Today we’d like to introduce you to Justine Vandenbrink.
Hi Justine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2018, I decided to leave a successful career in the oil & gas industry to start my own Lagree studio. I had fallen in love with the Lagree Method several years prior and wanted to not only share it with more people but also create a brand that focused on performance optimization. Lagree is often highlighted as being a really challenging workout (which it is), but what’s often overlooked is how effective it is for strength training and injury prevention. I have so many clients with various athletic endeavors including triathletes, golfers, kite surfers, tennis players, and more, and every single one comments on how Lagree enables them to perform better in their sport or hobby. So while Lagree is a great workout, I like to look at it as a workout that allows you to do more of what you love and do it better.
I started the business with nothing but the savings in my bank account, the emotional support of my family, and a passion for Lagree. It’s been a tough road leading up to today, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I had a lot to learn about owning and running a business, leading and managing a team, and marketing in the era of social media, but my struggles taught me so much about what it means to truly be an entrepreneur.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all! Founding the FYRE brand and opening the studio was my first jump into entrepreneurship and while the early days of building the business from scratch were incredibly exciting (creating things is so much fun), over time I experienced a lot of challenges – the COVID pandemic among them. The learning curve was huge and it was definitely scary trying to figure things out on my own. I remember being in those difficult moments and just wanting them to be over as soon as possible. However, as I come upon FYRE’s 4 year anniversary, I look back and realize that all those experiences had to happen in order for me to grow and become better as an entrepreneur and business owner. I can’t even begin to describe how much invaluable knowledge I’ve gained over the last few years.
My mission has always been to serve others and while FYRE is still my primary focus, I’m now working on developing ways to help aspiring and existing studio owners start and grow their own businesses. I’ve experienced all the struggles and if I can help even one person fast-track their way to success then I would say I’m fulfilling my true purpose.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
FYRE FITNESS is a Lagree + VersaClimber studio and we are known for being the only studio in Houston that offers HIIT-style classes combining Megaformer with cardio intervals on the VersaClimber. We call these classes LIIT, which stands for Lagree Intensity Interval Training. LIIT is that extra level-up from our traditional Megaformer 45 classes.
While the addition of VersaClimber sets us apart from other Lagree studios, our focus on wellness and recovery is another big differentiator. Earlier this year, we got the opportunity to partner with recovery technology company Hyperice and we added a full suite of tools to our new Recovery Room. Members now have access to Hypervolt percussion therapy, Vyper foam rollers, and Normatec hip and leg compression. It’s the perfect complement to Lagree and aids in relieving common post-workout soreness. We recently added a Sunlighten Infrared Sauna to our Recovery Room as well and I can’t say enough amazing things about Infrared. I’m not going to lie, I was skeptical at first, but after consistently using the sauna a few times a week, the results were undeniable. The list of benefits is endless, but I could tell after just a week that the increase in metabolism was real. The Infrared Sauna is an absolute game changer!
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is well, our brand! I love our brand, its consistency, and everything it stands for. FYRE is about doing what you love more and doing it better. We’re about helping people to be and perform their best, whether that’s in an athletic realm or just in life in general. The better we are physically and the better we feel, the more we are able to go out into the world and be there for others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t think luck has played a role in my life and business, but I am more confident than ever that God is running the show. When I’m in a season where things are going well, I thank God for putting me in that position and bringing everything together at the right time and place. When I’m in a season of struggle, I’ve learned to remain calm and remember that this season has a purpose. There’s a reason I need to experience that particular challenge at that particular time. I know I’ll come out on the other end in one piece, so I just have to keep pushing forward. It gets uncomfortable sometimes (growth usually is a little painful), but I know there’s something amazing on the other side. I’m getting better at viewing seasons of struggle as seasons of opportunity. Those times are when I get pushed to be more innovative, I’m forced to find creative solutions.
Pricing:
- 1st Month Unlimited – $150
- New Client 2 Week Unlimited – $69
- New Client 3 Pack – $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fyrefitlagree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyrefitlagree/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fyrefitlagree/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDNDlkt-44omR-VIk84mew
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fyre-fitness-houston-3
Image Credits
Images taken by Logan Miller (IG: @millerprimephoto)
