Mar Keller (he/him)

Aasbc small business consultanT

Owner, gen q consulting + q grit fitness

Hey! First off, I’d like to say I’m proud of you for being here, whether you take action towards achieving your dreams or not. Consideration is the first step, and admitting you need some help definitely takes guts! My diverse career path and unique life experiences have brought me exactly to this spot today, to help you embark on a journey of your own.

Here’s my story:

I’m a virgo, and have always had a knack for organization and planning, and an impeccable sense of urgency in getting things done. Constructive criticism and lending a hand are my love languages, so it’s pretty clear that helping you get your feet on the ground is my calling.

I started out as a pastry chef after earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Baking & Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales university in 2012. I spent quite a few years wearing different hats in various restaurants, starting in pastry, then becoming an oyster shucker, bartender, and certified sommelier. I eventually worked my way up and took on a couple roles as a restaurant manager as well, most notably at Bobby Flay’s Gato in Manhattan. Between restaurant jobs, I worked as a substitute teacher in public high schools, where I realized my ability and fondness of teaching and helping others.

After beginning my gender-affirming transition, my ambitions and passions shifted from hospitality and management towards the “teacher” role and helping my community, which is how my first business, Q GRIT Fitness, was born. Combining my love of fitness with the intention of bringing visibility to queer and trans bodies in the fitness world made the transition out of hospitality a no-brainer. Setting my own schedule, not having a boss to answer to, AND serving my community? YES, PLEASE!

Three years later and (semi)post-pandemic, I realize that financial and career insecurity - particularly amongst queer and trans communities - is at an all-time high. With my experience in management roles and starting up my own small business, I decided to take my next career leap, becoming a Certified Small Business Consultant with the AASBC to help other queer small business owners hit the ground running and overcome some of the speedbumps that come with running a business.

My mission is to empower queer and trans entrepreneurs by teaching them financial, business, and operational skills that will allow them to realize their own potential in starting, running, and/or expanding the business of their dreams. Why work for a boss who doesn’t respect your time - or the worst of cases - your identity?

Be your own boss. Make your own schedule. Do what you LOVE. Let me help you get there.