Conversations with Jay Armada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Armada.

Jay , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Man my story has had twists, turns, and plot twists no one saw coming—but it’s made me who I am.

I opened my very first fitness studio back in March 2015. After losing 93 lbs in a year, I was on a mission to help other women feel strong, seen, and empowered. A few years in, rent shot up and I had to move—while pregnant with my second son, mind you—to a new location. I kept both location open for my members- while I set up the other. That second studio was special. It felt like home.

Then March 2020 hit. COVID shut us down, and I had to pivot fast—online workouts, virtual classes, doing whatever I could to keep my community going. And then in May 2020, just when I thought we might get through it… a fire took the entire studio. I lost everything. I was depressed and honestly questioned myself if I still wanted to do it. During that time—- I got a couple of certifications so I can do something else. Then I realized, this was my purpose. I might’ve lost a building, but I never lost my why. My community needed me, and I wasn’t going to let them down.

So I started over. Again. I reopened Beastin Beauties Fit Studio at the end of 2021. No investors, no backup plan just me, my ENTIRE savings, and a whole lotta faith. It hasn’t been easy, especially with the economy and all the challenges small biz owners are facing right now. But I’m still here. We’re still here. And we’re building something beautiful—together.

And honestly, I couldn’t have done any of it without my community. These women see the vision even when I’m tired and doubting myself. They step up, support, volunteer, show up to class, spread the word—and they do it with zero hesitation. Their love and loyalty remind me why I started in the first place.

My studio is more than a place to sweat. It’s where women come to heal, grow, and remember who the hell they are. Through every struggle, I’ve stayed grounded in my purpose: to show other women that even in the hardest seasons, you can still rise—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Alright, 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?
Absolutely not a smooth road—but honestly, I don’t think I’d be who I am today if it was.

From navigating rent hikes while pregnant to losing my studio in a fire during the pandemic, I’ve faced challenge after challenge. I had to move out of my first studio, then open my second one while pregnant with my son—and just when things felt like they were finally flowing, COVID hit. I had to shut down in March 2020 and pivot fast to online classes just to stay connected to my community. Then in May, a fire destroyed my studio. I was devastated.

Starting over again in 2021 was scary. I used up all my savings to rebuild and relaunch. And let’s be real—opening a business in this economy? Not easy. I’ve dealt with financial stress, burnout, self-doubt, and everything in between. It’s still not easy- I’ve pivoted a lot just to make it. I even have doubts sometimes.

But the hardest part has honestly been holding it all together as a mom, a business owner, and a human just trying to stay afloat. There have been moments I wanted to give up. Moments I cried in silence after teaching a class. Moments where I questioned everything.

But I’ve learned that strength doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means showing up anyway. And my community? They’ve carried me through the hardest days. That love and support is what keeps me going.

There have been days where I don’t even want to show up for me, but I come to the studio and for that one hour—- I feel so much better.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the owner of Beastin Beauties Fit Studio—a women’s fitness and wellness studio in El Monte, CA. And listen… I’m one of those annoying people that does everything. I teach classes, run the challenges, design merch, press merch, do all the photography, clean the bathrooms, answer the DMs, make the playlists, and still somehow show up. I’m the trainer, the admin, the janitor, the marketing team and the hype woman. If it needs to get done, I probably already did it with a my kids on tow. 😆

At the studio, we offer group classes like JamFit (our signature dance fitness class), circuit training, beginner Zumba, yoga, Pilates, and sound baths. But it’s way more than just workouts—we’ve built a space where women come to move, heal, laugh, cry, grow, and just be. We also have a beauty bar where we offer services like teeth whitening and body sculpting. AND because I clearly don’t know how to sit still, I also run BB Creative & Event Space—where people rent out the studio for Photoshoots, baby showers, birthdays, pop-ups, and all kinds of beautiful celebrations. Photography has also been a side hustle I’ve been dabbling on 😆.

What I’m most proud of? The community we’ve created. These women have become my family. We don’t chase perfection here—we chase consistency, confidence, and real joy. We hold each other down through the highs and the lows. And what sets me apart is… I get it. I’m not preaching from some perfect pedestal. I’ve been through it. I’ve built, lost, rebuilt, and kept going. I lead with my heart, my story, and a whole lotta sweat equity.

Beastin Beauties isn’t just a studio—it’s a vibe, a movement, a second home. And everything we’ve built, we’ve built together. That’s what makes it so special.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Honestly… my community. The way the women at my studio support each other, cheer each other on, and become real friends outside of class—it’s beautiful. It’s not just a gym, it’s a sisterhood. And that kind of energy? It’s rare. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by women who just get it.

Because of them, I get to be present for the people who matter most—my family. I’m a mom to two amazing boys: Lincoln (8) and Alonzo (6). And I never take for granted that I get to be there for everything—school stuff, sports games, the random Target runs, all of it. I’ve built a business that allows me to be both a hands-on mom and a woman chasing her dreams. That balance makes me happiest.

Let’s be real—trying to do it all isn’t easy. Some days I’m teaching class, running errands, answering emails from the car line, and reheating the same cup of coffee three times. But knowing my work is helping other women feel stronger, while also giving me the freedom to love on my kids the way I want to? That’s what keeps my soul full.

Happiness to me is showing up for my community, my husband and my kids—without losing myself in the process.

Pricing:

• Intro Pack: $25 for 3 Classes
• Month to Month: $79 unlimited Classes
• Class Pack: $80 for 10 Classes
• Commit to Fit: $995 includes online and in person, bring a friend and more

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.beastinbeauties.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beastinbeauties?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr