Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Flores.
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 a professional dancer for many years. My career started as a dancer with Walt Disney World in Orlando, I went on to dance with Hubbard Street Dance 2nd Company, then on to Los Angeles where I did numerous movies, commercials and live shows. My ballet training was an asset as I pursued a career in salsa dancing that took me performing all over the world. I was also the purple Fanta girl fro Coca-Cola’s Fanta campaign for 6 years.
Living in Los Angeles, I was always working out along with my dance training. You have to be ready for ANY costume! I decided to use my free time to become certified in Classical Pilates under Romana’s Pilates New York. I thought that as I became older, I would be a dance and Pilates instructor.
My husband was living in Texas before we were married. In fact, we were re-connected 12 years after high school when he saw my Fanta commercial run continuously during the World Cup. He always knew I wanted to become a dancer and contacted me to congratulate. We began dating and were married in 2008. I decided that living in LA was not something I wanted to do long-term, so we decided that Dallas would be a great city to start our life. His medical license was in Texas and I felt that Dallas had commercial agencies I could work with and plenty of Pilates and dance studios.
I started teaching barre at Equinox gym in 2010. I realized that although, I love Pilates, I love the active movement of teaching an athletic barre class. I quickly grew my following. I wanted my class to mimic the same feeling I had dancing. I was sweaty and had worked every part of my body. I did not feel that most barre classes offered that. I decided to make my class athletic but easy enough for anyone to follow. Barre was just getting started at that time, so took a lot of time figuring out what clients would want at Equinox. Eight years later, my classes are attended my 25 women 6 classes/week. I am so happy with the success of my method!
My Lakewood Studio was born when we bought our home in 2011. It has a guest suite above that garage that I decided to make into a dance studio for myself. I just happened to tell one mom who had kids at St. John’s School and the rest is history. She brought her friends and my studio was in business! It has expanded to many women in my neighborhood that love that they can walk to my studio and that my class has an athletic edge. I want my clients to get everything they need in one hour or less. Most barre classes require extra cardio. Not Elite Endurance Barre! We burn the calories as well as tone every inch.
My studio is boutique, fits 8 max. It is a more “private” experience than what I deliver at Equinox and my clients love that. Everyone knows each other and I can really be hands on with my clients. I also teach private dance lessons to adults and kids. I am so fortunate that between Equinox and my home studio I have had the time to work on an effective barre method.
My class was named Elite Endurance Barre last summer, when I decided to expand my teaching to an online platform. After my second daughter was born, many clients asked for online workouts. I flew my director friend into Dallas from LA and I started my videos! Now, clients have the opportunity to not only take my live classes but take their classes anytime/anywhere from any device! I love shooting videos and using my REAL clients. The videos have been great for clients who travel, have babies at home or have moved away. My client base keeps growing! I have composed my online workouts to include short 10 minute videos as well as longer 20, 30 minute and full classes. The videos are the exact choreography that I am teaching in love classes. I have even included and mommy and me series.
Between keeping up my online videos, my home studio and all the classes and events that I teach at Equinox, I am very busy! I would not want it any other way! I feel that teaching dance inspired movement brings out my best self and I love that I am a positive influence on my daughters. I what them to always take care of their bodies with exercise and doing things that make them happy. Seeing how happy my business makes me is good for them to see and they notice how much people like my classes. When I can, I have them in my home studio watching me teach.
Has it been a smooth road?
With any business that provides a service, there are ups and downs! If my home studio is in a week or two of low attendance, I take the time to focus on new choreography.
The main obstacle for me is getting my name out in Lakewood. Most people cannot imagine a home studio delivering what a store front studio can but once they get here, it is clear! Since starting my business, I am a huge supporter of small businesses in Dallas. So many people have great services, it’s just getting your name out to the right people. I meet so many women who live within walking distance from me and once they start they are hooked.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Elite Endurance Barre – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Elite Endurance Barre offers a unique cardio barre experience. You not only tone the small muscle groups but get into the caloric “cardio” zone. I have had people read their heart rate monitor that states they burned almost 400 calories in my class. That is a lot for barre.
I also focus on the mental health aspect. Learning very short 16 count sequences improves memory needed to keep the mind healthy as we age. I also focus on my cross training clients who need to balance their routine with barre. For clients who run and/or do heavy weights, my barre class in injury prevention. The stretching and lengthening in my class keeps them limber and injury free.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that Dallas loves to be healthy. Coming from LA, I need to be in a city where organic food is accessible and people take pride in their health.
I do not like Dallas traffic! I think it has gotten worse over the past 3 years!
Pricing:
- I charge $15 per class in my home studio. I want classes to be easily accessible to come 1-2x per week to see the best results
- My online subscription is $22 monthly or you get a discount for subscribing for 3/6/ or annually.
Contact Info:
- Website: monicaflores.com
- Phone: 818.472.0839
- Email: monicaflores@yahoo.com
Image Credit:
Beau Bumpass Photography
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