Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Sansosti.
Gabby, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Chicago, I spent my entire childhood as a dancer, instilling discipline, passion, and confidence from a young age. This lifelong relationship with dance guided me towards my first significant dream and life goal of becoming a Professional Dancer. During my senior year of high school, my school counselor was on “Team Gabby” and enrolled me in a work program. Typically, this program was for those who were going into a trade after high school, but it offered me an early exit from school, allowing my day to end by noon and my work hustle to begin immediately after. I secured a job in the shoe department at the local Nordstrom and saved all of my money to support my move to Los Angeles to pursue my dream in August while everyone else headed off to college that year.
Through unwavering discipline, passion, confidence, and integrity, it didn’t take long for me to break through in the entertainment industry and turn my dreams into reality. As a professional dancer, I had the privilege of working with renowned artists such as Shakira, Pink, Britney Spears, JLO, and many others in various capacities. I found myself on sets for numerous TV network shows, including Disney, Nickelodeon, ABC Family, Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, and more. Additionally, I spent time in casting and production on the other side of the camera, serving as a performance producer on several major projects.
Truth be told, one day, I woke up and realized I had reached the pinnacle of my career. I was traveling all over the world, performing on some of the biggest stages, and I could call my parents to tell them I would be on TV that night. I had also established myself well enough in the industry to be chosen as talent in front of the camera and as part of the team that brought what’s in front of the camera to life. However, I began to feel a desire for change—a longing for something new and different. At first, this was intimidating; I wondered, “How can I top this?” But then, I realized that “success” manifests in various ways in life, and comparing one chapter to the next only stifles overall growth.
At this point, I transitioned into the fitness industry, immediately unlocking a new dimension of my dream. My aspiration to inspire and be seen through movement expanded. I was given a microphone on this new stage, and it felt incredibly powerful. I became a top Group Fitness instructor in Los Angeles, relishing in the opportunity to set the vibe, curate a space, and lead a dedicated community of individuals passionate about their well-being. Simultaneously, the fitness industry was rapidly evolving in the digital space, providing the perfect opportunity for me to leverage my on-camera experience. I auditioned for a position that involved conducting live fitness classes nationwide, and I loved the synergy of movement, fitness, and being on camera. This role also allowed me to reach people far beyond my physical location.
Towards the end of 2018, the company I worked for was acquired by a larger entity, and the fitness pillar of the business was dissolved. However, a month later, the CEO of the company introduced me to the Head of Content at Tonal. I credit much of my success to being a good person, a hard worker, building strong relationships, and always connecting people when I had the opportunity to do so. This approach had consistently come full circle for me. I became one of the earliest coaches for Tonal, and things began to move quickly once the pandemic hit. I played a pivotal role in Tonal’s growth, from its startup days through multiple rounds of funding. The journey was amazing. Through my time with Tonal, I became one of their lead coaches and a prominent face of the brand. I was present in over 50 Nordstrom stores nationwide (one of which was the local Nordstrom’s in Chicago that I worked at to save my money to move to LA- SO COOL), in one of their national commercials, as well as in Tonal showrooms across the nation, larger than life. Life was fantastic—I was doing what I loved, financially stable, building a community of tens of thousands of people nationwide, and there seemed to be no end in sight.
That is, until there was an end to it all. In the summer of 2022, Tonal underwent a significant round of layoffs and unexpectedly closed the Los Angeles production studio. This upheaval rocked my world to the core. My life had changed overnight, bringing with it fear, vulnerability, deep sadness, and profound loss. To be frank, it took me quite some time to recover from this experience. However, I immediately committed to taking time for myself after 15 years in Los Angeles, recognizing that enduring in this city required relentless hard work.
During this period, I crossed paths with a remarkable mentor and committed to a year and a half of self-exploration, expansion, and travel. I knew that in this next chapter of expansion, I wanted to start my own company. I also understood the importance of fully developing, comprehending, and living my company’s core values before offering it to my community and the world. In April 2023, I had my “ah-ha” moment, and that’s when “GLOW” was born—Generate Longevity through Optimal Wellness. I was deeply passionate about stepping forward with a more significant impact and offering people what I genuinely believed they needed: a holistic wellness approach to achieving well-being, not just focusing on fitness. In November 2023, I digitally launched GLOW as an app, offering physical workouts and programs alongside a plethora of wellness resources and tools.
