Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Hood.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Dallas – Fort Worth. I started dancing at the age of three and loved it so much that I never stopped! Competitions became the highlight of my week, and my team surrounded me with the sisters I never had. When I turned sixteen, I began teaching classes at my local studio and soon discovered that the only thing better than dancing was sharing my love of dance with others. My high school dance coach encouraged me to harness this passion and dream big. She inspired me to audition for the award-winning dance team at California State University, Long Beach, where I was accepted and ended up double majoring in Dance and Business Marketing. After graduation, I met my soon-to-be husband and we moved to LA, something both of us had dreamed about since we were kids.
In LA, I started teaching dance-based fitness classes at top boutique studios while simultaneously continuing my professional dance career. It was a crazy schedule, but I loved every minute. However, as the years went by, I found myself returning to that foundational principle I learned when I was sixteen: nothing compares to sharing your love of dance with others. I decided it was time to walk away from stage performance and focus all my attention on helping others find joy in exercise. I loved watching my clients’ confidence grow as they got stronger and discovered that movement is not a chore. It is a gift. It is a celebration. It is a dance. All of this inspired me to start my own company, HoodFit.
Has it been a smooth road?
My husband and I have lived in Hollywood for ten years now, and it’s certainly taught this Texas girl a lot. At first, everything was glamorous and exciting. We were working hard and playing hard as we took in all that this city has to offer. Yet we soon learned that in LA as in life, you have to be a constant work in progress. You have to deal with rejection, especially in the dance and fitness industries, and you have to learn how to remove your emotions from certain situations. One of the biggest struggles remains discerning who is for you and who is against you. LA is a city full of talent and equally full of competition, and it can be hard to find a loyal tribe that will always have your back. I think the biggest lesson this has taught me is that you have to know you first. You truly have to know who you are, and you have to be confident in that.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a NASM-certified personal and celebrity trainer. I specialize in delivering effective workouts that connect body and soul, making people feel good from the inside out. I’m known for my infectious energy and my hardcore dance-based fitness classes that leave you dripping in sweat. As a company, I’m most proud of the incredible success we’ve had in just one year. HoodFit has quickly expanded to include both live and online classes as well as personal and group training sessions. We’ve also recently signed a partnership with the Dream Hotel in Hollywood. HoodFit is unique in that we do not solely focus on the physical aspect of fitness. Through energy, rhythm, and personalization, we have created an environment that fosters sisterhood and encourages every client to rep their womanhood. We are more than a program. We are a tribe. And we are committed to helping you become the best possible version of yourself.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I absolutely would recommend someone just starting out to get their feet wet here in LA. Even though I’ve struggled with challenges along the way, I’ve learned from some of the best in the industry. I truly believe if you can make it in LA, you can make it anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hoodfitlife.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Lisandra Vazquez, Matteo, Maribel Morales, Jamie Brogdon
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