Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Finklea.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Kaia Fit started out of the Tahoe area. Our founder, Nikki Warren, simply wanted to solve the problem she noticed with the moms in her community; their kids were so active and therefore happy, but the moms were sedentary and not as happy. So Nikki created Kaia as a way for women to find strength and joy in moving their bodies, and that power then was carried into all areas of their lives; careers, relationships, activities! Women need a place to be together where we are supported and loved on by other women who have the same goals and desires; to lead a healthier and happier life! We were not meant to be alone and at Kaia we lift each other up so we are all successful. Kaia Fit quickly became infectious and grew into a place for every woman to find her tribe, regardless of age or background.
I found Kaia Fit when my husband was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. We had been living there a few years and I had bounced around a variety of fitness programs and gyms on the island. Kaia however was different, and my life was to be forever changed. Many places offer a great workout and even some go into nutrition too. But the genuine energy and love at Kaia was like nothing I had ever experienced. These women truly were a welcoming and loving community who cared about me like they had known me for years! They made me not only want to become the best version of myself, but I realized how much joy there was in helping the girl next to me do the same thing. Before Kaia, I had put so many limitation on myself. The other women made me brave and suddenly I was like, “I can run! I can lift! I can do a push up!” I learned how to have a healthy lifestyle that could be maintained for the rest of my years.
My background from college is in Exercise Science and I added certifications in personal training and nutrition. After only a few months at Kaia, I began coaching and knew that helping women, through Kaia, was my passion! Later on when my husband received orders to the mainland, I was devastated. Leaving Hawaii was hard, but leaving Kaia was unbearable (can you believe I am talking about a gym?!). But I knew this wouldn’t be the end. I had to wait a few years (when I did personal training on base in Montana), but after my husband’s active duty was complete, we moved to Dallas for the purpose of bringing Kaia to a new state! And Wow!! What a success and incredible journey it has been. Moving to a new city was a risk and it was tough, but the women at Kaia have become family! They are my heart and there is nowhere else I would rather be than with them; sweating it out hard together at the gym.
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?
Kaia Fit Owners are unique in that we start our gyms after first being Kaia Girls ourselves. Our lives were changed so deeply, that we want to dedicate ourselves to bringing that light to other women. That means we aren’t coming into our gyms with the same resources as other fitness centers have. Our beginning is humble, but a Kaia Girl can do anything! We put every penny we have into our passion and start from scratch. That can be very hard, but beyond worth it.
Since Kaia is a new name here in Texas, our largest challenge on this journey has been spreading the word about who we are and what we offer. People can be uncertain of things that they have not heard of before, but once they come in for their first free workout, they always wish they had found out about us sooner!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kaia Fit North Dallas – what should we know?
Kaia Fit is built for women, by women. We offer group training, but in a very personalized atmosphere. We are not just another exercise program: Kaia is a sport in which every woman is an athlete and every woman makes the team. Whether you’re a long-time fitness enthusiast or new to movement, we coach systematic and achievable progressions, and guide you to set goals that lead you to your true potential.
Nutrition is a key component of our program. We focus on KISS [Keep It Simple Sister] and encourage you to get back to the foundation of whole-foods nutrition through monthly challenges, educational webinars, meal guides, recipe books, shopping lists, and weekly tips.
We are a community. We not only bond in the gym, but we get out every month for events. From lake retreats to kayaking to cooking classes to dinner parties.
Kaia means fighting for a beautiful life. And that is exactly what we are doing!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Love.
When you truly love someone or something, everything else follows. You change your behavior in response to that love. You are willing to sacrifice, be patient, find determination and courage, get creative, protect it, and care for it as it grows.
I love Kaia because I love empowering women. It isn’t about going into business thinking of your success. It is about, “What can I do to give these women what they need? How can myself and the other coaches be of service?” The success will follow.
Contact Info:
- Address: Spring Valley Business Center4474 Spring Valley Rd
Farmers Branch, TX 75244 - Website: www.kaiafitdallas.com
- Phone: 972-884-0973
- Email: info@kaiafitnorthdallas.com
- Instagram: @kaia_fit_north_dallas
- Facebook: Kaia Fit North Dallas
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kaia-fit-north-dallas-farmers-branch
Image Credit:
Stephanie Drenka and Jocelyn Gordon
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