So I completely believe that God helps us through life, opening and closing doors as we pass through certain stages or phases in this book of life. Yesterday, I brought to the attention of my "Fit Fam" (or my Studio 356 fitness friends and family) the close of the current chapter in my life and in theirs. I am closing Studio 356 as of April 19, 2015.
HERE is the email I sent out for those who would like to see it. I meant it when I said that this decision was not easy and it is very sad and surprising for me, as much as it is for you.
I did want to answer some questions that have already been asked, so before I go any further, lets do that:
Was it because of money/financial reasons?
Absolutely NOT. For those of you who know me, you know its never been about the money. Heck, I don't even PAY myself! I pay my bills and my instructors, but I personally have never taken a single paycheck. When we showed a profit, I bought new equipment for boot camp, or more weights, or the cubbys... things like that. I also had to pay off the bills from the giant sign on the building as well as the flooring. To be honest, yes we had months that were hard... summers and into fall... but we always broke even and that's all I asked for. I didn't do what I did for personal gain, other than the satisfaction of helping people improve their lives through group fitness and personal encouragement.
Ugh... (::insert eyeroll::) My instructor is closing her studio just so she can spend time with her family!?
Well... that's not entirely true. What I put in the email and what I have been announcing at class is just the tip of the iceberg. I was trying to be the professional and handle the pressure and 'blame'. So here it is: My landlord and I went under an agreement in the fall that benefited both of us. Originally, we were going to close in the fall when our lease expired because I was afraid of locking myself into another long term agreement... mostly because of how hard things are to make ends meet in the summers and to handle family life when my husband travels. When he came to me and asked if I'd be interested in renting month to month, I agreed, because I could back out whenever I needed to (of course I never WANTed to). But along with that, he could also find a more solid tenant... one that would bring him more financial gain. Ultimately, I have a ton of respect for him but he's a business man and I totally understood the situation when I agreed.
He came to me a while back and said that he might have a tenant and we just kind of waited until things were more solid. That happened recently. SO... regardless of any decision I have made in the last few weeks... ultimately, we were going to have to vacate the studio space this summer for his new tenant. So... we could have stuck it out until June, however, our records show that attendance drops drastically in May/June, so along with prolonging the inevitable, I'd also be struggling to pay a couple months rent when times got toughest. It made sense to me both financially and personally to go out on a high note. My husband was recently mandated to travel more, the kids activities are kicking in to high gear for the spring, the weather will break and people will start getting outside instead of coming to classes... and the most recent months have really drawn my attention to just how much family means to me and how much they need me to be home. I mean, just recently, a man that I only knew for 3 1/2 hour was shot and killed (you've heard the story)... but all I can say about this man is how much he loved his family and was there for them. Once we got talking, all he talked about was his wife and kids, camping, traveling, sports, watching them do fun and amazing things. It got me thinking... if something happened to me today... I don't think the same thing could be said for me. And that's just not how I want to live my life. Until recently, I have been living my life for the studio... for my fit fam. And while I do and always will care deeply for all of you, my priorities have some shifting to do. (Enough of this... I have tears in my eyes and it makes it hard to type and answer the rest)
Are you planning to open a new place?
At this
point, no I am not. The main reason I am closing the studio and not
reopening a new one is for my family. My husband travels several times
every month and with 4 kids, their activities, family life... its been
quite difficult... something that no one can truly understand until
you're in the situation. BUT don't think I didn't at least look into it. Space in Sarver is either RIDICULOUSLY overpriced or extremely run down and requires too much work/money. So, despite my knowing this was a bad decision to try to reopen... I did look into it. Lol.
Are you going to teach somewhere?
I
do not have an exact answer for this question. The answer I want to
give is YES, but I have not lined anything up as of yet. I need one
chapter to end before I start a new one. If I do teach, I need to make
sure its not putting us right back in the situation we are in now... but
I also can not imaging my life without group fitness... and to be
honest... unless I'm leading the class (or taking one from my
instructors), I'm just not all that interested... good Lord, I swear I'm not as cocky as that sounded... I just love what I do. I take pride in my
teaching abilities and have developed a passion for helping people
beyond my comprehension. I also believe that Studio 356 has the area's BEST instructors, so its hard to find a new "fit". Aqua Zumba is up in the air as far as I know... I haven't even thought about contacting the pool yet... but I'll let you know when I know!
I feel lost, what should I do? Where should I go?
Well, the best way I can say this is: You found us, right? You can do it again!!! This isn't 'goodbye', 'peace out', 'don't let the door hitcha...'. Lol... we wouldn't do that. We already know Erin is working on finding a new location for her Yoga classes. I don't personally know if Kelli has intentions of trying to teach elsewhere, but when she makes decisions, I'm sure she'll let us know. And you JUST heard me say that there is a good chance I might try to find something. BUT all that aside... get out there and try classes out. Many gyms will let you try classes for free. If you are a Highmark customer, they have an amazing fitness program... check it out... its something like $25 per month and you can go to several local places!!! My dumb Aetna doesn't offer this or I'd absolutely take advantage of it! We would be happy to give our recommendations, suggestions and general thoughts... we do know a lot of local instructors.
I don't care what you said about helping us find a new place... I don't want to go there!
Well, if you aren't going to go elsewhere... then PLEASE consider joining my Beachbody group. We run monthly 'challenge groups' and are here for accountability, and you never have to leave your home!
Contact me ASAP and we'll chat about it. We've had amazing successes and most recently I've been doing and loving the 21 Day Fix Extreme! Lots of options, so DON'T quit fitness and lose the progress we've made thus far!
OK... so that's the questions I've been asked in the last 24 hours, since my email went out. I am pretty much an open book, so if you made it this far and you have other questions, comments or other... I'm here to answer, listen, learn and grow with you. JUST LET ME KNOW!
I have to go be a mom... and help my daughter's Girl Scout troop for their meeting... but this isn't the last you'll hear from me or about this. MWAH... I do love you all dearly, Studio 356 Family... and I couldn't be any more thankful for the support you have all given me, in the past 3 1/2 (or more) years, as well as with this huge decision!
~Dawn
