Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lewis.
Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
More than ten years ago, Dragonfly started as nothing more than a vision — a spark of an idea that came from my love of design, my passion for fitness, and a frustration with what the Los Angeles fitness scene was missing.
At the time, I was working in product design and development. My world revolved around taking an idea, shaping it with intention, and creating something people would love and use. At the same time, I was a devoted fitness junkie — I loved moving my body, testing my limits, and being part of a workout community. The two passions might not sound like they overlap, but for me, they always felt connected. Both were about building experiences: how something makes you feel, the details that make it special, and the lasting impact it has on your life.
But here’s the thing: when I looked around at the boutique fitness landscape in LA, something felt… off.
On one side, you had the glossy, high-end studios. They were beautiful to look at, but they were also intimidating. The vibe was often pretentious, the kind of place where you felt judged before you even clipped into the bike or picked up a dumbbell. On the other side, you had the local mom-and-pop studios. They were warm and welcoming, but they often lacked the professional polish, elevated amenities, or intentional programming that clients wanted and deserved.
I couldn’t shake the thought: Why can’t we have both? Why can’t there be a studio that offers the premium service and amenities people expect, without the judgment, intimidation, or exclusivity that turns so many people away? A place that feels inspiring and motivating, but also real, welcoming, and fun.
That’s how Dragonfly was born.
From day one, the mission was simple: to create a space where design meets sweat, where workouts feel premium but never pretentious, and where community is at the heart of everything. The name Dragonfly felt right — a symbol of transformation, adaptability, and resilience. Exactly what fitness (and life) is all about.
We started with cycling — not just because it’s a great workout, but because it embodies so much of what Dragonfly stands for. The music, the energy, the rhythm, the group environment — it all comes together to create something bigger than just exercise. At Dragonfly, our cycling classes were never about just “burning calories” or “logging miles.” They were designed intentionally: one-third endurance to build stamina, one-third intervals to push your limits, and one-third heavy resistance to strengthen and challenge your muscles. Add in an incredible playlist, lights low, and a room full of people riding in sync, and suddenly you’ve got more than cardio — you’ve got an experience.
As Dragonfly grew, so did our offerings. We expanded into strength training, mobility and recovery, HIIT, TRX, Pilates, and more — because true fitness isn’t one-dimensional. A balanced regimen needs strength, endurance, flexibility, and recovery. Our goal was (and still is) to give people everything they need under one roof. No bouncing between studios, no piecing together memberships. Just one space where you can ride, lift, stretch, sweat, and recover — with a community that makes you actually want to show up.
Over the years, we’ve seen incredible transformations — not just physical, but mental and emotional, too. Members walk in looking for a workout, but they leave with so much more: confidence, stress relief, friendships, and a sense of belonging. That’s the magic of Dragonfly. It’s not just the classes — it’s the people, the vibe, and the energy we create together.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Running a studio in Los Angeles means constantly evolving — staying ahead of trends, listening to what people need, and always raising the bar. But that’s what keeps Dragonfly fresh. We’ve weathered industry shifts, changing demands, and even global disruptions, and through it all, our community has remained strong.
When I think back to that original vision, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Dragonfly isn’t just a fitness studio — it’s a space that proves fitness can be fun, high-quality, and welcoming all at once. It’s proof that you don’t have to choose between premium and personal. And it’s proof that when you create an environment where people feel comfortable, supported, and challenged, progress becomes inevitable.
Ten-plus years later, the mission hasn’t changed. Dragonfly is still here to be that bridge: where design meets sweat, where effort meets fun, and where results happen naturally because you actually want to keep showing up.
This is more than a gym. This is Dragonfly.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning and running a fitness studio sounds glamorous from the outside — the music, the community, the sweat, the energy. And yes, there’s a lot of that magic. But behind the scenes, it’s also been a journey full of real challenges.
