Today we’d like to introduce you to Helya Glen.
Helya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The Studio, a functional training gym, opened in 2014 with an emphasis on intensity, strength and flexibility. In our facility you’ll find a full rig with squat racks and pull up bars, battle ropes, a sled, gymnastic rings, kettlebells as well as and yoga blankets and blocks. We offer high intensity training, low impact training (strength training), circuit training as well as yoga. We really believe that in order to live and function at your best, you need a complete and well-rounded workout. So, we bring it all!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“Your heart knows the way, run in that direction.” – Rumi.
At times, I feel my heart took a couple of extra turns, but eventually it found its way. I was very young when I started the business so it has definitely been a journey! I truly feel that there are no mistakes, just opportunities. When the gym first started, it had a very different vibe than it has today- more aerobics-esque, very little weight/strength training. It was catered towards women, and sang the same song as the big gyms, but with bigger price tag.
I also had a business partner. People told me partnerships very rarely workout in business, and in my case, they were right. Before our one year anniversary, she walked away. I was stuck between the best thing that ever happened to me and being comfortable. I could walk away and go back to a corporate job, or I could stay and see what happened. Maybe I would fail, I really had no idea.
Once I was on my own, I had to think long and hard about what I really wanted The Studio to be. I wanted to create a safe place where we could work really hard together and literally change our habits in all aspects. Although I’m clearer in how I want to communicate the vision now, it took a long time to put into words. And it continues to evolve as my community grows. Running a business didn’t come with a manual, that’s for damn sure!
Ultimately, it comes down to community. I wake up every morning at 5 am (or earlier) to go to work because people rely on me, and I rely on them (not just financially), but emotionally, physically and mentally. These people drive me forward and give me purpose in life. That is the greatest gift I’ve ever received and I have to give it back.
I truly feel grateful to have the opportunity to stay and continue The Studio so in a way, my business partner walking away was the best thing that ever happened.
The Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
It was not me who chose the name The Studio. In fact, when I first heard it, I felt like it could be a dance studio or a yoga studio, but a functional training gym? Not so sure about that.
The more years that passed and the more focused we became, I realized it does make sense. All of those places (yoga, dance, etc.) have one thing in common: practice. Practice is hard, practice is consistent and practice changes you. So in reality, The Studio is a place for practice, just with a bunch of different strength training toys!
The Studio is a place where we go to understand what it means to “live better.” We are known for our hardcore HIIT and LIIT classes, but we are also known for our positive community. We have an amazing family that is welcoming and appreciative of everyone who walks through our doors. We have the attitude of “we’ve all been there!” and we’ll help you get through too.
What sets us apart from a lot of the gyms out there is our three pillars. I don’t want to just shed weight, I want to move faster and lighter, feel stronger and be mobile (intensity, strength & flexibility). Ultimately THAT is what makes a person well rounded, not losing 20 pounds this month and gaining 30 next month.
Change is slow, but progress is so satisfying and worth it. I’m proud because the members that have been with me since day 1 and the ones we are attracting every day truly share those values. They are quick to realize that we are not just a gym, but a community to help you live better.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I consider success the ability to be myself and do what I love every single day from sun up to sun down. I enjoy it so much so that I don’t even realize I’m working so hard.
Sometimes I come home around 11 pm and am out the door before 6 am. My husband is a huge part of my success because there are times when I don’t see him for more than 20 minutes at the end of an evening. He supports me by being there every single day to cheer with me when we win, to get angry with me when things don’t go our way, and to cook dinner for me when I am home super late.
Of course, we all need to pay our bills and take vacation too. So I would say that success is having the ability to take vacations and continue to pay your bills because you have an incredible team. I have an AMAZING team of trainers that help me run the business and really, I would not be anything without them!
Contact Info:
- Address: 5770 Nicolle St.,
St G, Ventura, CA 93003 - Website: www.thestudioventura.com
- Phone: 805.765.2005
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @TheStudioVentura
- Facebook: facebook.com/thestudioventura
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-studio-ventura-2
Image Credit:
Yoga Anytime
Mostfit, Inc
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
