Does moving abroad on a dependent visa mean putting your career aspirations on hold? Not necessarily. Minakshi Shekar proves that resilience, passion, and determination can help redefine one’s professional journey. As the founder of Regular Fit, Minakshi has taken her love for fitness and nutrition to a new level, helping immigrant women break through misinformation and prioritize their health in a sustainable way.
From Journalism to Fitness: A Story of Reinvention
Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Minakshi Shekar grew up in an environment where storytelling was second nature—her mother was a journalist, and she followed in her footsteps. After completing her Master’s degree from the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai, she worked with NDTV Profit, covering finance and business news. However, her passion for storytelling led her to explore screenwriting at the New York Film Academy.
Returning to India, Minakshi Shekar worked with renowned animation studios like DQ Entertainment and Green Gold Animation as a script editor. But life had other plans. After marrying and moving to the U.S., she found herself on an H4 dependent visa, unable to work.
Minakshi Shekar: Finding Purpose in a New Country
Like many immigrant women, Minakshi Shekar faced an identity crisis. “Moving to the U.S. made me reevaluate everything,” she recalls. “Fitness was a big part of life here, yet I noticed a lack of guidance for Desi women who wanted to focus on their health but didn’t know where to start.”
As Minakshi Shekar embarked on her personal fitness journey, she encountered numerous misconceptions about diet, exercise, and wellness. The industry, she realized, often failed to consider cultural backgrounds, dietary preferences, and lifestyle challenges unique to immigrant women. “Most fitness programs were either too extreme or relied on counting every calorie,” she says. “I wanted to create something realistic.”
The Birth of Regular Fit
Determined to bridge this gap, Minakshi Shekar pursued multiple certifications:
- Precision Nutrition Certified Nutrition Coach
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- Girls Gone Strong Certified Pre and Post Natal Coach
With her knowledge and experience, she launched Regular Fit in 2022—a body-neutral fitness and coaching business designed specifically for immigrant women. Her goal? To help them feel their fittest and most confident without obsessing over calories or following unsustainable workouts.
Juggling Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
As a mother of two, Minakshi understands the struggle of balancing health, family, and work. “I make sure to set boundaries. My workday is from 10 AM to 5 PM, and after that, it’s strictly family time,” she shares. “I had to learn to delegate and prioritize self-care.”
Minakshi Shekar also blocks time for her children’s activities, ensuring they see their mother as both a dedicated entrepreneur and a present parent. “It’s easy to fall into the trap of working 24/7 when you run your own business, but learning to step back has been crucial.”
Breaking Stereotypes Through Running
Beyond coaching, Minakshi has discovered a new passion—long-distance running. Though she was a short-distance runner in school, she challenged herself post-pregnancy by signing up for half-marathons. “Running in Colorado’s high altitude is no joke! But I fell in love with the process,” she says.
Her most significant achievement? Running a half-marathon just nine months postpartum. Now, she’s gearing up for her third race in 2024 and even considering a full marathon by the time she turns 40. “It’s not just about physical strength—it’s a mental challenge too,” she adds.
From an Idea to a Thriving Business
Minakshi’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2016, shortly after moving to the U.S. She noticed a lack of fitness guidance tailored for South Asian women. Initially, she pursued certifications purely for self-improvement, but as she shared her progress on social media, interest from friends and family grew.
“I started coaching close friends at nominal rates, sometimes even for free,” she admits. “But my husband encouraged me to turn it into a business.”
Launching Regular Fit wasn’t without challenges. “I had major imposter syndrome. There are thousands of fitness coaches—what made me different?” The answer lay in her unique perspective as an immigrant woman who had firsthand experience navigating fitness in a new country.
Building a Brand from the Ground Up
The first step? Registering her LLC, which made everything feel “official.” Next, Minakshi Shekar invested in branding—a logo, website, and professional content—despite the financial risk. “It was scary pouring my savings into this, but it was worth it.”
Her business grew organically, with 85% of her clients coming from Instagram and the rest through referrals. By 2023, Minakshi Shekar had her most successful year and is now looking to hire additional coaches in 2024.
Overcoming Financial Struggles and Self-Doubt
Minakshi’s path to success wasn’t always smooth. At one point, she had only $500 to her name, unsure if Regular Fit would ever take off. “I almost took a part-time job in retail to support my business,” she reveals. But instead of chasing clients, she doubled down on her niche and shared her authentic story.
That authenticity paid off. More inquiries poured in, and her business flourished. “I’m so glad I stuck with it. 2023 was my best year yet, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
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