Meet Kate Biber of Alkalign Studios in Irvine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Biber.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My husband Peter and I were born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. 8 years ago, Peter was offered a job in NorCal so we moved from Sydney with our 2 yr. old and a 7mth pregnant belly. When our 2nd child was about 6 months old I was low on energy, feeling homesick & searched for a fun class I could take my little ones to. A friend introduced me to a local barre studio, it was Memorial Day weekend and packed with health & wellness seekers. I still remember my 1st class, it was incredibly challenging, my muscles shook and I couldn’t believe how all of my years of training as a gymnast I had taken my strength for granted. I started taking classes a few times a week, then every other day, then 5, 6 sometimes 7 times a week & I could bring my girls to the playroom – I felt strong, confident and part of something so much bigger than working out, the sense of community I knew only of in Australia seemed to be Alkalign. I approached the founder Erin Paruzewski about teaching and after rigorous training and certification I was on the schedule teaching in Menlo Park & Los Altos for almost 3 years. Peter’s job then moved us down to Irvine, SoCal with our 3 children by that stage our youngest 7 weeks old.

Where we lived I traveled 25mins with my newborn in tow to the closest barre studio. The opportunity to open an Alkalign Studio in Irvine with exciting housing growth and lots of new families moving in stared me in the face. How could I not chase the dream of owning my own studio & creating a community where there isn’t one?

Great, 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?
The life of a small business owner is never an easy one, its relentless 24×7, every moment is either spent thinking or working on the business to bring your head above water and stabilize your family life.

There have been many bumps along the road but they all provide growth and learning opportunities to help the future of you, your family and your business.

The most notable bumps would be during construction. City regulations can change during construction periods and depending on your city, which inspector is allocated any given day it can be a roll of the dice as to how scenarios play out.

Taking on a 7-year-old building and its previous fit out was a challenge as was the redraw post build commencement to bring current restrooms up to new ADA standards.

Please tell us about Alkalign Studios.
Alkalign’s promise is to provide safe and effective workouts, to focus on individuals’ needs in a supportive community, and to help people find a dynamic relationship between strengthening the mind, aligning the body and nourishing the soul.

We offer 6 formats that deliver full body functional workouts. Focused on Strength, Cardio & Mobility – everything you need to stand taller, stronger, live easier and be the best you!

We all have the power to change our lives, and Alkalign provides the tools that make it happen. Alkalign is built on the steadfast belief that balance is the foundation for life.

Balance is both dynamic and personal. It’s what keeps us grounded and what challenges us to push our limits. Whether you’re so far from center that life has become unbalanced, or you just need to take small steps to meet your next goal; Alkalign can help you recalibrate from the inside out.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory as a child takes me back to being a gymnast, training 6 days a week. I think the reason I was so driven and focused is that my Mum owned a small business, she was so busy with 2 daughters of her own. She took it upon herself to arrange a car pool schedule with 14 other girls & boys I trained with, so we could actually get to training & on time. Many of the parents worked full time and getting their kids to training was not possible until my Mum coordinated a car pooling system. She infused everyone with her effective organizational skills and I noticed how appreciative not only the parents but the kids were too. I think this was my 1st experience feeling a community come together, I am so happy to be able to bring this element to Alkalign Irvine.

Pricing:

• Try 3 Classes for $29

Contact Info:

• Address: Woodbury Town Center
  6286 Irvine Blvd.,
  Irvine, CA 92620
• Website: www.alkalignstudios.com
• Phone: (949) 379 3060
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alkalignirvine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlkalignIrvine/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/biberkate
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alkalign-studios-irvine-2

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.