Today we’d like to introduce you to Sami R.
Hi Sami, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Oklahoma and started a remote position. As a mom, I was looking for something to keep me physically active and in a community environment. After dropping my daughter off at school, I took a different way home and drove by a sign: Jazzercise. I have a dance background and immediately hoped this could possibly be what I was looking for! I attended a class, was a bit overwhelmed, but continued to go. Then I moved to San Antonio. Again, I was dropping my daughter off at school and already started looking for Jazzercise. I found it!! I attended a class and immediately fell in love with the instructor, fellow members, and the community! The instructor, who happened to be the owner, asked after class if I was an instructor. Ha! Ha! No, I was not. She quickly remarked, “Well you should be!” A couple years later, and after the owner repeatedly asking me, I began training to be an instructor…during COVID! I completed my training, was certified as an instructor, and immediately began teaching 5-7 times per week. The owner asked me to co-teach a couple of social and community events, and asked, “Would you like to take over as owner?” Ha! Ha! No, I would not. She quickly remarked, “Well you should!” Two years later, the studio was unable to renew its lease, and the owner officially retired. Many members and other instructors were faced with the choice of quitting, hoping for space at another stuio, or finding an alternative. We adored our owner and Jazzercise was an intergral part of our lives. I wasn’t ready to lose Jazzercise. In October 2023, with the retiring owner’s help, I took on owing as a satellite center, renting space at another local Dance Fitness studio on Lockhill Selma Road. I began working with commerial real estate agents to find our own new home. One weekend, the agent called to say a fellow agent just posted a listing. The location was smaller than I wanted, but right down the road, and in the price range. The next day paperwork was being signed, and March 2024 our Lockhill Selma studio was born!!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Becoming an instructor during COVID was a technical challenge. Training was completed by video submission, Zoom calls, and emails. Compared to previous training cycles, the cons of technical challenges, gave way to pros of remote capabilities and schedule conveniences. Taking on the responsibility and financial uncertainty of ownership was scary and nerve-wrecking. The retired owner would offer advice or simply just listen. And her being there to encourage me always renewed and grounded my energy and excitement of building the Lockhill Selma studio into something a little bigger and more engaged with the community. The satellite location and the current location did not have a stage or audio equipment. I am not a carpentar or audio tech, but I learned and received help from true friends along the way. I am not on social media, personally, nor have any marketing skills. I quickly needed to learn the basics and find ways to not only market but engage with the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Jazzercise is a passion, an outlet, a fitness journey, but most importantly a safe and uplifting community. As an owner, I struggle with finding all the necessary time to manage, market, and engage with the community while also teaching, and being the best parent for my daughter. While I wish Jazzercise was my fulltime occupation, I do however, maintain full-time professional employment with a contracting company. I love that Jazzercise is a platform that has enabled me to show my daughter that life is truly what you make it, and it’s about being the best version of yourself by giving and supporting others. Even though I have the title of owner, it’s a team effort. I cannot do this without our amazing group of instructors. And we would have no reason or happiness to teach without our loyal and energetic members!
What matters most to you?
Being the best mother and role model I can be to my daughter. Life has ups and downs, celebrations and struggles. And seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, reassuring her when she is sad or frustrated, makes each day worth living. And having Jazzercise and the instructors and members has an extension of that care and support makes each day fun!
Pricing:
- $104/monthly unlimited
- $99/12 classes monthly
- $89/8 classes monthly
- $69/4 classes monthly
- $59/2-week trial
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jazzercise.com/studio/tx/san-antonio-lockhill-selma
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jazzerciselockhilllselma/
- Other: https://classpass.com/studios/jazzercise–lockhill-selma-san-antonio
