Norka Fitness and Nutrition

Ashley Marchette, owner and founder of Norka Fitness and Nutrition, is just as energetic as the many classes she offers at her new Shaker location (16828 Chagrin Blvd). When we sat down with her to ask questions about Norka, her outgoing personality immediately drew us in and inspired us to sign up for a class, like Circl Mobility.

Working as a personal trainer for 16 years inspires Ashley to help people train their mind, change their body, and strengthen their spirit: “I have a vision of healing people in a holistic manner, and this has inspired me to find a place to help people,” she emphasizes. Being a personal trainer is tough, as you’re not only working with different people who want to change their bodies, but also teaching them to change mentally as well. Not only does Ashley undertake this tough role, but she is also a certified nutritionist, a certified group fitness instructor in Zumba and Circl Mobility, types of exercises focusing on breathwork, mobility, and flexibility as well as a holistic guided meditation coach. Whew!

Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Ashley founded Norka with love for her hometown in mind, as Norka is Akron spelled backwards. What Norka also describes, according to Urban Dictionary, is an exotic, mysterious, or unforgettable female. It also can be defined as a center that provides healing through holistic wellness and nutritional methods. As a veteran in the Army National Guard and having been in the health and wellness field for over 15 years, Ashley wanted to find a place to show others the same passions she found - both professionally and recreationally.

Looking for the perfect location to provide others with the healing she believes in is just as important as the services Norka provides. When choosing the City of Shaker Heights, Ashley notes the location “provided the best mix between residential and business with great foot traffic.” She found the location through her boss, owner of Burgers2Beer in Twinsburg, where she is also a resident.

Being a small business owner is no easy feat, let alone being a first-time small business owner. Ashley is optimistic amid the chaos of only having opened in December: “The reward of owning a small business is knowing I’m the first generation to do this in my family. It’s literally achieving a dream that I’ve had since 2011 when I manifested Norka. This business is for my son to give to future generations.” And her son, Rosario, already has his foot in the door, too. Walking into Ashley’s office, there’s a small desk, perfectly suitable for a 3-year-old and future business owner. Generational wealth and succession planning, in this intentional way and so early on, is crucial for small businesses to survive through several generations.

Ashley is aware of the challenges of owning a small business, which speaks volumes to the hard work put in from day one. “Traffic, getting people in the door, marketing, starting from square one and being in a city that doesn’t know me are some challenges I’m facing.” Making prospective customers aware of your brand and familiar with your services can always be tough when opening your doors for the first time, but here in Shaker, we know our community will step up and support our businesses.

Ashley’s energetic and extroverted personality is totally in line with the advice she would give to someone wanting to start their own small business: “Be stubborn and don’t give up. Keep the faith.” As she writes down reminders for herself to keep the business going, she concludes every one of her sentences with a big smile, whether or not the thought called for it. She’s a fighter and she’s going to do great things, if she hasn’t already, and we’re sure of it.

Norka Fitness and Nutrition is your one-stop shop for mind, body, and spirit, providing holistic and natural methods of healing through fitness, nutrition, and more. Check out norkafit.com for the class schedule, to book appointments, and more!