Each year SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties recognizes owners and entrepreneurs that have demonstrated unique vision, innovation, and achievement in support of our local economy and small business community.
Congratulations to the six small businesses and nonprofits honored on June 6 at the annual Small Business Achievements Awards event at Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester.
Meet Julie Sebastian, founder and owner.
While private softball instruction is the focus of Julie’s business, she has expanded services to include online fitness classes and mentoring.
Julie Sebastian’s passion for softball was sparked when she started playing at age six. As the starting pitcher for Elizabethtown College from 2008-2012, Julie led the team to playoffs and winning records. After graduation she worked with various tournaments, travel and high school softball programs throughout the region. She also offered private and group softball training as well as fitness instruction. Julie knew that she wanted to pass her passion onto other girls and young women.
Julie grew up in Broomall and with access to a pitching lane in Drexel Hill she began giving private pitching lessons. As word spread, she grew a sizable clientele from Delaware County. So, when she looked for a permanent facility to rent for her business, it was natural to locate in Newtown Square.
Julie Sebastian Softball & Fitness Instruction, LLC opened in the Newtown Square Shopping Center in February 2018. At that time, she took advantage of SCORE’s mentoring program and worked with long-term SCORE volunteer, Frank Millheim. Julie reached out to SCORE for support.
In her own words, “Support is exactly what Frank gave to me. Fortunately, for me, I already had my business started, but it was my first time taking it to the next level by renting out my facility and becoming an LLC. That is scary. But Frank provided me with support and encouragement. That is how he helped me to grow my business. “
Given her initial success as a startup business, Julie was recognized as a SCORE Small Business Achievement Award winner in 2019.
Julie opened the business with the goal of teaching softball to young girls and molding them into professional athletes but over the years it has evolved into so much more. Julie considers herself a mentor, life coach and big sister for those she works with on a regular basis.
The Path to Success
A SCORE member recently met with Julie to understand how her business is doing today as well as how she survived the pandemic. The pandemic presented many challenges as Julie stated, “it was terrifying at first, as all my lessons were in person” but she was able to quickly pivot by moving to virtual lessons and offering special pricing for those who may have been affected financially by the pandemic.
She began to offer fitness classes for all, expanding her client population. A group of women (moms of several of her clients) approached her to see if she would offer them online fitness training and she is still working with them today. Another new opportunity was working with teams. Many coaches approached her to help work with their teams, particularly during tournaments. These sessions continue today. Within weeks of her initial shutdown in 2020, her revenue was back to pre-pandemic levels.
In May 2024, Julie will celebrate 10 years in business.
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business experts, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals.
Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs nationwide.
SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties has been operating since 1985, with 100 dedicated volunteers today who provide confidential mentoring at no charge and offer business seminars, workshops and webinars to benefit the local community.
SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
