Please provide a brief description of your business.
BodyROK is a Pilates inspired, 40-min, full body, strength training boutique studio, offering group classes on the custom BODYROK reformer. We are located in the heart of downtown Petaluma, right off of Petaluma Blvd. and B Street.
How did you get interested in your line of business?
I have been a group fitness junkie since my very first Tae Bo class I took in 10th grade, and throughout my life it’s been a pipe dream to open up my own studio. I love the group fitness environment and being motivated by an instructor, other members energy, and loud music! When I lived in San Francisco, I found BodyROK and fell madly in love- I find it to be the perfect workout. It’s intense, effective, and low impact, and I’ve never seen or felt results on my body quite like it.
How long have you owned your business?
Since June 2017
How did you get your business started?
I was working for Athleta at the time, but missing my baby so much having an inflexible work schedule. I started making a business plan (for fun), but when I found out our HQ was moving to SF, I took it as a sign from the universe that it was time to take the plunge!
What do you find the most rewarding about your business?
So much…! The thing I never expected was the amazing community that we would create around the studio, and the high you get when you participate in improving someone’s life! We have had so many success stories, and I’ve seen confidence levels, and strength just skyrocket in the studio. It’s pretty magical.
What is the best thing/worst thing that has happened to you since starting your business?
Best thing: Somehow the word traveled fast when we opened so I feel like the first year was not as stressful and scary as a lot of businesses experience. We feel very lucky about that! Worst thing: I had a very public miscarriage last Fall just about 6 months after we opened which set me back emotionally for a while. I lost my motivation to teach for a couple of months, (and at the time was the main instructor) Luckily, we have a fantastic team of employees that stepped up, and wonderful members who helped me so much through that time and I was able to find my passion and footing again.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
Well if I could REALLY have my dream studio it would have child care included, a smoothie bar, and a yoga studio, ha! So really just minor, super inexpensive, and simple additions, right?
What do you like best about working in Petaluma?
When I first opened up BodyROK, the SF team urged me to open the studio in Marin. I was so adamant about keeping the studio in Petaluma because I live here, and this is my community- these are my people! I am so grateful I stuck to my guns, because the thing that makes Petaluma so special and dear to my heart IS the people. Without this community, this job would not be nearly as awesome. I have felt so embraced since we opened and gotten the chance to meet such an even bigger part of this wonderful community. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What might someone be surprised to know about you and your business?
On a personal note- one fun surprise currently is that I am expecting TWIN babies! Most of our members know, but it’s still fun to see the look on their faces when I say it. Business related- I wonder if people would be surprised at the amount of time my husband and I spend talking about BodyROK at home… we both teach there, and love it so we spend a lot of time strategize together, talking about cool new routines, playlists, promotions… we can’t seem to get enough. How’s that for pillow talk… J
What do you do when you are not working?
If I am not working I am “momming” my little girl Ella (which is my harder job for sure). If I truly have “me time”, I love to hike, travel, eat and drink delicious things, and spend time with friends.
