Meet Trailblazer Cereza Richeson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cereza Richeson.

Cereza, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a mom of three busy teenagers running fitness studios and a construction company. My husband and I have been running our construction company together for 17 years. Shortly after my youngest was born, I was finding I was struggling to meet the physical demands of three children all under four years old. I found the Lagree Fitness method and I was instantly hooked. I have never been an “exerciser” nor did I have any sort of background as an athlete. This workout was challenging yet achievable and it was really fun! I saw changes in my body pretty quickly. The strength I gained was not only physical but was also helping me handle the demands of my young family. Shortly thereafter, I decided I wanted to become an instructor which then lead to me opening my own studio called Motivate!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Without sugarcoating, running a business and being a mom isn’t always easy! I had to be prepared for many nights of not being home for dinner, not helping with homework, and not being there for their activities. It was really tough sometimes! Four years in, my kids are very proud of their mama and they get to see what it takes to run a business.

I’m not afraid of work, which is what it takes to start up a business. I researched, worked, researched and worked some more. The best advice I can give to someone starting their own journey is to do your own thorough research and get ready to WORK. Anything successful doesn’t become so on its own. It takes constant creating!

I also was very careful of not over-spending above my revenue. In the beginning, I did literally EVERY function myself and slowly brought on teammates as I was able to afford it. It’s so important to be strategic about spending.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Motivate Studios – what should we know?
Motivate Studios specializes in the Lagree Fitness Method with locations in Glendale, Montrose, Valencia, and soon to be Silver Lake! Every class is a full-body, 45-minute workout that incorporates your strength training, cardio, endurance, flexibility, and core not just in one workout but in each and every move! Classes are delivered on the cutting-edge M3 Megaformer and focus on slow, resistance-based movements designed to stimulate fat-burning muscle fibers, torch calories and sculpt the body from head to toe.

I’m most proud of the community at our studios! I’ve been the newbie trying out a new workout and know how intimidating it can be. It was my goal that every person who walks in our doors feels welcomed and inspired and leaves feeling challenged and empowered. The Motivate team is a family and members at the studio quickly become a part of that family!

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I never personally considered I was at a disadvantage as a woman in business. I encountered various situations where someone questioned my knowledge or preferred to speak to my husband as if I was the “little woman.” I was quite shocked! It never occurred to me that I would have to PROVE myself because I’m a woman.

It was important for me to put someone’s shortsightedness in perspective and not see that as a reflection of myself or my capabilities and that I needed to factor others’ viewpoints into the overall problem to solve. I realized that there were going to be barriers in various forms and that I needed to have the resolve to overcome anything that comes in my path. Whether the barrier is due to gender issues, financial, time, or whatever, it is important to be prepared and persevere! And the more women we have as colleagues, the less we’ll have to address that particular barrier in the future.

Pricing:

• First Class $15 which includes grippy socks
• New Motivate Member: one month of unlimited classes for $169
• Mega Jumpstart: 3 private sessions and 3 group classes for $265

Contact Info:

• Address: 410 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205
  3600 N Verdugo Rd, Montrose, CA 91208
  27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia, CA 91355
  2468 Glendale Blvd, Silver Lake, CA 90039
• Website: www.motivatestudios.com
• Phone: 818.858.5138
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motivatestudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivatestudios/

Image Credit:
Lacey Martin

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