Rising Stars: Meet Anna Virgo of North Metro Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Virgo.

Hi Anna, 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?
Balanced Kids Atlanta really started from a personal parenting moment back in 2018. After our kids had been riding balance bikes for a couple years, they just hopped on pedal bikes and rode off like it was nothing. We were honestly shocked because we had been bracing ourselves for the usual training wheels, crashes, and tears, and suddenly realized it did not have to be that way. That was our lightbulb moment. We thought more families need to know there is an easier, more positive way to teach kids to ride.

I worked with Alpharetta Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Services for years, so partnering with them to launch the program felt like a natural first step. From there, Balanced Kids Atlanta has grown through a lot of learning and experimenting, refining our curriculum, figuring out scheduling and registration systems, marketing, and constantly tweaking the program so kids have the best experience possible.

Today, Balanced Kids Atlanta is a local, woman-owned business focused on getting more kids on bikes in a fun, supportive environment. We are continuing to grow, with programs now in Alpharetta and Brookhaven, and new locations coming soon to Forsyth County and Marietta as we work to serve more families across metro Atlanta. We are also looking forward to reaching out 2,000 rider this summer!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road, although the kids’ success in the classes has always kept us motivated. The response from families has always been amazing, but one of our biggest challenges has simply been awareness. There is so much noise competing for parents’ attention, and many do not even realize programs like ours exist. Our goal is to make registering for our learn to ride class feel as normal as signing up for swim lessons. Teaching kids to ride really does take a village, and we love being part of that moment when kids gain confidence and independence.

Like most small businesses, we have also had to figure things out as we go, from scheduling and registration systems to marketing strategies and staffing. As we grow, another challenge is making sure we keep the quality and personal feel of our classes while expanding into new communities. Every new location brings logistics to solve, new partnerships to build, and new teams to train. Thankfully, our incredible staff consistently rise to every challenge, adapting along the way while always keeping each child’s experience the top priority.

But each challenge has helped us refine the program and the business. Seeing kids ride independently and watching their confidence grow makes the obstacles along the way feel completely worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What we do at Balanced Kids Atlanta is really special. Yes, at the most basic level we teach kids how to ride a bike, which is an important life skill. But it ends up being about so much more than just riding.

We see kids of all athletic and learning abilities build real confidence as they accomplish something they once thought was impossible. Many parents come to us after trying to teach their child themselves without success, and they are honestly amazed at what their kids can do after just one class. Our Learn to Ride programs have been so successful that we have been able to expand into pop-up events, birthday parties, camps, and afterschool programs, giving kids even more opportunities to build skills and confidence on their bikes in different settings.

A big part of that success comes from our incredible team. Our instructors are patient, playful, and highly trained, creating an environment where kids feel safe to try, fall, laugh, and try again. We focus on encouragement over pressure and progress over perfection, so every rider leaves feeling proud, confident, and excited to get back on their bike.

Unlike traditional competitive sports, where success often feels tied to natural ability or winning, our program focuses on each child’s individual growth and perseverance. Our number one priority is making sure kids are having fun while they learn. Every child leaves with a sense of accomplishment because they have done something they could not do before, all while enjoying the process in a supportive, pressure-free environment. That approach is really at the heart of why Balanced Kids Atlanta continues to grow.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that growth takes patience and a willingness to keep adapting. When we started, I thought if we built a great program, families would automatically find us. But running a business involves constantly learning about marketing, staffing, scheduling, and partnerships, and being willing to adjust when something is not working.

I have also learned how important it is to build the right team and trust them. The experience families have with Balanced Kids Atlanta really comes down to the coaches on the ground, so investing in training and culture has been huge for us.

And honestly, the biggest reminder along the way is why we started in the first place. Every time a child rides independently for the first time or a parent tells us how much more confident their child feels, it reinforces that the challenges are worth it. Staying focused on the impact, not just the logistics of running a business, has been the most important lesson for me.

Pricing:

• 2 hour Learn to Ride Group Class: $90 per child
• 1 hour Private Lesson: $125 per child; $25 per additional
• 3 hour Learn to Ride Camp: $100
• 3 hour Adventure Camp; $60

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.balancedkidsatlanta.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedkidsatlanta/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalancedKidsAtlanta
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/balanced-kids-atlanta-johns-creek?osq=Balanced+Kids+Atlanta