Daily Inspiration: Meet Coco Ho

Today we’d like to introduce you to Coco Ho.

Hi Coco, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After I had a near drowning experience when I was younger, my parents quickly realized the importance of swim lessons and enrolled me when I was five years old. My mom doesn’t know how to swim, but she wanted to make sure my sisters and I did and was always motivating me to help me past the traumatic event. My first job in high school was lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons, which I continued all through college and even as a side gig when I moved to Denver. After a few job changes, I realized my passion was teaching swim lessons and aquatics.

It quickly became apparent that there is a lack of swim lesson options available, and the lack of affordability makes it such a privilege to some. It is a heartbreaking statistic to learn that most victims of drowning in the U.S. are people of color. I make my lessons more affordable, accessible, and attainable. I believe that everyone can and deserves to learn to swim, regardless of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

My business name is a play on words with my last name: A Ho Lotta Fun! and launched spring of 2023.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This journey hasn’t been the smoothest. What I found the most challenging was finding a pool. There aren’t many options when it came to renting or leasing, and most local recreation centers don’t allow private lessons even during open swim times. I started teaching in my previous apartment complex’s outdoor pool. The downsides were that the pool temperature was weather dependent and open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

In the months leading up to finding my current complex, the loyalty my current clients have shown has been immense. I am aware there are other swim schools in the area, so seeing the loyalty in my current clients help keeps me motivated to continue teaching and I’m happy they get to see me grow!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Because I know what it’s like drowning, I work very well with swimmers who have experienced the same trauma. I can relate to those experiences, while helping them understand that they can overcome their fear.

Nothing makes me more proud than previous clients stopping me in public to tell me they remember swimming with me, how confident they felt swimming on their trips, or how lessons helped create a positive relationship with the water. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it warms my heart. Everyone I connect with is another person who is able to enjoy the water and what I’m passionate about.

What sets me apart and makes me unique is that most of my clients are people of color. Representation matters and everyone should be given an environment to learn at a pace that respects them.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I get the most support from current clients spreading the word about my work. Currently, booking is made through my website and I can be found on MindBody.

I also provide payment plans for clients who need the financial assistance. I believe that financial hardship shouldn’t be the deciding factor if someone should learn to swim or not. I am in the process of joining forces with Hope Floats, a nonprofit organization that raises money towards scholarships and tuition assistance to those who might not otherwise be able to afford swim lessons. Clients have the option to reach out to Hope Floats and mention a partnering swim school!

Pricing:

• 30 minute lesson = $40
• 45 minute lesson = $60
• 4 pack of 30 minute lessons = $140
• 4 pack of 45 minute lessons = $220

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aholottafun.com/

Image Credits
group photo: Howard- Suamico Pool staff 2014