Today we’d like to introduce you to lea walker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I work in television and have a fast paced career. I was running on empty and started having some serious health issues that forced me to slow down a bit. I ended up having surgery and was bedridden for weeks. Trapped in my bed I realized the surgery had not only stripped me of my physical strength but also my sense of body confidence and power. My scars became a symbol of how my body had failed me. I came to the conclusion that maybe I needed to finally slow down and do something for me, to honor myself and my body.
After I healed, I started taking pole lessons and then branched out to aerial yoga, silks, and hammock. Not only was it great fun, but it restored my sense of ‘self.’ I was running all over town to multiple studios taking various classes and thought…wouldn’t it be nice to just go to one place, to have a home base! It was also really important to me that the studios be welcoming towards all ages and body types as I was no longer in my twenties. Aerial arts helped me become more centered and confident. The realization hit me hard – I wanted to share my new found empowerment with others, could I actually open a studio? I discussed the idea with my husband (convinced he would think I was nuts) and much to my delight he loved the idea, with his help and support Aeriform Arts was born!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s amazing how you think “this will be easy” or I know better than the people before me. But that’s usually never the case. We decided from the beginning it would make sense to start small and work towards growing our clientele base. Our first year we had the typical growing pains but really began to find our groove during the end of our 2nd year.
By the end of the 3rd year, we knew we needed to move to a facility with higher ceilings to expand and allow for our student’s growth but we planned on doing it on our time frame – that was until our building was sold and we needed to find a new location in two weeks. Sometimes things happen for a reason and it’s actually how we ended up in the great location we are at now.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Aeriform Arts – what should we know?
At Aeriform Arts we have classes in Silks, Hammock, Pole, Lyra, Trapeze, Cube, Aerial Yoga, BUTI Yoga, Stretching, Pilates & Aerial Cirque Conditioning. Whether you’re looking for something completely new, a strong workout, deep practice, sensual connection or just want to let go and fly for a bit – we take pride in having a fun yet knowledgeable staff that works hard towards helping all of our clients explore and achieve their maximum potential.
I love the fact that we’re a co-ed studio and that we embrace the circus, strong AND sexy aspects of aerial. We really like to have fun and are well known for our inclusiveness – no cliques allowed. When you come to Aeriform Arts you’re really gaining a family, one that will cheer you on and have your back. Our motto is “No Judgment – One Studio For Everyone & Every”body” we believe aerial arts and circus are for everyone. Our studio is our community – it’s our family.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Owning an aerial studio isn’t easy, but the joy I receive from having it and seeing the joy it brings to the student’s lives makes everything worthwhile.
That being said, Aeriform Arts wouldn’t exist without an incredible amount of trust, love, and support. The constant support of my mother (who always insisted I chase & catch my dreams, no matter how crazy they might be), my co-owner and husband, Allelon Ruggiero (who didn’t even blink and eye when I said I wanted to open a studio, he just said “I’m in – let’s do it”) and our Studio Manager, Colleen Dunleep, who teaches classes, handles the social media and in general keeps me sane. These three people allow me and the studio to do what we do and love doing it everyday.
Pricing:
- Trapeze, Cube, Lyra, Hammock, Pole, Aerial Cirque & Silks: 30.00 per class – Lasts for 1 month from purchase
- Aerial Yoga & Deep Stretch & Flexibility, Pilates for Aerialists, BUTI: 20.00 per class – Lasts for 1 month from purchase
- Kid’s Aerial Cirque: 20.00 per class – Lasts for 1 month from purchase
- AERIFORM 10 PACK: 225.00 GOOD FOR ALL CLASSES *excluding kids cirque – Lasts for 3 months from 1st use
- AERIFORM INTENSIVE 24 PACK: 360.00 GOOD FOR ALL CLASSES *excluding kids cirque – Last for 6 weeks from 1st use
- AERIAL YOGA 10 PACK: 180.00 – Lasts for 3 months from 1st use
- AERIFORM 3 PACK: 75.00 GOOD FOR ALL CLASSES *excluding kids cirque – Lasts for 1 month from purchase
Contact Info:
- Address: Aeriform Arts
1276 N. Van Ness Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 - Website: http://www.aeriformarts.com/
- Phone: 323-466-2374
- Email: aeriformarts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aeriformarts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aeriform-Arts-123088051129420/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aeriform_arts
- Other: Aeriform Arts
