Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Negrete.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved to the South Bay in September of 2020 to be closer to my grandparents during the pandemic. As someone who loves kids and creating positive experiences, I quickly found myself nannying for two wonderful families in Manhattan Beach. After settling into my new rhythm, I realized that I missed instructing more than I thought I would. Having spent the past three years coaching gymnastics, there was no lack of experience but an apparent lack of opportunity… or so I thought. At this point many gyms were still figuring out their plans to re-open safely and efficiently, keeping lots of kids home and without access to the movement. I decided an outdoor class on the beach was a perfect way to give the kids of my community a win!
Although the first class was not a booming success (actually, only one family showed up… my sweet neighbors) it was a start! I figured if my main goal was to bring fun, safe, and encouraging gymnastics instruction to kids, it was only a matter of finding the right families… It turns out I was already so fortunate. Once my nanny families found out about my beach classes, they took it into their own hands to spread the word. Within a week I had a handful of new and excited families. Fast forward to December 2022, South Bay Sprouts now has one studio location in Redondo Beach, in addition to a growing list of mobile offerings in preschools, private residences, and city parks & recreation programs in the South Bay and Los Angeles.
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?
Although it’s been a beautiful and rewarding journey, it has not been without its hiccups. Eventually, gyms did begin to reopen providing kids with access to facilities that were able to serve them in more expansive ways. It was gradual, but I said goodbye to my gymnasts that were ready to take on more challenging work at their new gyms. For me personally, it took a shift in perspective to realize that this is actually the most ideal outcome. Each and every one of my gymnasts had worked hard to grow strong, confident, and capable of performing their skills. Graduation to a bigger program was a major win. It gave them another space to learn and grow! And not to worry, as some families outgrew my program, other families were just jumping in on the fun. With the support of my students and their parents, I’ve since had the opportunity to open my own facility in Redondo Beach, CA. Our studio continues to embody all the wonderful characteristics of our mobile program: high energy, small-batch, and propelled by positivity.
We’ve been impressed with South Bay Sprouts LLC, 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?
South Bay Sprouts was started with one goal: to grow kids through gymnastics. I wanted to encourage our students to get outside, to be active, and to always ask for a challenge. Our program focuses on personalized instruction in a small group setting. This allows us to tailor our methods to fit each individual gymnast and their needs whether they take a class in our studio, at their home, in the park, or at their school. My hope is to continue nourishing and nurturing everyone we encounter while defining and building confidence, inspiring positivity, soaking up the sun, having loads of fun… and, oh yes, learning gymnastics! As our program grows and evolves, our students and their goals remain at the heart of what we do.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We are always looking to partner with local schools, businesses, events, and city programs to help get more kiddos involved with movement and gymnastics. We are hoping to hire additional Cartwheel Coordinators (instructors) in 2023, as well as expanding our Park and Recreation offering to more cities in the South Bay. If you’d like any more info on the above opportunities please reach out to [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: www.southbaysprouts.com
- Instagram: @southbaysprouts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southbaysprouts
