Meet Karen Cano | Owner & Wellness Fitness Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Cano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, starting my own business came from this deep feeling that people deserve more than just quick fixes and cookie-cutter plans. I knew what it felt like to struggle, to start over (again and again), and to think that the answer was another diet or more cardio. But what changed my life wasn’t restriction—it was learning how to move with purpose, eat to fuel my body, and shift my mindset.

I started Coached by K because I wanted to be the coach I needed back then—someone who sees the full picture, who encourages progress over perfection, and who helps people feel stronger, not just physically but in every way. This business is rooted in gratitude, grit, and the belief that sustainable habits lead to lasting change. It’s about helping people grow into the healthiest, strongest version of themselves—and then glow because of it.

Starting my own thing wasn’t just about business—it was about building a space where people could feel seen, supported, and empowered to live better, longer.

What should our readers know about your business?
Coached by K was born out of my own transformation—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know what it feels like to feel stuck, frustrated, and exhausted by all the noise around fitness and weight loss. I also know what it feels like to finally realize that what you’re really after isn’t just a number on the scale—it’s confidence, strength, energy, and freedom.

What sets Coached by K apart is that we focus on the long game. It’s not about restriction or extremes—it’s about creating real, sustainable change that lasts. My approach blends mindset, movement, and nutrition in a way that’s approachable and empowering, especially for beginners and those who’ve tried “everything” and still feel lost. I meet you where you are, and together, we build a lifestyle that supports who you want to become.

Was it easy? Definitely not. Building this business has been full of challenges—self-doubt, trial and error, and learning to trust the process. But I kept going because I knew there were people out there who needed to hear a different message. One rooted in encouragement, not shame. One that says: you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep going.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Progress doesn’t come from doing everything at once. It comes from showing up consistently, choosing better over perfect, and giving yourself grace along the way.

What I want the world to know is this: you are capable of changing your life. You’re not too old, too busy, or too far gone. And with the right support, you can build a body—and a life—you’re proud of. That’s what we do at Coached by K. We grow, and then we glow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my bestie was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever I would absolutely hands down take them on the water and I would show them all my amazing spots for outdoor fun in the sun. If it was a week long trip, we would definitely start at my fave bar, the squat bar. That is my gym, both at home and my local gym in town. This is truly the benefit of like minded friendships.

We would definitely be visiting the beach at least a few days, paddle boarding, snorkeling and maybe a trip on the boat. We would eat at my favorite Peruvian restaurant, Brasa in Plantation which is unassuming yet peak quality, Korean all you can eat BBQ at Chow One in Pembroke Pines, the most authentic Thai food at Larb Thai and you absolutely cannot leave without having a sub from Mile High Subs in Hollywood which has been serving the public in the same location since before I was born!

In my opinion, the most fun and interesting places to check out are generally the most hidden, hole in the wall places that no one has heard about, aren’t bustling with huge crowds and still have that homey part of the family feeling.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is dedicated to my parents who have been my foremost examples to follow in all aspects of life, not just as business owners themselves. My parents immigrated to the US in search of a better life for their family and fought everyday against adversity to ensure our futures would be happy, bright and successful.

Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today; they have forged the path for the qualities I strive to embody. Their resilience, grit, and unwavering belief in doing the right thing—especially when it’s hard—have shaped every part of who I am, including how I show up for others through Coached by K.

They taught me what it means to work with purpose, to lead with integrity, and to always lift others as you climb. Watching them build something from nothing gave me the confidence to chase my own dreams and the clarity to know that success isn’t just about what you accomplish—it’s about who you become along the way and how you impact those around you.

So this shoutout is for them—for every sacrifice, every lesson, and every moment of encouragement. I carry their strength with me in everything I do.

Website: https://www.coachedbyk.com

Instagram: @karenpcano

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachedbykmindbodywellness/