Diana’s journey into entrepreneurship was catalyzed by a personal health challenge. Faced with the prospect of going on another blood pressure medication, Diana embarked on a mission to transform her lifestyle and shed excess weight. Initially, this transformation involved using Herbalife products, but Diana soon realized that she needed a comprehensive lifestyle change that extended beyond just diet.
In pursuit of this change, Diana began visiting gyms around Pittsburgh, only to discover that the fitness spaces lacked the emotional and nutritional support she sought. As a woman in her late fifties at the time, Diana found that the cookie-cutter approach of conventional gyms didn’t address her specific needs. This realization motivated her to create Thick But Fit, a space dedicated to supporting women with larger bodies in their journey to health and wellness.
Drawing on her background as a nurse specializing in health coaching and preventative health, Diana founded Thick But Fit in 2019. Initially, the community comprised just ten women, united by their shared goals and mutual support. Diana’s efforts paid off, and she successfully lost 90 pounds in 2017, establishing herself as a role model for her community.
The journey of entrepreneurship has been an emotional and personal one for Diana. She describes it as a lonely journey, marked by the challenges of finance, budgeting, and marketing. Yet, the emotional resilience required to build and sustain a business has been one of the most surprising aspects for her. Despite these challenges, Diana finds motivation in the impact she has on her members, particularly women over fifty who see her as an example of perseverance and dedication.
Thick But Fit officially found its brick-and-mortar home in East McKeesport in 2020, a location Diana describes as being at the “worst intersection in the world,” yet strategically positioned near community hubs. The COVID-19 pandemic posed additional challenges, but Diana leveraged the opportunity to enroll in the Community Power to Prosper program, which provided her with clarity in financial planning, business growth strategies, and valuable networking opportunities. Diana also enrolled in the IEE’s Entrepreneurial Fellows Class, the full-year program that delves deeper into the practices to successfully operate a business.
Looking to the future, Diana has ambitious plans for Thick But Fit. She aims to expand into the Braddock area and transform her business into a comprehensive wellness program that caters to diverse needs. Her vision includes outdoor fitness activities and enhancing her digital presence to reach a wider audience. Diana is actively partnering with various organizations to build a supportive community and secure funding for her initiatives.
Diana’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to invest in themselves and their businesses. She emphasizes the importance of the Community Power to Prosper program, which offers essential tools and networking opportunities to support business growth. Her mother’s wisdom, “a closed mouth does not get fed,” resonates deeply with Diana, encouraging her to seek guidance and support continuously.
Diana Byas’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of community, resilience, and the pursuit of holistic health. As Thick But Fit continues to grow, Diana’s commitment to empowering women remains unwavering, paving the way for continued success and impact in the health and wellness industry.
