Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Alfia.
Morgan, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It started right after I had my youngest daughter Emma three years ago. I was dealing with all the struggles of having another newborn in a house already full of crazy kids. The sleepless nights and body image issues sprinkled in with a heavy dose of postpartum depression. Before the pregnancy, I had a personal trainer that I would see a few times a week but I never really enjoyed working out. It was something I knew I needed but hated doing. Then I was introduced to indoor cycling at Soul Cycle.
My first class was amazing and gave me everything I wanted in a workout. I was hooked and couldn’t wait to go back. I became an avid indoor cyclist, getting my cycling adrenaline rush as often as I could. Unfortunately, I had to slow down and finally stop as the pregnancy advanced. I couldn’t wait to get back on a bike after little Emma was born.
Before my pregnancy I owned and operated an Allstate insurance agency that I eventually sold to my step-daughter before Emma was born since I knew I couldn’t be involved in the day-to-day stress of running a business and run a household with a new born. When Emma started preschool, I really wanted to get back into the workplace but wanted to do something that I really loved. My husband and I discussed opening a boutique cycle and HIIT studio in North Dallas.
I wanted to open a place that had everything that I wanted when I worked out. I knew that I needed more than just the cardio that indoor cycling provided, so we built a HIIT studio as well. I also wanted variety for other types of workouts that I loved to do every once in a while, so we included Hip-Hop dance, Yoga, Pilates and Strong by Zumba. I never have time to properly re-energize by body after a workout so we built a delicious and healthy smoothie bar. Lastly… and probably the most important for me, was childcare. Before I opened Neon, there were so many times that I could not go to cycle classes because I had Emma with me.
I wanted to provide all these great services for a really affordable price point. I was spending almost $500 a month going to Soul, Barry’s, and some Yoga places. Not to mention the other ancillary charges like shoe rental, mat rental etc. At Neon, we have unlimited cycle and strength for as little as $99 per month and that includes EVERYTHING. Child care is only $5 per class. I love that Neon is changing so many lives the way it did for me. Our cycling classes are oftentimes so spiritual and uplifting that it’s not uncommon to see people actually crying after a ride. The feelings are so overwhelming!
Has it been a smooth road?
We have faced a lot of struggles. We went way, way over budget. My husband Adam and I came into the fitness industry with almost no experience. We have learned so much. My husband owns and operates 14 businesses and he always jokes (not really) about how hard the fitness industry is.
Neon Cycle + Strength – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a rhythm-based cycle studio with HITT training classes and so much more. We now offer Pilates, Yoga, Strong by Zumba and Hip-Hop dance. Our Neon family is growing so fast and we try really hard to make everyone feel welcome and part of our tribe regardless of their fitness level and goals. Our facility also has full shower facilities, childcare and a smoothie bar.
What really sets us apart is that I am doing this because this is what I love to do. If you take care of people and provide services that are the best in the industry, success will always be a byproduct. I just love seeing the smiles of all the people when they leave our classes.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Our city is great for this type of business. Boutique fitness is on the rise and the big box gyms are on the decline. There are so many great people in Plano and Frisco and we get to meet more and more every day!
Pricing:
- $129 all in unlimited membership (Includes all classes)
- $99 unlimited cycle + strength classes
Contact Info:
- Address: 5580 TX-121 #200
Plano TX 75024
Next to the Container Store - Website: neonstrong.com
- Phone: (469) 362-5505
- Email: info@neonstrong.com
Image Credit:
Whitney Krenek
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