The first (and biggest) test came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like so many small businesses, we were forced to shut our doors overnight. One day we had a thriving schedule of classes and a buzzing community, and the next, the bikes sat empty and the weights collected dust. It wasn’t just about lost revenue — it was about losing the heartbeat of Dragonfly: our people in the room together. We pivoted, we got creative, we held on tight, but it was a long, uncertain road. Many studios didn’t survive. Some days I wasn’t sure we would either.
And even after reopening, the world wasn’t the same. National fitness trends had shifted. People had discovered at-home workouts, Peloton had exploded, and the boutique fitness boom of the 2010s wasn’t the easy draw it once was. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about competing with the studio down the street — it was about competing with people’s living rooms, their budgets, and their newfound habits.
Layer onto that the reality of doing business in Los Angeles. Costs here are steep and always climbing — rent, utilities, wages, insurance, you name it. Add in the scary swings of the economy, and every month feels like a balancing act between keeping our pricing fair for clients while covering the ever-increasing costs of keeping the lights on.
Staffing has been another hurdle. The fitness industry is known for high turnover, and Dragonfly has been no exception. Instructors move, change careers, or pursue other opportunities. It’s bittersweet because we love seeing people grow, but it’s also tough to constantly recruit, train, and rebuild consistency for our members. Still, each challenge has pushed us to refine who we are, attract the right talent, and double down on building a culture where instructors love to teach and clients feel at home.
There’s also the larger, slower-moving trend: the national fitness industry itself is shifting. The early 2010s were the golden era of boutique fitness. People craved the experience, the lights, the community. Now, consumers are savvier. They want variety, balance, and flexibility. They’re watching every dollar, questioning every membership. And to be honest, that makes things harder — but also forces us to stay sharp, adapt, and make sure Dragonfly isn’t just another studio, but a place that truly delivers on what people need.
Through all of it, one thing has kept us steady: the community. The members who kept showing up. The instructors who brought their energy even when things felt uncertain. The people who believed Dragonfly mattered and refused to let it disappear.
If building Dragonfly taught me anything, it’s this: struggles are inevitable, but survival and growth come from staying true to your mission, adapting when you have to, and remembering why you started in the first place.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Dragonfly, I wear a lot of hats, but what I’m most known for is my obsession with the details — the creativity, branding, playlisting, programming, and class design. I’m a perfectionist in the best way, because I believe every touchpoint matters. For me, fitness isn’t just about moving your body — it’s about creating an experience where art and science meet. The science makes it smart and effective; the art makes it fun, immersive, and something you actually want to come back to.
What I’m most proud of is the community that’s grown around that philosophy. People walk into Dragonfly expecting a workout and end up finding connection, confidence, and consistency. I think what sets me apart is that I’m real — no pretension, no intimidation, no judgment. I genuinely love people, and I crave human connection. That shows up in the way I build classes, the way I coach, and the way I design the studio itself.
At the end of the day, I want people to feel stronger, healthier, and happier — but also like they belonged here from the minute they walked in.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people probably wouldn’t guess it, but I’m actually pretty shy and tend to take things personally. It’s funny, because when you meet me at Dragonfly, I come across as confident, outgoing, and deeply engaged with people — but behind the scenes, I can be reserved and sensitive. That tendency actually fuels a lot of my work, though. It makes me hyper-aware of details, incredibly thoughtful in how I design experiences, and passionate about creating a space where everyone feels seen and supported.
Pricing:
- Intro package – $40 for 2 weeks of unlimited classes
- 8 Week Transformation Program including a custom fitness plan, custom nutrition plan, bi-weekly body scan check ins and a 1-1 accountability coach $1600 value for $797
- Memberships of all sizes – 5, 8, 12, 16/month or unlimited from $99-$299
- Walk in Price – $25/class
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dragonflyshermanoaks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonflyshermanoaks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyShermanOaks
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessplewis/
- Twitter: https://x.com/dflyShermanOaks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragonflyShermanOaks
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dragonfly-cycle-train-sherman-oaks-3?osq=dragonfly+cycle+and+train
