Meet Mina Shenouda of MinaISwim LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mina Shenouda.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began as a lifeguard and swim instructor with the City of Santa Monica, thanks to a close friend, George Zikry, who helped me land the opportunity. I worked there for several years, developing both my technical skills and my passion for teaching.

Everything changed when I met Rob Lemonde—my mentor and one of the most influential figures in my career. Rob didn’t just teach me how to coach; he showed me how to truly connect with clients, work effectively with young children, and run a business with integrity and intention.

Later on, I was fortunate to meet a doctor and his wife who became early clients. Their support helped take my small side business and turn it into a full-time career. From there, things took off. My strong work ethic and commitment to quality led to steady referrals. Word of mouth spread quickly, and soon I was working throughout the Westside and the Palisades.

But success didn’t come without setbacks. A devastating wildfire wiped out a large portion of the community I served—resulting in the loss of nearly 60% of my clientele overnight. It was a major blow, but I leaned into what I knew: consistency, connection, and communication. Through social media outreach and strategic marketing, I was able to rebuild and grow again.

Today, I coach six months out of the year. During the other six months, I travel with my wife, exploring new countries and cultures—something that keeps me grounded and inspired.

What makes my program different is the tailored approach. Every client is treated individually, with a program designed around their specific goals, personality, and learning style. It’s not an easy program—and that’s intentional. I maintain a high rejection rate to ensure I’m working only with clients who are truly committed, consistent, and ready for long-term success.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As mentioned earlier, when the Palisades fire broke out, I lost nearly 60% of my business. It was a devastating moment, both emotionally and financially. But with the right loan, a resilient mindset, and unwavering dedication, I was able to rebuild. I focused on securing new clients to replace the lost revenue and restructured my operations to remain lean and efficient during the recovery period.

What helped most was believing that things would eventually be okay. Maintaining the right mindset and staying focused on long-term goals kept me grounded. I adjusted my budget to prioritize business survival and stayed disciplined through the toughest moments. I simply kept going—day by day—until the momentum returned.

As you know, we’re big fans of MinaISwim LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a swim coach who specializes in survival swimming, with a focus on children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old. My goal is simple but critical: to make young children water-safe as quickly and effectively as possible.

Once a child is approved to join my program, it typically takes six to eight sessions for them to become water-safe. After that, I recommend weekly maintenance sessions to reinforce their skills and build long-term confidence in the water.

Many of my clients refer to me as a lifesaver—not just because of the techniques I teach, but because I offer peace of mind. Knowing their child could save themselves if they ever fell into a pool or body of water brings parents a level of comfort that’s hard to put into words.

My method is not traditional. It blends survival skills with the fundamentals of swimming to create a strong foundation for confident, capable swimmers. It’s not about play—it’s about preparation and long-term skill building.

Every client must first go through a phone consultation and assessment. This ensures the program is the right fit for the child and that the family is aligned with the commitment required. My focus is on quality over quantity—I only accept those who are ready for real results.

How do you define success?
To me, success is the ongoing pursuit of the next level and the constant refinement of your path. It’s about discovering your purpose—and staying committed to it. Success means showing persistence and holding onto hope, even when every road seems like a dead end.

More than anything, I believe success is about impact. It’s helping others do better, live safer, and reach their potential. That’s what I’m most proud of. I’m proud that I get to help infants and parents overcome fear, break through barriers, and achieve something they never thought possible. That’s real success to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: MinaIswim