A former competing athlete, a former British Army Captain who served in war zones and now a successful business owner, Jessica Hinton is pretty damn special. She founded Singapore Trampoline Academy and Ministry of Fitness here on the island, and she has the most unique background and experience, packed with inspiration and feelings of strong female empowerment (yes!). That’s why I want to share her story:
Jessica, talk me through your early days of an athletic background / trampoline experience?
I have coached trampoline for 19 years and have had a passion for all things sport from a young age, both coaching and competing myself. I actually started out coaching simply in order to pay for my training costs – I made sure I was self-sustainable and not a financial burden on my parents. I have always had a headstrong mindset like that. I fully transitioned from partaking athlete to coach at the age of 22 after my final Age group National Championships.
Did you always plan on becoming a gym owner?
Actually, no! I originally trained as an Architectural technician and did a 5 year part-time apprenticeship with a degree, which meant I could save money and not have the burden of a student loan as the company paid for all my university study. I bought my first property when I was 22 years old while still at university, working part time in an architectural practice.
Wow, so you have an architectural qualification too!
Yes I do, but I also have many more qualifications since then – I have gained my sporting qualifications over the years and I am a qualified personal trainer, bootcamp instructor, self-defence instructor, football coach and rebound therapy instructor.
With regards to your two companies here in Singapore – when did you set these up?
I have been in Singapore since 2016, starting out as the head coach of a trampoline club before setting up the Singapore Trampoline Academy in 2018, and then the Ministry of Fitness in March 2019.
How did you transition from your army-serving days, to where you are now?
I am a Former British Army Captain, having served in Afghanistan in 2012 commanding an Artillery Gun position. After an arduous army career which saw me lead men and women in combat, I retired from the army and then took on security training roles in the Middle East. I trained the first batch of female security officers in Saudi Arabia in 2015 which was a cultural game-changer, having gained permission to do this from the King himself. When I reached 30 years old, I decided I wanted to move away from the security sector and focus my attention in sport, given that was where my passion and skills were prior to my army life.
I landed in Singapore by chance, given an opportunity by a business woman who wanted to pursue excellence in trampoline and she has fully supported my career goals ever since. Weirdly, as a kid and the captain of pretty much every sports team at school, I wanted to be a PE teacher! I’d say my current career is not too far from the original dreams..
What kind of obstacles have you met along the way to reach where you are today?
Back in my army days, I have been undermined by male counterparts in a military setting which saw me have to uphold my values and stand strong. My ‘bold and brash’ attributes held me true, and ultimately proved my competency in the end – but I will be honest it’s a tough persona to keep up.
I do try to look at obstacles as learning experiences, and the first year of owning my own business has certainly filled a text book. I have been labelled as a ‘get s**t done’ type of girl and I have come against issues here in Singapore that goes against my vibe, which has been testing.
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Were your friends / family supportive of your career choices?
My family has seen a small time girl from the Isle if Wight, U.K, join the army and travel the world, then settle in Singapore. My mum has always admired my drive and determination to break from the normal and I know they are incredibly proud of the journey I have taken. I might add, my parents are extremely happy to visit Singapore every F1!
What’s your favourite part / worst part of your job?
My job is currently so many different things, it’s hard to say. I wear so many hats. As a business in its first year with limited funds, I have found myself to be the general operations manager, head coach, course administrator, marketing and design support, social media manager, cleaner…the list is endless! It certainly keeps me busy.
My favourite aspect is the coaching, and the genuine difference I can make in coaching children to break free from their comfort zones and enjoying the accomplishment of learning new skills. I have a 10 year old who, if nurtured, is World Age standard – sometimes I get absorbed in how fantastic her poise and control in the air is, and realise I have stopped coaching and am smiling in awe of her ability. This girl, in a video interview, when asked to describe coach Jess said “she never fails to inspire me”. That’s the moment when you know you have nailed the coach athlete relationship and it definitely drew a few tears in me. The bad things for me? The accounting and cash-flow…
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What is your best life lesson you’ve learnt on your journey?
Be honest and transparent. In the army you are reported on by your senior officers and I was once described to have a moral compass set to North – being honest and loyal. This is something that I have followed into my coaching style and the way in which I deal with parents, customers and business in general. We have had many challenges, especially in dealing with Covid-19 and the transparency of being prepared to ‘inform’ and tell the truth, which was received with much appreciation and admiration.
The current pandemic crisis also saw me prepared to ‘give up’, but then I turned that into a positive. I went about creating a forum for gym owners and managers in Singapore and shared with them ‘what happened, how we dealt with it, what we would do differently and what to expect.’ There are over 100 people uniting to share information and help each other. Remembering that you are not alone and many others can benefit from the misfortune turned the negative and breaking point into a focus point.
Have you ever had any doubts or considered giving up?
Right now I am in survival mode. It is hard to not bring work home, even harder is the fact that my partner is also the bootcamps manager. It is testing, but we have managed to stay healthy and happy with each other – if we can make this business work together then our relationship can survive anything.
Do you ever struggle to get through the working week, if so how do you power on?
Sport gives me focus and I play hockey to alleviate stress and a fun way to socialise with my teammates. My work can be busy at weekends as coaching children is an out of school schedule, but I always give myself 1 day off and try to do something active or for ‘me’ in that time. Even if that is just an amazing lie in.
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How do you juggle work life and home life – any tips on ensuring both are a positive space?
I’d say routine is vital, especially in difficult times, such as the current circuit breaker. Have time for work, time for yourself to relax and don’t let the line blend. Make your bed, do daily exercise etc – a healthy fitness routine helps strengthen mental health.
If you could go back to your 18 year old self and give one piece of life advice, what would it be and why?
18 years ago I was struggling with eating disorders and it was a method of control when all else seemed uncontrollable. If I had one piece of advice for my younger self I would say:
Life is too short to punish yourself for the things you cannot control. You only have one opportunity at life, don’t make the pages dull. Your actions speak louder than words, lead by example because your struggle may be someone else’s inspiration.
I have lost friends far too young, I have seen tragedy in a conflict zone and it makes you feel more alive than you could imagine – do not take life for granted.
What does the next 5 years look like for you?
The next 5 years, if we get through the current Covid-19 climate, will hopefully see our business branch out to satellite locations, in both Trampoline and Bootcamps. An athlete representing their home nation at World Level competition is not a completely unrealistic goal and something I am going to continue to pursue to gain recognition on an international stage. Most of my athletes are currently expats and having just hired a Singaporean coach, I would love to help her facilitate coaching athletes who could compete for Singapore in World Age games after all teamwork makes the job much easier.
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Check out Jessica’s two businesses below:
Ministry Of Fitness SG
The Ministry of Fitness brings to you a multifaceted training facility. The home of the Singapore Trampoline Academy, Bootcamps with a Military Influence, Fitness Suite and Studio. Prepare yourself to enhance your training or be battle ready for National Service. They will have the class to enhance your training or put you out of your comfort zone and make a better YOU!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryofFitnessSingapore/
Singapore Trampoline Academy
Training facility dedicated to the growth and development of competitive trampolining in Singapore. Developed by qualified and experienced international coaches, the facility offers trampoline programs for beginners as well as athletes who aspire to compete at an international level. Strength and conditioning training is also provided by the coaches, which compliments the development of trampoline athletes.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/singaporetrampolineacademy/
