Sector Side Hustlers – Lisa Buchanan

In January’s blog What do you do? Side Hustles and the Meandering Career Path, Jody Nelson writes about the prevalence of “side hustles” in the Community Impact Sector, the equity considerations for employers, and how these “gigs” can contribute to our wholeness, creativity, and autonomy. We were curious about Nova Scotia’s “Sector Side Hustlers”, this series of stories highlights just some of the creativity, innovation, and skills that make up our sector.

Lisa Buchanan (she/her)

ASSISTANT BOXING COACH – queer boxing program

For Lisa Buchanan, her side hustle combines her gift for fostering connections and creating safe spaces in the queer community with a sport she loves. As the Experience Design Coordinator with United Way Halifax, Lisa’s work facilitating gatherings lends well to her side hustle – assistant coach of the Queer Boxing program at Queensberry Rules Boxing Studio. Lisa spends time after work coaching the fundamentals of boxing, running drills, keeping everyone encouraged and pumped up with her playlists, and even dancing between rounds! Helping build programs for boxers of all experience levels, she strives to design fun, engaging classes that everyone can enjoy and learn from. This side hustle allows Lisa to connect to her community, provide a dedicated queer space for people to learn a new skill, and grow as a coach, facilitator, and boxer alike.

“I was missing that regular connection to the queer community, and figured this would be a great way to connect to folks in the queer community while introducing them to an activity that I love in a space that ensures everyone can be themselves.” 

Lisa Buchanan (she/her)

As part of her writing process, Jody wanted to learn more about the variety of creative work and talent within the sector. We had the opportunity to connect with Lisa Buchanan to learn more about the inspirations and aspirations behind her side hustle. Here’s what Lisa had to say:

Q 1. What prompted you to start? 

I’d always thought being a coach would be fun but even after four years of boxing, I wasn’t sure I was experienced enough to teach others. One day last spring, Gwen (who has been a member at the gym about as long as I have) asked if I would be interested in joining her as the assistant coach of the Queer Boxing program. Working with another coach who has similar experience to mine gave me enough confidence to give it a shot. 

I was involved in queer activism and community-building as a volunteer for many years but stepped back from that work a couple of years ago. I was missing that regular connection to the queer community beyond my friend group, and figured this would be a great way to connect to folks in the queer community while introducing them to an activity that I love in a space that ensures everyone can be themselves. Not all sports and fitness activities provide safe spaces for queer and trans people, so I’m really pleased to be part of a gym that recognizes that and strives to be inclusive.

Q 2. How does your side hustle impact your work and career?

Any impact coaching has on my work and career is all positive. A big part of my day job is hosting gatherings. Coaching a boxing class is another way for me to practice my skills as a host. It’s particularly good for practicing adaptability and going with the flow. I love an agenda with clear time estimates, but in a boxing class, things don’t always go as planned. I have to be always paying attention to how the group is feeling so I can make adjustments to the plan. Striking that balance between plan and flow is something I’m always working on in my day job, so it’s been really beneficial to get more practice in a different context.

Q 3. Why do you do it?

Lots of reasons! The number one reason is it’s a heck of a lot of fun. Along with teaching the fundamentals of the sport, our goal with the Queer Boxing program is to make sure everyone has fun.

I also coach boxing because I want to build community by providing a dedicated queer space and by welcoming the queer

community into the boxing community at Q Rules. Many program participants go on to join the gym as members and attend other classes. I want to show folks that boxing is a great workout for both your physical and mental health (hitting stuff isvery therapeutic!) even if you have no intention of ever sparring. And, I want to create a welcoming fitness space for queer folks, some of whom may have had negative experiences in an athletic context. 

On a personal level, fitness coaching is new to me, so this has been skill-building in ways that benefit me personally and professionally. It also draws on my existing skills as a host, facilitator, and an engaging speaker (I do like an audience!). Group fitness is a great way to form social connections, keep my body moving, and practice my comedy in front of a small but captive audience. 

Curious to meet more of Nova Scotia’s Sector Side Hustlers? Stay tuned for the upcoming stories!