We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brittany Harris. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Brittany, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A common misconception about being an all star cheer gym owner is that we just run a place for kids to tumble and
compete, like a hobby. One of the biggest misconceptions about gym owners is that we make a lot of money just because the sport can seem expensive. In reality, a large portion of what families pay goes straight back into the program. Paying coaches, maintaining safe equipment, covering rent, insurance, competition fees, and keeping the lights on. Most of us do this because we’re passionate about giving athletes a place to grow, not because it’s a big money-maker. In reality, we are running a full business that balances athlete safety, staff training, team development, and family communication, all while creating a positive, disciplined environment for kids to grow. My job as a owner/coach is as much about teaching life skills, teamwork, confidence, resilience as it is about cheerleading.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Brittany Harris, the owner of Total Combustion All-Starz. I started this gym because I believe cheerleading is about so much more than stunts and competitions it’s about building confidence, discipline, teamwork, and resilience in young athletes.
At Total Combustion All-Starz, we focus on creating a safe haven, and supportive environment where every athlete can grow whether they’re just starting or competing at the highest level. What makes us unique is how much we care about the families we serve as a whole not just the athletes and the skills they have to offer. We want our athletes to leave practice feeling stronger, more confident, and proud of themselves.
Right now, we’re working on preparing for our first competition in Galveston, Texas on December 06,2025. Our next community give back will be in November and December when we adopt a family in need for the holidays. Currently we can’t wait to celebrate and share with our athletes and their families during the season kickoff. In the world of cheer we call it a “Show Off”. It’s a very memorable event that happens annually, where we show case our routine for the season.
Here at Total Combustion All-Starz we aren’t just a gym. Were a village, and I’m grateful to be part of my athletes’ lives.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I should be, I was the person who refused to stop trying. I learned early that fear and possibility live next to each other and you only find one by walking through the other. I tried everything to find my purpose in life before establishing my business. Life tried to narrow me down to limited possibilities just to play it safe. I picked a steady job, but still had a dream of something more. The world tried to tell me don’t get too invested your dream of a gym is to much of a liability. Instead I took those worldly thoughts and turned it into drive. My hunger to see the potential of something great developing from just thoughts on paper. Turned into a gym where safety and ambition meet. The business side is really hard at times, but it’s powered by that original drive from little Brittany growing up in Missouri City, Texas. A person who believes small moments of courage can change lives. That’s who I was, and who I still choose to be. I show up everyday to be the best example for my athletes.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of letting people down my family, my athletes, and the families we service. For years, I overworked myself trying to be perfect, thinking that’s what everyone expected. Over time, I learned that showing up authentically even imperfectly, is what inspires others the most. That shift has made me a better leader, coach, and person. It took me a long time to realize that failure isn’t the end. It’s just feedback. Now I teach my athletes that falling is part of flying. Coaching has taught me that failure is actually where the growth starts. Every skill an athlete learns comes with falls, struggles, and setbacks. That’s what makes the success so meaningful.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies our industry tells itself is that we have to win at all costs to be successful. Our moto at TCA is “Trophies don’t define me.” The truth is, building strong, healthy athletes physically and mentally is what creates lasting success. Another lie is that bigger gyms or higher fees always mean better training. Total Combustion All-Starz is a small gym with less than 50 athletes. Unfortunately, because of that families overlook our program. For our gym Culture, safety, and coaching quality matter far more than size or status. I’m a firm believer that God will send the right families to our gym that fit our core values.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to say I created a place where kids grew up learning courage, teamwork, and resilience. I want people to say that those lessons stayed with them long after their cheer days were over. That I didn’t just run a gym, I built a second home where people felt loved, safe, challenged, and supported. Not just a safe haven for athletes but for their parents as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: totalcombustion
