Check Out Graciela D’Amato’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Graciela D’Amato.

Hi Graciela , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello, Voyage LA! My name is Graciela D’Amato, and I am the Studio Manager and Head Trainer at Bünda Pasadena—the strength and stairs gym. Coming from a background in dance and recently graduating college in 2024, I have always had a passion for movement. My journey with the company began in 2022, when I started in a small sales associate role. After working nearly every position within the company, that role has since blossomed into the one I proudly hold today. Taking the risk at 18 to move over 2,000 miles away from my home in Cleveland, OH was not an easy decision, but as they say, Midwesterners are built differently.

After working every side of the business, I found myself deeply inspired by my fellow coworkers and incredible employers, who supported me throughout the process of earning my personal training certification and stepping into a trainer role at the studio. Being surrounded by such like-minded, business-driven, and genuinely motivating individuals has allowed me to flourish not only professionally, but personally as well. I owe much of my success to those who supported me along the way. While learning something new and slightly outside of my previous knowledge base was not always easy, one thing about me is that I am determined—when I set my mind to a goal, I don’t stop until it’s reached.

Once I made my way onto the schedule and began coaching 15+ classes per week, I quickly understood my purpose. Helping individuals from all walks of life find success in their health journeys has been one of the most rewarding experiences I could ask for. That fulfillment radiated through everything I did—from the energy inside the studio to finding myself passionately talking about the company on nights out with friends and family. I had never felt more certain about my purpose than in those moments. Being approached for a managerial position at just 23 years old was not on my bingo card, but I immediately knew there was nothing more fitting at this stage of my life.

I am now happy to share that for the past eight months since opening, I have been leading a community of strong, fearless, and incredible women through consistent strength training and nutrition practices that have greatly improved their everyday lives—and, most importantly, their longevity. As women, strength training is essential not only for building strength, but for protecting our bodies in everyday moments, like picking up grandchildren or carrying in heavy groceries. While the workout itself is incredible, the best part of our studio, in my opinion, is the community we’ve built. We regularly host challenges, outdoor walks, in-studio birthday celebrations, and collaborative pop-ups with our members’ businesses. I am beyond grateful to say that even though we haven’t been open for a full year yet, our community continues to grow, thrive, and flourish—and I’m honored to be leading it every step of the way.

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?
Over time, leading this studio has brought some of the most rewarding moments of my career, along with invaluable lessons that have helped us uphold the highest standards for our business. We are incredibly grateful to be located in an area filled with thriving group fitness spaces and an energetic, inspiring community that passes through our doors each day.

One of the most important skills I’ve learned as a manager is the art of delegation. Building a team that can thrive in any circumstance—while also recognizing where each individual truly shines—has been a major lightbulb moment for me. As an Aries, I’m deeply passionate about what I do and how I approach it, and learning to channel that passion while empowering others has been a transformative part of my growth. I now feel confident knowing my team is fully equipped to step up and succeed in every situation.

It truly takes a team to create the magic of Bünda, and I am beyond grateful to lead a group of individuals who consistently show up for one another. Together, we continue to grow, learn, and build something special—both inside the studio and beyond its walls.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is having the opportunity to spread the word about our studio through community outreach events. Recently, I had the chance to coach a workout for over 60 individuals in collaboration with Vuori—one of those true “I did it” moments. Leading such an incredible group of women through a workout that was both challenging and deeply rewarding was nothing short of inspiring.

That experience has now sparked a major goal for me in 2026: to continue expanding our outreach efforts and creating even more impactful community events. Having even a small role in the planning and execution of this experience was incredibly special, and it’s only fueled my excitement to grow it further. Keep your eyes peeled—there’s a one-of-a-kind event coming very soon from the team at Bünda Pasadena!

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is connection. True connection creates a space for vulnerability unlike any other, and it’s something I take great pride in cultivating within our studio. Getting to genuinely know our clients and meeting them exactly where they are is one of the most important responsibilities we carry as a gym. This standard of care and intention is upheld for every individual who walks through our doors.

Conversations around fitness and nutrition can be deeply personal—and often challenging—for many women. Creating a judgment-free space in those moments allows us to guide them with compassion and confidence toward their individual goals. At the end of the day, knowledge is power, and being mindful of both how your body moves and how you fuel it is essential to long-term strength and well-being.

Pricing:

• Journey Unlimited Membership – $249/month
• Limited Memberships – ranging from $169-$229/month
• Class Packages (no expiration) – 5, 10, 20, and 30 pack

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trainbunda.com/locations/pasadena-ca/
• Instagram: gracieladamato

Image Credits
Photo’s by: Niko Velasquez