025
Industry and company: Health – sports and fitness training, personal training 

What drives you? What is your motto?
My clients' goals. To bring more exercise and thus more flexibility into their lives. The "aha" effect and gradual success are what motivate me.

What is your start-up about and what makes it special?
With ksm, I want to offer a holistic, but above all individual and sustainable approach to exercise. I combine the absolutely necessary expertise with scientifically based methods and, what makes ksm special, I combine this with my motivating and empathetic approach – with me, passion meets expertise!

What are your first successes?
My first successes are reflected in the progress of my clients – that is exactly what drives me. Seeing how they achieve their goals and feel more comfortable in their bodies confirms my decision every day to go my own way in the dynamic fitness market.

What is your professional background? I
started with training in tourism, followed by many years in various commercial areas – including assistance and project management. At the same time, I began working as a trainer for aqua and indoor cycling. My curiosity led me to study sports and fitness training, where the idea germinated to put my passion for exercise and health on a firmer footing. After further positions and parallel to my permanent job, I completed my studies to become a certified prevention trainer. Successfully completing my studies was the starting signal for my self-employment.

What was the trigger for you to start your own business?
The decisive trigger for my self-employment 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 care. 

I want to support people individually, work freely and flexibly, and not "just" offer a class. I want to convey exercise 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 clients. 

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?
I was and am very fortunate to be able to count on a wide range of support. I sought professional advice from a reorientation agency, where I was able to exchange ideas with experienced entrepreneurs in various formats. Family and friends gave me the necessary support and asked the right questions, which helped me refine and develop my idea. This combination of personal support, valuable networks, and professional advice helped me embark on my journey with ksm.

How did you experience your first days as a founder?
The first days of my self-employment were an emotional rollercoaster – 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 was impatient because I wanted to make faster progress. But I know that there will always be good days and not-so-good days—that's precisely 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 still is to be patient—especially in situations that I can't influence. Bureaucracy in Germany is complex and often tedious. It takes strength and sometimes sleepless nights to trust that everything will develop step by step. Winning customers, positioning yourself in the market, and optimizing processes takes time.

I have learned to consciously acknowledge smaller successes, focus on my strengths, and approach new challenges with more composure.

How do you draw attention to your company? What is your best marketing idea? I promote
my company primarily through personal recommendations and social media. Satisfied customers are the best advertisement, because their successes speak for themselves. I share my services and plan content on health and exercise via platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn, among others, to showcase my expertise. I am also expanding my network in a targeted manner to ensure a long-term presence. 

How did you finance your start-up?
The financing is limited and is financed purely through equity capital.

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 locations, which requires a lot of additional organization—time that I would rather invest in my services. On a personal level, a multi-day trek across the Alps is on my bucket list. I hope to fulfill this dream before the end of the year.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would... further
develop many of my ideas and give them space to evolve.

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 there even on the not-so-easy days. Implement ideas – if they don't work, something else will. In summary – do it and don't overthink it!