From Gym Owner to Life Architect: How Taryn Dubreuil Built a Life by Design

Some people build businesses to chase money. Others build them to create freedom. Taryn Dubreuil built hers to chase alignment. And when that alignment shifted, she made one of the hardest yet most inspiring moves any entrepreneur can make—she chose to walk away while she was winning.

Taryn joins me on The Balanced CEO to talk about how she started her gym by accident, mentored countless business owners, and eventually made the decision to close her gym not because it was failing, but because it no longer fit the life she was building.

This episode is a masterclass in clarity, courage, and designing a life on your terms.

A Business Born from the Ashes

Taryn never planned to own a gym. At 20, she watched the only gym in her small town burn to the ground. Her chiropractor boss turned to her and said, “Now’s the perfect time to start one.” Without hesitation, she said yes.

That moment launched a 15-year journey of changing lives, growing a community, and building a brand. But it wasn’t the gym itself that defined her. It was the desire to lead and serve others in a way that felt real and aligned.

The Problem with “Loyalty” and the Reality of Business

Taryn learned fast that loyalty in business isn’t always what it seems. She raised rates once and saw a mass exit of members. That taught her a lesson many of us learn the hard way—people say they’re loyal until the numbers change.

And that’s not a bad thing. It’s just reality. She talks about how loyalty shouldn’t be the measure of a good business relationship. Business is an exchange of value. Once you separate the emotional weight from that equation, decision-making gets a lot easier.

Shutting It Down at the Top

The gym wasn’t failing. It wasn’t struggling. In fact, it was doing just fine. But Taryn was evolving. Her priorities were changing. She wanted more time, more freedom, more flexibility.

Instead of waiting until burnout or failure forced her hand, she made the choice to exit on her own terms. She didn’t want to build a life that required her to fly across the country every time something went wrong at the gym. She wanted the freedom to live and work from anywhere, and her other businesses were already giving her that.

That decision wasn’t easy. It took her a year just to say it out loud. But once she did, the doors opened. Conversations followed. Clarity followed. And ultimately, peace followed.

Lessons on Decision-Making and Mental Clarity

Taryn’s biggest tool? A decision-making matrix. Time was her top priority, followed by money. Everything else came after. That filter helped her remove emotion from the equation and make choices based on what would allow her to be a great mom, a great wife, and a healthy, grounded person.

She shares how living in indecision—the gray zone—is where most mental stress builds. It’s not the decision that hurts you. It’s the uncertainty. The longer you sit in it, the more it weighs on your health, your mindset, and your relationships.

She also breaks down how having a mentor or coach is key. Not someone who gives you the answers, but someone who has the full picture. Someone who can offer clarity without the emotional fog.

Building a Life You Actually Want

Taryn’s message is simple. Go after what you actually want. You don’t need to know exactly what that is today. But you do need to start asking questions. Have the hard conversations. Reflect. Journal. Talk to people who’ve built the life you want. Then, start shaping your own.

She didn’t leave her gym because it was broken. She left because her life was evolving. That’s not failure. That’s growth.

And that’s what we’re all chasing. Not just wins. Not just money. But a life that feels aligned.

Listen to the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

If this episode resonated with you and you're looking for something to help you reflect and realign, you might enjoy my book Labels to Legacy. It’s a practical and personal guide for anyone ready to build with intention.

If you’re in a season where you’re growing something and want a bit more clarity or support, feel free to reach out. I work with leaders who want to keep things simple and meaningful.