Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Muñoz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I fell in love with dance and performance at a young age. I was introduced to fitness a little later in life- at 26 and a three year veteran as a Houston Texans Cheerleader. Lotus Studios was created in 2014 after a life-altering event left me wondering about my future. I began training a few close friends and family members sporadically before returning to a full-time job. Throughout the last five years, while working full-time, I slowly but surely kept growing my side business. In June 2018, I became a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). I began gaining more clients (one-on-one and remote), teaching at Sweat 1000 in the Heights and training the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, all while continuing to work full-time. A few months ago, during my morning drive, I realized just how exhausted I was making myself. I was not giving my job nor my clients and business 100% – I knew I had to let something go. There was no way I could envision my life free from training, dancing, and coaching. After a couple of months and endless prayers, I made the leap to focus full-time on my dream of changing lives through fitness and dance.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am extremely grateful for clients that have stuck with me over the last year. Clearly, the desire for more clients is always apparent; however, I do believe that the right business relationships will continue to arise. One challenge I have found is my level of confidence. On one hand, I know I am knowledgable and good at what I do, but, on the other, I feel so new and apprehensive in this world of fitness/dance entrepreneurship. I know that this is a struggle that does not discriminate. We must constantly remind ourselves that we belong and that we are each equipped with what we need to fulfill our dreams.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Lotus Studios specializes in personal and small group training, remote training, dance lessons, and pro-cheer audition preparation.
Our motto is “Come as You Are”, which was inspired by the feeling of inadequacy that can arise sometimes from big box gyms or fancy studios. The goal is to create an atmosphere of inclusion whether a client is in her new lululemon gear or her favorite old t-shirt from 2009.
Lotus Studios focus on functional and cross training. Form over everything. I take into consideration a client’s job, sleep, eating habits, et cetera and create a workout program that aligns with their goals and lifestyle. The goal is to incorporate fitness and wellness longterm for the client- not to simply meet a “goal weight” and return to unhealthy habits. We want to keep workouts challenging and always include a cool-down stretch.
Dance lessons range from choreography for quinceaneras, weddings to just for fun. Dancing is an amazing way to move the body and sweat without lifting a weight or doing a push-up. I train clients of all ages – from eight to eighty!
Pro-cheer audition preparation can include dance and personal training. I will guide you through the entire tryout process – from audition outfits, photos, and insider tips to secure that you bring the best package on audition day.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I loved making people smile and being on camera (home recorders, haha). I enjoyed reading (The Baby-Sitters Club), going to the movies, learning about space and dancing. I was a good student, polite, empathetic (sometimes a little too sensitive), yet vivacious.
Pricing:
- Personal Training Session (at Lotus Studios)- $65
- Personal Dance Training Session (at Lotus Studios)- $65
- Personal Training Session – $90 (costs are for sessions at a client’s home)
- Personal Dance Training Session – $90 (costs are for sessions at a client’s home)
Contact Info:
- Address: 2722 Broad Street
Houston, TX 77087 - Website: www.lotusstudioshtx.com
- Phone: 832-444-4710
- Email: vanessa@lotusstudioshtx.com
- Instagram: lotusstudioshtx
- Facebook: fb.me/lotusstudioshtx
Image Credit:
Quy Ngo
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