175. Alli Arruda on The Alchemy of Adversity: Transmuting Pain into Prosperity

From MTV wardrobe stylist to successful gym owner, Alli Arruda's journey is anything but conventional. After losing her brother at 18, she transformed her grief into a passion for fitness that would later become her life's work. 

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Alli shares how she opened her dream gym just months before COVID hit, navigated multiple shutdowns, and emerged stronger than ever. She opens up about creating “positive propaganda” environments, building an intimate 100-person networking event from her backyard, and how losing her father fueled her drive to build multiple successful ventures. With candid stories from her MTV days (including an emergency styling session with Lo Bosworth) and practical wisdom on building community, this episode is a masterclass in turning life's biggest challenges into opportunities for growth. 

Whether you're an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, or simply someone looking to transform pain into purpose, Alli's infectious energy and authentic approach to business and life will leave you inspired to take action on your own dreams.

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TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Book announcement: "Higher Self Habits" now available on Audible

• [01:05] Introduction of guest Alli Arruda - business owner, podcast host, investor, and co-founder of Benchmark Fitness

• [04:10] Alli shares her journey starting as an MTV wardrobe stylist in Toronto after fashion school

• [07:33] Story about styling Lo Bosworth when her luggage didn't arrive for The Hills After Show

• [13:19] Alli opens up about losing her brother at age 18 and how it led her to develop healthy fitness habits

• [19:05] Discussion of opening Benchmark Fitness in June 2019, right before COVID hit

• [28:15] Explanation of "positive propaganda" and creating encouraging environments

• [33:04] Story behind creating Women Inspiring Women events, starting in her backyard in 2021

• [39:45] How Alli got into investing, including investments in Glōci and Frollo

• [45:05] Reflection on using life's challenges as motivation to build multiple successful businesses

• [47:14] Where to find Alli: Instagram @inspireandmove and the Inspire Move podcast

Connect with Alli on Instagram @inspireandmove

Listen to Alli’s podcast, Inspire + Move

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Get glōci, the skincare routine you can drink and get 15% off with code ALESSIA

Get Alessia’s book, Higher Self Habits

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TRANSCRIPT

KEYWORDS: Alli Arruda, fitness journey, Benchmark Fitness, unhealthy relationship with food, mental health support, fitness and grief, COVID-19 challenges, gym renovation, Women Inspiring Women, community support, healthy lifestyle choices, nourishing food, sobriety benefits, Girlfriends Walk, high-level networking, personal development, social isolation, mental well-being, body positivity, positive content, personal branding, entrepreneurship, fitness community, fitness events, career progression, luxury automotive marketing, pandemic resilience, business expansion, recovery services, investment strategies, mindset coaching