Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Aguirre.
Hi Vanessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m was born and raised in Lima, Peru. I moved with my family to Mexico City when I was 16 years old. I started my career in culinary school until I became an Executive Chef by the age of 28. Until one day, I took an opportunity to travel to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and work in the famous resort Club Med. It was there when I met my now husband. After many thinking and evaluation. We decided to start our lives together in Carlsbad. We moved to USA in 2015. When I moved to USA I found myself in a new place ready to be explored! So I joined the YMCA in Encinitas. I was then when I enter the first time to a Zumba class, it was so exciting, full of people and everybody was jumping, dancing and laughing. Then is when I decided that I wanted that in my life.
I took my certification, and after practicing and preparing for a couple of months, I was ready to teach. I remember my first class was a January 1st and I was so nervous. My surprise was that three people show up, and I was so happy! After that, I start teaching also at the YMCA. After a some months, I started seen the studios filling up!
It was there when participants starting approaching me to help them with tips for a healthier life. So I thought to take my personal trainer certification so I can help more people reach their goals and have a more fit life.
Then I met Ren Allen. I was so surprised by her! She had her own place and clientele. I thought I wanted to be part of whatever she was doing! I approached her and asked her if she needed a trainer. From that day it’s history we have work together since then. I also became a Crossfit Coach.
I believe the part I like more about my story is when Covid hit. I will never forget that Monday night when we all went to lockdown. My mind was only thinking about my Saturday class!. I was thinking on my Zumba participants. Next thing I decided is to go Facebook live and stream my class from my balcony. It was a huge success but then things started getting complicated because Facebook started censoring the music because of copyright issues. So I start thinking, there has to be a better way? After hours of research, I took the decision to start my own website. It took me one month to build it, learn all the technology to life stream, record, using the cameras, using lights, etc.
On May 2020, I launched www.VWorksbyVane.com, with live streams every single day from a studio I rented. I can’t finish telling you how amazing that journey was. My two friends Vivi and Constanze were with me all the time; we will live stream and record none stopping. We went through everything: internet crashing, people sending the police over, thinking that we had an illegal party, equipment malfunctions, system crashing, etc. 2020 was scary and amazing. Later when things started reopening, I thought I will close my website and come back to the gyms. My surprise was that all VWorks members stayed with me and ask me not to stop the website and the classes. I added in person classes to the schedule. Today Vworks by Vane has over 50 members and it grows every month!
My participants tell me that I save them during the lockdown, I always tell them that they saved me. Teaching fitness, either is Zumba, Crossfit or Personal Training fills my heart with happiness. I can’t imagine my life without giving to people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For me, the biggest struggle was to really believe in myself. Your mind start saying “you can’t create a website” “who’s going to join?” and some days you believe this bad thoughts and allow them to drag you down. But learning how to quiet those voices and believe in my self was one of the biggest lessons of my life. There is also the technology struggles. I have cried many nights trying to figure out audio issues, video issues and of course internet issues!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
V-Works by Vane is a hybrid platform that provides Online and In person fitness classes. VWorks by Vane is growing every day, that is the reason why I’m expanding the variety of classes. V-Works by Vane specialize in Fitness Dance. Our dances are from all over the world bringing cultural diversity and fun to every class. I’m known for my smile and kind personality. I love to make people welcome, successful and make them feel they belong in class. My classes are full attitude and empowerment. What makes me so proud about VWorks is the range of ages in my participants, I had in class from seniors to teens everybody united for dancing and the feeling of accomplishment.
V-Works by Vane welcomes everybody that not only wants to attend dance fitness classes but everybody who wants to belong to a community free of judgment and empowerment.
V-Works by Vane offers drop-ins and monthly memberships, classes are outdoor and also recorded online.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Mark Reid – My husband for always telling me “yes you can do it!” and never letting me give up. Ren Allen- my crossfit/business mentor: for believing in me when I was just starting, she give me her trust and teach me every day.
Meg Adams – my zumba mentor for being and amazing Zumba instructor that encouraged me to take my certification. For always hearing my ideas and believing in me.
Constanze Taylor, Viviane Ventin, Danielle Achord, Annette Morales – My friends and dancers- For always being with me for recordings, practicing, matching outfits for giving me honest feedback.
All my Zumba crew- I don’t know if I can name them all for the interview purpose but I want them to know that they are not a number on my website. I know everyone’s name and face!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vworksbyvane.com
