Exploring Life & Business with Mary-Marsha Riley of The Riley Rules

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary-Marsha Riley.

Hi Mary, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I grew up in the small town of Morrilton, Arkansas. I was an athlete and the Valedictorian of my graduating class. I attended the University of Arkansas where I was a member of the Razorback dance team and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

I continued on to law school and received my Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law. My legal career led me to Memphis in 2006, where I met and married my husband David, also an attorney, and I have been a Memphian ever since.

After being crowned Mrs. Tennessee, I decided to step away from the law and pursue a new career as a certified personal trainer and pageant coach. I founded my business, The Riley Rules, in 2011. I offer one and one, small group, and virtual personal training options, and I assist young women from all across the Mid South in all aspects of their pageant preparation.

My husband and I are the parents of one daughter, Savvy Jo. She is 5 years old and the current Little Miss Memphis. Our family has two dogs, Jude and Jeb, and one cat, Jasmine.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Stepping away from an eleven-year legal career was not easy. In many ways being an attorney becomes your identity and releasing yourself from long-standing expectations is difficult. But, I believe the most important thing we can do for ourselves in this life is to walk a path that leads us to happiness, fulfillment, and contentment.

As a mom, I value the opportunity to set my own schedule and have ample time to spend with our five-year-old daughter, Savvy Jo. Creating a successful business from the ground up has been challenging, but ultimately, that challenge has been exciting and empowering, and working with my fitness and pageant clients has been life-altering.

Watching people discover their power and feel good in their own skin is inspiring and gratifying. I feel extremely lucky to do what I do every day.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Riley Rules?
The Riley Rules is a one-stop-shop for all things health, fitness, and pageantry. I offer one on one and small group personal training sessions in a private gym called Infinity Fitness; in the personal homes of my clients; and outdoors at Shelby Farms Park. I also offer virtual fitness programs.

My clients range in age from 8 to 71 years old! It is my mission to make exercise accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and all fitness levels. Exercise is so vital for the well-being of our bodies, but I have found that it is even more important for the health of our minds. There is no better stress reliever than exercise, and helping people become the healthiest version of themselves is wonderful. My clients become my friends. I care for them very much, and they inspire me and hold me accountable every day.

The pageant side of my business has allowed me to mentor so many amazing young women and watch first-hand as they discover their power and passion to create positive change in our world. Helping girls develop important life skills like public speaking, poise, confidence, perseverance, ownership of their communities and a desire to help others, and a healthy competitive spirit is incredibly fulfilling.

Watching them set goals, work hard, and see those dreams come to fruition is simply spectacular. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many young women who give me such hope for our future. I specialize in the interview and public speaking skills, and I have been named one of the Top 10 Personal Trainers in Pageantry in the United States. I have also been recognized as one of the Top 3 Personal Trainers in Memphis by Memphis Health and Fitness magazine.

My pageant clients have won numerous local, state, and national titles, and I am the official personal trainer for the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition; the Miss Memphis and Shelby County Volunteer Pageants; and the Miss, Teen, and Mrs. International Pageants.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
You have to know your “why” in this life. Figuring out what you want your life to look like; what is important to you; how you want to spend your time and who you want to spend it with… these things help you figure out your “why.” Once you know your direction and your passions, it is much easier to get back on track when life throws challenges your way.

Life and the road to success will always be fraught with obstacles and disappointments, but if you have a clear vision for your life, happiness and success will come your way if you form good habits, develop discipline, and spend your time focusing on the good.

Also, I wish I had learned earlier in my life that it is okay to ask for what you want, to say “no,” and that failure is not something to fear, but rather an opportunity for growth and change.

Contact Info:

• Email: marymarsha@hotmail.com
• Instagram: @marymarshariley
• Facebook: Mary-Marsha Riley