Stepping into entrepreneurship has been a wild and exhilarating journey, and I absolutely love it. In the initial months, I immersed myself in learning all the technical aspects of the app, content creation, shooting everything myself, mastering high-quality cameras and lighting, and understanding the editing process. Additionally, I unexpectedly became a writer, responsible for crafting all the copy for the app and my website. The list goes on, but the point is that I ventured into an entirely new world, and I am incredibly honored, proud, and excited to be doing so.
My primary mission is to spread light and support people on their wellness journey. I am deeply passionate about helping individuals transform their perspective on fitness—shifting from viewing it as something they have to do to something they get to do. My approach centers on lifelong training, encouraging individuals to embrace a creative and joyful relationship with fitness that fosters longevity.
Within my app, I provide a diverse range of fitness options, including Barre, Cardio Boxing & Kickboxing, Strength, HIIT, Stretch & Recovery, and Meditation made Easy, among others. But GLOW’s philosophy extends beyond the physical aspect. It encompasses a holistic approach to well-being, addressing the 5 Pivotal Pillars of wellness—Physical, Emotional, Social, Intellectual, and Spiritual. My ultimate goal is to offer individuals a comprehensive resource to explore and harmonize these pillars, fostering a deeper connection with themselves and the ability to recognize when these aspects are in or out of balance.
Please feel free to check out my website as well: glowbyg.com
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Navigating the entertainment industry is a journey filled with its fair share of obstacles and challenges. In this world, you’re bound to encounter what feels like a million “no’s” before that breakthrough “YES” arrives. Having a deep respect for oneself, unwavering integrity, a profound connection to one’s dream, and, quite honestly, thick skin are essential to endure the barrage of rejections and to truly savor each success.
In addition to the constant stream of “no’s,” I’ve also faced my fair share of losses. Whether it was the sudden impact of layoffs, a change in the direction of a project, or the dissolution of my sector within a company, these moments of upheaval were significant. Such experiences taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability in an industry known for its unpredictable twists and turns.
The entertainment industry is notorious for its lack of consistency. The uncertainty of when the next gig will come along is a challenge that not everyone can withstand. It requires a unique blend of patience, tenacity, and financial stability to navigate the gaps between opportunities.
Transitioning into the role of an entrepreneur and small business owner introduced a whole new set of trials. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies; it’s a testing ground for one’s ego, a drain on time and energy, and a journey that demands learning what can feel like seventeen new languages, often all at once. The process is a humbling experience that forces you to wear multiple hats and become proficient in various areas, from technology to finance, marketing, and beyond.
Yet, despite these formidable challenges, the journey has been immensely rewarding. It has tested my mettle, shaped my character, and fueled my determination to create something meaningful. Each obstacle has been a steppingstone, each setback an opportunity for growth. Through it all, I’ve learned that true success lies not just in the destination but in the resilience and adaptability forged along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of staying true to me throughout the last 17 years of my experience and career in Los Angeles. As mentioned, I credit a lot of success to building a great network and amazing relationships with people every time I was on set or had the opportunity to make an impression. I also have created a lot of opportunities for peers every opportunity I could, and that not only makes my heart warm, but I believe comes full circle and has lended a hand to my success as well.
My main mission is to keep my inner light shining bright and to inspire those around to do the same.
“In a world where we can be anything, be light” – Gabby Sansosti
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Not at the moment, honestly. I will say that the book ‘Ask and It is Given’ by Esther & Jerry Hicks was the beginning of my spiritual expansion and truly sparked my connection with self, in turn igniting my inner light.
Pricing:
- GLOW App Monthly Subscription: $56 *Access via glowbyg.com
- GLOW App Annual Subscription: $600 *Access via glowbyg.com
- 1:1 Coaching – Contact for rates
Contact Info:
- Website: glowbyg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbysansosti/. @gabbysansosti
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabbysansosti
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabby-sansosti-4111ab25a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GLOWbyG
Image Credits
Darren Stone
Rebecca Dickie
Matteo Matty Matt
