The Humble Beginning in Newport Beach
When I opened my first studio in Newport Beach, I didn’t have a master plan to take the world by storm. What I had was a vision, a bit of grit, and a belief that if we focused on quality, community, and consistency, we could build something special. That first studio wasn’t flashy. It didn’t have state-of-the-art equipment or a huge budget behind it. What it did have was heart. I still remember those early days meeting clients face-to-face, cleaning the floors myself, and making sure every class delivered real value.
Newport Beach wasn’t just the birthplace of the studio; it was a testing ground. We figured out what worked and, maybe more importantly, what didn’t. We built strong relationships and listened closely to our members. That feedback shaped how we ran things then and how we continue to operate today.
Learning to Scale Without Losing Soul
As we opened our second and third studios, I realized quickly that growth isn’t just about replication. You can’t just copy and paste a successful studio into a new city and expect the same result. Each community is different. What worked in Newport Beach didn’t automatically work in Miami or London. We had to learn how to keep our core values strong while adapting to local needs.
This was one of the most important lessons in our growth. Scaling requires structure, sure—but it also requires flexibility. We built playbooks and systems to maintain our brand standards, but we also left space for studio leaders to shape their offerings in ways that resonated locally. That balance between consistency and adaptability became our secret weapon.
The People Make the Place
I can’t talk about our success without talking about the people. From instructors to front desk staff to franchise partners, every individual played a part in our journey. Early on, I learned that if you hire people who believe in the mission and treat them well, they’ll bring that energy into the studio. Culture can’t be faked. It has to be lived, every day, by everyone.
One of the best decisions we made was to invest in training not just technical skills, but leadership and communication. We wanted our team to feel confident, supported, and empowered. That’s what created the kind of environment where clients felt welcome and motivated. It’s also what helped us retain great people, which is essential when you’re growing fast.
Growing Globally While Staying Grounded
When we reached the milestone of 50 studios, something shifted. We were no longer just a U.S.-based brand. Interest was coming in from Europe, Asia, the Middle East. It was exciting but also daunting. Global expansion adds a whole new layer of complexity. Regulations, languages, cultural expectations all vary dramatically. And yet, our mission remained the same: create a space where people can move, connect, and thrive.
Expanding globally forced us to level up. We brought in advisors with international experience. We invested in better tech infrastructure. We translated training materials into multiple languages and tailored marketing strategies to fit local audiences. But no matter how far we expanded, we never lost sight of our roots in Newport Beach. That small, sunlit studio by the water still guides every decision we make.
What I’d Tell My Younger Self
If I could go back and talk to the version of myself sweeping floors in Newport Beach, I’d say a few things. First, trust the process. Growth won’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Each challenge teaches you something. Second, ask for help sooner. You don’t need to know everything—surround yourself with smart, passionate people and let them shine. Third, stay true to the mission. Trends will come and go, but authenticity lasts.
I’d also tell myself not to be afraid to take risks. Some of our biggest leaps, the first franchise, the first international location felt terrifying at the time. But they were necessary. Growth always involves a little discomfort. It’s how you know you’re stretching.
Beyond the Studio Walls
Today, we have more than 80 studio locations around the world. It’s a number that still feels surreal sometimes. But the goal has never been about the number. It’s been about the people, the members who show up and challenge themselves, the instructors who inspire, the staff who make each studio feel like home.
Looking ahead, I’m not focused on being the biggest. I’m focused on being the best at serving our community, innovating within the wellness space, and staying rooted in the values that brought us here. We’re exploring new formats, new technologies, and new ways to connect with people, both inside and outside the studio.
From One Studio to the World
Building a studio from the ground up isn’t easy. There are long days, tough calls, and plenty of mistakes. But if you lead with purpose, stay humble, and keep learning, it’s absolutely worth it. I’m grateful every day for the journey from Newport Beach to cities across the globe and for everyone who’s come along for the ride.
Whether you’re thinking about starting your own business or are already deep in the trenches, I hope my story reminds you that great things grow from small beginnings. All it takes is a vision, a community, and the willingness to keep showing up.