Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Diana Saribekian of Sherman Oaks

We recently had the chance to connect with Diana Saribekian and have shared our conversation below.

Diana, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with getting or making my coffee before the day starts rolling. I usually have private students every day and, if not, I have my group classes. So my whole week is spent working with my hardworking students. At the end of the day, I always share their progress with their parents or with the students themselves. Before or after work, I always try to spend time with my friends, my family, and of course my cutest dog, Dobby. Most of the time this is how my normal day looks like.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Diana, and I’m the founder of Stretchology, a stretching company I opened in 2023. Stretchology has quickly become the highest-rated stretching service in Los Angeles, offering specialized stretching classes for both kids and adults. Our approach is centered around safe, effective technique—because we truly believe that with the right guidance, anyone can reach their flexibility goals without injury.

Right now, we’re working on an advanced online stretching program that will offer separate, focused sections so people can train at home at their own pace. We’re also developing a new merch collection, which I’m really excited about.

Our mission is to break the stereotype that only people who are “naturally flexible” can improve. Many of our students have reached their goals—whether in dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, or simply improving their daily mobility—through our safe and intentional stretching method.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child, I believed that as long as I worked hard, I would get exactly where I wanted to be. But as I got older and started working with different types of people, I realized that hard work alone isn’t enough. It’s just one part of the equation. You can work endlessly, but without a plan, strategy, or smart decisions, hard work by itself won’t take you far. Now I know it’s about working smart, not just working hard.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time, the fear that held me back the most was the worry that if I left the well-known gymnastics gym I used to work at, I wouldn’t have any students of my own. I was scared to step away from something familiar, even though I knew I wanted to build something greater.

When I finally quit, I opened my company, Stretchology — and after just a few posts, people started coming. Many of them are still with me to this day. That experience taught me something important: you have to believe in yourself and in your talent.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I truly believe it is. People can sense authenticity, and when you show up as yourself, it builds trust naturally. Being fake is exhausting, and it’s almost impossible to hide — especially when you’re interacting with others in meaningful ways.

As a coach, I work with both kids and adults, and that trust is everything. They need to feel safe, understood, and supported, and that only happens when I’m honest and present with them. It’s not just about teaching stretches or exercises; it’s about connecting, encouraging, and showing that I genuinely care about their growth and well-being.

I’ve learned over the years that people respond to sincerity far more than perfection. Kids pick up on energy immediately, and adults do too. When you show up as your true self, you create an environment where everyone feels they can do the same. That’s when real progress — in flexibility, confidence, or life in general — begins.

For me, being real isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a practice. Every interaction, every class, every conversation is an opportunity to reinforce that trust. And I’ve seen how powerful that can be — not just in my work, but in the relationships I’ve built along the way.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I think I would regret not giving 100% when I had the chance. Life is full of opportunities, and sometimes they come only once. If we hold back out of fear, doubt, or comfort, those moments pass — and later, we’re left wondering what could have happened if we had just tried.

Even if I don’t get exactly what I want or things don’t turn out the way I imagined, I’d rather know that I gave it my best. Trying and falling short hurts far less than the “what if” that lingers when you don’t try at all.

For me, effort is everything. Showing up fully — even when it’s uncomfortable — is what leads to growth, confidence, and unexpected opportunities. I never want to look back and realize that I held myself back when I had the power to move forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stretchologyla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchology_la/