Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Mearsch.
Michelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been a registered dietitian for almost 20 years. I work with dialysis patients many of whom are trying to lose weight in order to receive a kidney transplant. I’ve struggled with getting my patients into a fitness program because most readily available options like “big box” gyms, fitness boutiques & boot camps cater to “normal” sized bodies where someone with a larger body would not feel comfortable; or would feel pressured to keep up with the others and might injure themselves. My fitness studio is a safe space where bodies of any size can take group exercise classes without fear of ridicule or outside pressure to keep up with the class. Our instructors make any necessary modifications for larger bodies and are understanding if someone needs a break or just wants to observe for a few minutes.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes & no. The business side of opening the studio was relatively smooth (business license, construction permit, lease agreement, etc.). However, since opening on June 1st of this year, financially it’s been rough. I had to cancel classes due to low attendance and I had to reduce the hourly rate of the instructors I could still afford to keep on the schedule. I’m not making anywhere close to my break even point. Hopefully 2020 will bring more people to my studio (fingers crossed!).
Please tell us about Curvy Love Fit Hub.
We offer group exercise classes similar to what you’d find at the “big box” gyms. We have Zumba, Strong30 by Zumba, World of Dance U-Jam, WERQ dance fitness and yoga classes. I’m most proud of how my instructors engage with our members after classes. They don’t just grab their stuff and run out the door. They stay after and talk to the members not only about the class they just took but about their lives.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Going to Knott’s Merry Farm with my mom every year. It smelled like cinnamon everywhere you walked. We’d eat, shop and take a picture with the most authentic looking Santa I’ve ever seen.
Pricing:
- $10 per class
- $49 for 1-month unlimited classes
- $139 for 3-months unlimited classes
- $50 per hour room rental
Contact Info:
- Address: 482 El Camino Real Dr
Tustin CA 92780 - Website: Curvylovefithub.com
- Phone: 714-595-9875
- Email: Curvylovefithub@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Curvylovefit
- Facebook: Curvy Love Fit Hub FB page
Image Credit:
I’m on the right. Jessica Rihal (yoga instructor extraordinarre) on the left.
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