Dear 2018 Me – Lessons from the Studio C Journey

If I could talk to the younger version of myself - standing in that very first Studio C location, paint still drying on the walls, heart pounding with possibility - I’d have a few things to say.

When I opened Studio C in May 2018, I had zero experience owning a business. What I did have was a deep love for movement and a vision: to create a space where people could find affordable, fun, judgment-free fitness that actually felt good.

And we did that.

We built a strong member base, helped people fall in love with movement, and created something truly different. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Three locations. A pandemic. Profits only a few of those years (mostly eaten up by remodeling each new space). And the emotional rollercoaster of raising prices when you started out just trying to make fitness accessible.

In August 2019, J’r joined the team as an instructor. His energy was magnetic, and it lit up the studio—he helped boost membership and lifted the vibe of the entire space. Our passion for movement, community, and inclusion aligned effortlessly. In January 2020, we made it official: J’r became a co-owner and partner in the Studio C vision.

We had just decided to move into a bigger space to meet the growing demand when March 2020 hit. Yep, that March.

So much changed so fast—but we kept moving. Kept adapting. Kept showing up for our people. And now, years later, Studio C is still standing (and dancing, flowing, lifting, and laughing). Here's what I'd say to that wide-eyed version of me back in 2018:

1. Build a Brand Before You Build a Schedule.

Classes are great, but your brand - your voice, your vibe, your tribe. That’s what makes people stay. Define who you are loud and clear from the start. This is more than fitness. This is family.

2. Don’t Wear All the Hats Forever.

You don’t have to do it all. Set up the systems early - software, scheduling, marketing support. Your energy should go into leadership, not burnout.

3. Remodel With Caution. Relocate With Purpose.

Three moves later, the dream space is finally home, but the journey was expensive. Always ask: Is this move mission-aligned or just emotionally driven?

4. Profit Isn’t a Dirty Word.

This one hits deep. We started with low prices to make fitness affordable, and it worked. But as costs rose, raising rates felt personal. You can be mission-driven and financially sustainable. You have to be, if you want this to last. Profit fuels impact.

5. Keep Your Members Close and Your Retention Tighter.

Don’t wait for people to walk away - reach out, celebrate wins, follow up fast. The magic is in the personal touch.

6. Delegate to Elevate.

You are a founder. A visionary. Don’t drown in the day-to-day. Let others rise beside you. Empower your team. Protect your energy.

7. Let the Community Shine.

The real heartbeat of Studio C is the people. The laughter, the first-timer nerves, the breakthroughs. That’s what fuels it all. Spotlight them, celebrate them, and build everything around that connection.

8. Trust the Rollercoaster. Stay in the Ride.

There will be dips. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re growing. Reach out. Ask for help. Keep showing up.

Studio C Fitness was never just about workouts. It’s always been about movement that matters. And even if the younger me didn’t see the full picture then, she was brave enough to take the first step. That step led to something beautiful.

To anyone out there with a dream and no roadmap - start anyway. Let your passion be the spark, but don’t be afraid to grow into the business owner you need to be. Ask for help. Charge your worth. Build your team. And never forget why you started.

💜 We’re still here. Still sweating. Still showing up. And we’re just getting started.