Tell us about yourself and your business journey:
Unlike many, the pandemic was a transformative time for me. I left my corporate job for two main reasons: the inability to compensate staff fairly and the lack of control over making impactful changes. With my business partner, Jackie, we launched our fitness business just five days into the pandemic. We swiftly adapted to an online model with mobile fitness apps and Zoom sessions, allowing us to thrive in a challenging time. Over the last five years, we’ve grown through three different locations all increasing in size, including our latest in the heart of downtown Clarendon Hills. We will forever be thankful for our supporting surrounding communities that allowed us to grow and thrive during the pandemic.
We built our business with a focus on employee wellbeing, offering 401K plans, health insurance, paid time off, and maternity leave benefits to create career stability in an industry where that’s often missing. Today, we have over 220 clients weekly, including international clients via our mobile app. For community members interested in joining, we offer a free phone consultation to ensure everyone’s journey is personalized.
Tell me about your family:
My husband Jon and I met post college playing coed softball and got engaged on the same field we met on. In 2020, we had an eventful year: I left my corporate job, got married, and we bought a house. After facing fertility struggles, we were blessed with our daughter, Rawling Rae in December 2023. She’s now our world!
What do you love most about your job?
Connecting with clients and supporting my team is what I cherish most. I’ve spent years building a healthcare network that we can refer clients to for any specialized needs beyond fitness. My role returning to the work field postpartum has evolved into COO where I now focus on developing my management team and ensuring that we operate smoothly and remain actively involved in the community. I love planning events based on client interests and supporting local causes.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in the community?
I love Prasino in LaGrange for breakfast, Nabuki in Hinsdale for sushi, and several spots in Clarendon Hills, like Village Gourmet, Il Mio, and Wasabi. Our staff also enjoys supporting local favorites, including Tierra and Open Door. I believe in supporting local businesses and enjoy our community’s diversity of dining options.
How long have you lived and worked in the area?
I’ve worked in the surrounding communities since post college graduation in 2012, covering Willowbrook, Burr Ridge, and LaGrange. (we do not live in town)
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in the community?
Gina Angeletti, the owner of Achieve Physical Therapy, has been an inspiring figure. She’s done incredible work not just for our clients and staff but also serves on the Olympic board, making a positive impact at a national level.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I’d choose Greece for its food, atmosphere, and culture. I’ve seen photos from a client’s recent honeymoon there, and it looks amazing!
What’s one of your favorite movies or TV shows?
With Halloween around the corner, Hocus Pocus is a favorite. Another is A League of Their Own, which resonates with me as a former college softball player.
What advice would you give people?
My main advice is not to feel you need to be in peak shape before starting a fitness journey with us—we tailor our approach to your needs. For fellow business owners, my motto is: communicate fast, execute fast, and fail fast from mistakes. This approach helped me leave the corporate world and focus on creating impact quickly.
What’s on your bucket list?
I recently turned 35 and want to focus on public speaking to share my story and encourage others to pursue their dreams.
What’s your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I’m a big fan of country music, and I love Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty.
What local business makes you nostalgic?
Curated by Amy Scott is a favorite. Her store offers unique items and experiences, like team workshops for making your own plates or bowls. It brings out my creative side, which I don’t often get to explore.
If you could have lunch with anyone alive today, who would it be and where?
I’d love to have lunch with Codie Sanchez, a small business advocate, at Fuller House. I think it’d be a fun and inspiring experience!
What’s something unique about our community?
In our previous location, we called ourselves “Wellness Row,” where several wellness-focused businesses collaborated instead of competing. It’s inspiring to work in a community that values support and cooperation.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to expand with two or three more locations and to inspire and guide other teams. I’d love to speak publicly about our journey and motivate others to pursue their own dreams.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a huge fan of pumpkins! I attend the Morton Arboretum’s glass-blowing pumpkin show each year and have a collection of glass pumpkins in my house for every season.
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve been?
I’d say the Derby House in Frankfort, where my husband and I got married. It overlooks the water, combining our love of nature and the outdoors.
Favorite month, holiday, and the best single day on your calendar?
October is my favorite month since it’s my birthday. My favorite holiday is the 4th of July, as it’s a time for family gatherings on the water. And now, my favorite day is my daughter’s birthday, December 29th.
What would you rate 10 out of 10 in your life?
Having a strong connection with my business partner Jackie and my husband is invaluable. Our close-knit families make both life and business a joy.
Who inspires you to be better?
My business partner, Jackie, and my daughter inspire me to be better every day. I want to be a positive influence for my daughter and show her that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.
What are one or two of your favorite smells?
Coconut, almond, and pumpkin are some of my favorites!
What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of “home”?
Security, love, and energy.
