Hidden Gems: Meet Courtney Lockridge of Shaped Secretz Body Sculpting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Lockridge.

Hi Courtney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Shaped Secretz was born from my personal journey with weight loss, body image, and entrepreneurship. I’m an only child of first-generation parents from West Africa and was raised with a strong emphasis on education and success, with the expectation that I would become a medical doctor. That path shifted in college when I worked as an Executive Assistant for a self-made multi-millionaire and was exposed to entrepreneurship firsthand. Watching leaders build businesses through discipline, vision, and freedom inspired me to change my major from pre-med to business finance at age 20. From that point on, I worked under several CEOs and started multiple businesses between the ages of 20 and 33 while searching for the right niche that aligned with my purpose.

At the same time, I was navigating my own health and body image journey. During the pandemic, I committed to changing my lifestyle and food choices and lost approximately 50 pounds. By mid-2021, I hit a plateau and needed something to help me stay motivated. That’s when I discovered non-invasive body sculpting. After my first session, I saw noticeable results and felt a shift not just physically, but mentally. Seeing progress motivated me to drink more water, exercise consistently, and stay aligned with my health goals. That experience showed me that sometimes people don’t need a complete restart, they need a boost to keep going.

On November 8, 2021, I founded Shaped Secretz in Downtown Los Angeles to provide that boost for others. We offer non-surgical, non-invasive body sculpting and post-operative care using technology such as ultrasound waves, radio frequency, red light therapy, and lasers to reduce stubborn fat, tighten skin, and support lymphatic drainage. More than a beauty studio, Shaped Secretz is a safe, inclusive space where clients can focus on progress without judgment. Our mission is to help people reclaim their confidence, health, and peace of mind by addressing both the physical and emotional effects of negative body image. Sometimes all someone needs is a little momentum and a supportive environment, and that’s exactly what Shaped Secretz was created to provide.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, especially in the early stages, there were a lot of challenges that tested my patience, confidence, and resilience.

One of the biggest struggles was starting the business with no prior experience in the body sculpting industry and no existing client base. I invested in training and certification, secured a lease in Downtown Los Angeles before having clients lined up, and self-funded the build-out of the studio. That was a major risk financially and mentally, especially in such a competitive market.

Another ongoing challenge has been funding, particularly for marketing. Without a consistent marketing budget, it’s difficult to test and analyze which platforms produce the best return. Early on, I had to rely heavily on word of mouth, partnerships, and organic social media while learning how to stretch every dollar. Balancing marketing, operations, client care, and admin as a solo founder was exhausting at times, but it forced me to learn every part of the business deeply.

There were also moments of doubt navigating growth as a Black woman entrepreneur in an industry where access to capital, visibility, and mentorship isn’t always equal. I had to be very intentional about seeking out programs, grants, and mentors to help close those gaps.

Despite those challenges, every obstacle sharpened my discipline and reinforced why I started. I learned to take things one day at a time, stay consistent, and focus on progress over perfection. Those struggles didn’t slow me down, they built the foundation for a stronger, more intentional business.

We’ve been impressed with Shaped Secretz Body Sculpting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Shaped Secretz is a non-invasive body sculpting and wellness studio based in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, created to be both results-driven and deeply affirming. We specialize in non-surgical fat reduction, skin tightening, cellulite reduction, lymphatic drainage, and post-operative care for clients recovering from gastric bypass and cosmetic surgery. Using advanced technology such as ultrasound cavitation, radio frequency, red light therapy, and laser lipo, we help clients target stubborn areas while supporting the body’s natural healing and detox processes.

What truly sets Shaped Secretz apart is our approach. We don’t believe in quick fixes, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all treatments. Every client begins with a consultation, and services are customized based on their body goals, lifestyle, and stage of their wellness journey. Our treatments are designed to work alongside healthy habits, not replace them. By monitoring progress and educating clients throughout their sessions, we help turn visible results into long-term motivation and confidence.

We’re especially known for creating a safe, judgment-free space. Many of our clients come to us after struggling with body image, weight fluctuations, or feeling overlooked in traditional beauty or medical settings. At Shaped Secretz, time is not rushed and progress is prioritized over perfection. Clients are supported not only physically, but emotionally, because confidence is just as important as results.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Shaped Secretz has built its reputation on trust, care, and real outcomes. We’ve grown largely through referrals, reviews, and testimonials because clients feel seen, educated, and respected. Seeing someone walk in feeling insecure and walk out feeling empowered is what defines our brand.

What I want readers to know is that Shaped Secretz is more than a body sculpting studio. It’s a full-service wellness space rooted in confidence, consistency, and community. In addition to our body sculpting and post-operative care services, we also offer custom facials, professional teeth whitening, and therapeutic massages to support overall self-care and well-being. Everything we offer is designed to help clients feel good in their bodies, reclaim control over their health, and prioritize themselves in a meaningful way. Sometimes all you need is the right support and a little Shaped Secretz.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
When I first started, I felt pressure to have everything figured out right away; marketing, systems, growth, and expansion. What I learned quickly is that sustainable success comes from showing up every day, even when things feel slow or uncertain. Small, intentional actions compound over time, whether that’s improving client experience, refining services, or strengthening partnerships.

I’ve also learned the importance of trusting my vision and pacing my growth. Not every opportunity is the right opportunity, and saying no has been just as valuable as saying yes. Building something meaningful takes patience, faith, and resilience, especially as a founder in a competitive industry.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that authenticity builds trust. When you lead with honesty, care, and a genuine desire to serve, clients feel it. That trust is what turns a service into a brand, clients into advocates, and a business into something that truly makes an impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shapedsecretz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapedsecretz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shapedsecretzbodysculpting/
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/shaped-secretz-body-sculpting-los-angeles