Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Griggs.
Hi Deja, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a small town on the central coast of California. I was a competitive gymnastics until I was 15 years old, and began coaching as soon as I could drive. I fell in love with coaching. To me, it was much more than training my gymnasts for competitions, it was about creating a safe, fun, and healthy space for kids to learn and grow as an athlete and as a person. Over the next 20 years, I graduated college, had two kids of my own and continued coaching gymnastics in Northern and Southern California. I started dreaming of creating my own gymnastics studio more than 10 years ago. I thought about it all the time, but I couldn’t wrap my brain around how to take that leap of faith and go for it. At the end 2018, I finally worked up the courage to start a mobile gymnastics program in Newport Beach, California. I packed up my car with gymnastics mats and started my journey of teaching tumbling in my student’s living rooms, garages and backyards. It was awesome! In just a couple of months, my schedule was booked and I started a waiting list. As my waiting list quickly grew, so did my dreams. I wanted a place of my own to teach more students and give them the space and equipment they deserved. With the support of my family, friends and my student’s families, I opened my very first gymnastics studio, Dreamers Gymnastics in Newport Mesa, California. I had over 200 students registered before I opened my doors. It’s truly been a dream come true. Over this past year, my students have shown the most amazing growth. Not only in their gymnastics skills but in their confidence, their physical and mental strength and their friendships. Along with teaching cartwheels and handstands, I am teaching my students the value of hard work and to never give up. If you have ever tried gymnastics before, it’s hard. Some skills can take months and years to master. To be successful in gymnastics, students have to accept that their dedication and work pays off over time. Along the way, I am there as their coach with high-fives, hugs, smiles, advice and most importantly love. If you peeked in the door to my studio, you would see kids upside down with smiles on their faces. You would hear the giggles and feel the happiness that fills our space.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Looking back on opening a business, I’m almost glad that I didn’t know then what I know now. I had never opened a business before and there was a lot to learn and it was honesty scary! Overnight, I had a realtor, I signed a lease, had a landlord, bills, and hired a contractor. I applied for a license and permits with the city. That process took much longer, was much harder and more expensive than I expected. I had to jump through a lot of hoops to open Dreamers Gymnastics in my dream location. Luckily I was confident in my business plan and I knew I had hundreds of kids waiting for me to open my doors which kept me motivated. The stressful parts of opening my business were balanced with things I truly enjoyed. I chose paint colors, new floors and designed a brand new bathroom. I ordered gymnastics and equipment and props to fill my new space. Designing my first space for myself and my students was special. Having the support of my family and friends during those first few months was extremely important for me emotionally and financially. I met other business owners in my center whose advice and help I will always be thankful for. The people in my circle were positive and excited. They believed in me and my dreams. With so much support, it made the scary things easier and the exciting things sweeter.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dreamers Gymnastics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dreamers Gymnastics is a small tumbling studio in Costa (Newport) Mesa for kids ages 3 and up. We specialize in tumbling which sets us apart from a traditional gymnastics business. With tumbling gaining popularity from cheerleading and dance, we are proud to offer quality tumbling classes beginner to advanced. We are known for small class sizes and hands-on coaching. We provide a safe and happy space for kids to learn gymnastics. It takes motivation and dedication to learn new tumbling skills, therefore we celebrate every accomplishment our students make. We high-five, hug, smile and cheer for each and every child. We are proud to not only be teaching gymnastics but also helping to instill confidence, motivation, positive self-image and healthy relationships with coaches. The name of my business speaks for itself. My students are learning that no dream is too big. They can accomplish anything that they set their mind to inside and outside of the gym!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Gymnastics has withstood the test of time. It dates back to the ancient Greeks practicing gymnastics to promote physical and mental health. With gymnastics being introduced to the Olympics in 1896, it has only gained in popularity and is now one of the most watched sports in the Olympic games. Today, gymnastics and tumbling has merged with other sports such as dreamers cheerleading and dance. The need for professional tumbling coaches is at an all-time high. Over the next 5-10 years, I plan to train people to coach with me and run their own classes. The gymnastics community is always in need of quality coaches. With more coaches, we can grow dreamers gymnastics to offer more classes to this ever-popular sport!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: dreamers_gymnastics
Image Credits
Main photo: Jessica Pirro
