New small businesses are emerging with innovative ideas and a passion for excellence. This column highlights their unique offerings and inspiring stories, showcasing the creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs shaping our communities.

Forté Fitness is a high-intensity, low-impact, Pilates-inspired workout located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, in the historic candy factory building at 1060 World’s Fair Park Drive.

Owner, Alyce Johnson, saw a need for more intentional workouts, more community connections, and more purpose behind every class.  She says, “What started as a vision quickly became something I believed in deeply, and I took the leap to bring it to life. Forté Fitness was built to be more than just a place to work out; it’s a community. A space where people feel supported, challenged, and proud of their progress.”

Johnson always knew she wanted to open her own fitness studio. Moving to several different states due to her husband’s job, plus having three babies in four years, meant she never felt it was the right time to do so.

Working on the operations side of a fitness studio in Denver gave Johnson the foundation and confidence to get started. With the support and guidance of a mentor, she took those first steps and has kept moving forward.

There was the challenge of balancing all the different roles that come with starting a business: owner, operator, instructor, and mom.

Despite the challenges, Johnson is seeing success, with her biggest success being the community that has grown within Forté Fitness. “They come to connect, to be challenged, and to support one another, and that kind of environment is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

Another huge success has been the instructors.  Johnson describes the team as “bringing energy, passion, and authenticity to every class, and they care deeply about our clients and the experience we create.”

Five years ago, Johnson had the dream of opening her own fitness studio, one rooted deeply in community. But at the time, she believed that dream was still ten years away. Now she has expanded that dream. “Over the next five years, my vision is to expand Forté Fitness with at least two additional locations, creating more spaces where people can experience the strength, connection, and community that defines my brand.”

She learned: “There is no perfect time. My time was now. I realized I couldn’t keep pouring into everyone else’s dreams without fully stepping into my own. I had to trust my heart, follow my passion, and remind myself that I was capable of building something meaningful, even with three babies in my arms.”

A huge part of Johnson’s journey has been the support of her husband, AJ. “As a former VFL standout and NFL player, he understands dedication, discipline, and what it takes to pursue something bigger than yourself. He has been my biggest cheerleader through it all, and without his constant support and belief in me, Forté Fitness wouldn’t be what it is today.”

Johnson offers three key pieces of advice for small business entrepreneurs.

Stop comparing your journey to anyone else’s. Every business is different, and everyone’s path unfolds in its own time. What works for someone else may not be your timing, your strategy, or your story.

Don’t let the fear of failing consume you. Failure is not a reflection of your worth or your ability as an owner; it’s part of the process and often where the most growth happens.

Believe in your own vision. Stay grounded in why you started, trust your instincts, and keep showing up even when things feel uncertain. Your vision is yours for a reason, don’t let comparison or fear pull you away from it.

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