Take the Leap: Your Dream Awaits

Have you ever had a dream of breaking free from your corporate job and creating your own thriving business? Many hold this vision, yet few pursue it due to the risks involved. After all, the leap from a steady income to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship is not easy. 

However, the rewards can be immense for those who dare to follow their dreams. A prime example of this is Jay and Steph Rose, who left behind their corporate careers to create a fitness and media brand combining their passions. Despite the success of their media and fitness brand, Phase SiX was not an easy journey.

With that said, let’s examine Jay and Steph’s journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned.

From Corporate to Creator

Known for his rugged appearance and adventurous spirit, Jay began his career in real estate development. While Jay’s corporate job provided financial security, he felt deeply dissatisfied. Ultimately, he decided corporate America was not aligned with his true calling and left it behind to pursue his dreams.

Similarly, Steph wanted to make a change. She found herself unfulfilled as a successful corporate executive and yearning for something more. The two eventually came up with the idea for Phase SiX after leaving their jobs together and embarking on a journey that would take them around the world.

A Leap of Faith and Early Struggles

They began their journey by moving to Australia despite some challenges. Due to their limited funds, they embarked on an adventure that included stops in Thailand and Bali, but their money quickly ran out, forcing them to find innovative ways to survive. The couple eventually settled on the Sunshine Coast, where they began experimenting with entrepreneurship.

Initially working as an Uber driver, Jay transitioned to private car rental, while Steph began a raw cake business specializing in gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free treats. Although they didn’t become wealthy, these ventures gave them the freedom to work for themselves and pursue their true passions.

The Birth of Phase SiX

During this time, Jay and Steph developed a passion for fitness, specifically unconventional training. Following months of experimentation, Jay came up with the name Phase SiX, inspired by a dream about athletic performance. With Steph’s enthusiasm, they began building the brand together.

Designed by themselves, their logo represents strength, boldness, and a punk rock attitude. As Jay explains, they wanted an iconic logo, like the Harley Davidson logo, but with their own twist.

Eventually, Phase SiX became more than a fitness brand. Dedicated to pushing physical limits, it became a platform for unconventional training, strength, and performance.

Building an Empire

Their ambitions grew as the Phase SiX brand grew. Starting as a passion project, the company developed a strong social media presence and partnered with major brands. In Austin, Texas, for example, they opened a dojo where they could continue their work and push fitness boundaries.

Steph, who initially pursued nutritional therapy, found her true calling in working to create a brand that combined fitness and nutrition to achieve health and wellness. In addition to fitness, Phase SiX had a broader vision. As a result of Jay’s passion for cinematography and storytelling, Phase SiX has become a media company that combines art and athletics to set itself apart from traditional fitness brands.

Chasing the American Dream

As a child, Jay was fascinated by America. As a teenager, films like Ghostbusters , in which New York City’s skyline featured prominently, planted the seed of a lifelong passion for living in the United States. The American Dream, the idea that success can be achieved through hard work and determination, appealed to both Jay and Steph.

Although they wanted to move to the U.S., it wasn’t easy. To take their business to the next level, they realized they needed access to the resources and expertise found in the U.S. fitness industry. Instead of investing their savings toward a down payment, they took a three-month trip to the U.S., met industry leaders, and produced enough content to sustain their company for a year. They had only one dollar left when they returned to the UK, which they still keep as a reminder of how close they came to financial ruin.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

While they faced emotional and financial challenges, they remained determined to return to America. After saving for a second trip, they returned in 2019, better prepared and with a more focused strategy for Phase SiX. They knew they had to invest more in their videography than they could afford in a competitive market, but it was necessary to stand out.

The Sacrifices Behind Success

In their journey as entrepreneurs, Jay and Steph encountered a number of challenges. Their sacrifices tested their perseverance. Jay recalls times when they had to choose between paying for a videographer or buying food. 

Despite these hardships, quitting wasn’t an option. Rather than giving in to discomfort, they embraced it and knew each challenge strengthened them.

Conclusion: Living the Dream

Jay and Steph are currently living the American Dream. Their journey is an inspiring example for anyone looking to turn their passion into a thriving business. With enough passion, perseverance, and resilience, anything is possible. Their story shows how you can build a successful media company by following your dreams.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dissatisfaction can lead to entrepreneurship. Despite the risks and uncertainty, Jay and Steph Rose left successful corporate careers to follow their true passions.
  • The initial struggles and the ability to adapt. To sustain themselves early on, they took on various jobs like Uber driving and started a raw cake business.
  • Creating Phase SiX. Having a strong social media presence and a passion for fitness and unconventional training led them to create Phase SiX, a fitness and media brand.
  • Taking fitness to the next level. Phase SiX combines fitness with cinematography and storytelling to differentiate itself from traditional fitness brands.
  • Resilience is key in the pursuit of the American Dream. Even though Jay and Steph came close to financial ruin, they faced emotional and financial challenges. Due to their determination to succeed, they invested in trips to the U.S. to grow their brand.
  • The path to success is paved with sacrifices and perseverance. After making significant sacrifices, they eventually succeeded and fulfilled their dream of living and working in the United States.

Featured Image Credit: Ylanite Koppens; Pexels: Thank You!

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