Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Inglese.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been into health and fitness for most of my life. As a chubby kid, I always had to eat right and exercise to avoid being teased. I’ve also always loved people and as a kid always wanted to be with my friends and frequently got in trouble for talking during class.
In college at UGA, I majored in Spanish Education. I ended up getting a master’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture while living abroad in Salamanca, Spain. I taught in the classroom for eight years. As a broke teacher, I taught group fitness classes to earn extra money.
In 2011, my daughter, Lila, was born and I was fortunate enough to stay home and be her mom full time. In 2013, I had my son, Leo.
In 2017, I partnered with a network marketing nutrition company called Isagenix and it reinvigorated me in the health and wellness industry. I was having an amazing product experience but very hesitant to share with others for fear of rejection. My team encouraged me to dig deep and step outside of my comfort zone. Through a series of ups and downs, wins, and losses, I became an expert at networking and connecting with others. I also had begun to build a wellness brand on social media.
In April 2018, while on the beach in Aruba I was talking girl talk with my friend, Niki, who lives in Dallas. She casually mentioned a place near her called HOTWORX where she works out. She described the concept and it sounded exactly like the type of fitness studio I would love to join. I’ve been doing yoga for 23 years and was frustrated with the lack of options in my area, costly memberships, and 90 minutes, time-consuming classes.
I googled the business to see where there may be a location near me and there wasn’t one. Out of curiosity I clicked on the “franchise now” button and read through the info. As a Smyrna resident of eight years, I was very familiar with the needs in the area and immediately shared the information with my husband, Tony. Tony has a great deal of business experience and we make an amazing team with complementary skills. I was sold right away but he was more hesitant. I’m so glad he believed in me enough to dive in.
We opened in March 2019 and are already to a top-performing studio in GA (there are currently eight and growing). We are also the 6th place studio nationwide out of 80 studios.
In August at the HOTWORX convention, we were awarded three awards; 500 member club, Rookie Franchisees of the year, and Brand Ambassador.
Our studio and out workouts are unique with the 24-hour access and infrared heat but the reason our members keep coming back and bringing their friends is the VIP experience.
We have a warm and friendly environment and we pride ourselves not just on hospitality but on three main concepts; creating community, engaging our members, and providing value.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ha! No! Anything worthwhile is going to be scary and difficult. We had some scary financing issues in the beginning. My kids struggled in the beginning with me working more. I had been home for eight years and although they still get a lot of time with me, it was an adjustment. My daughter ended up in counseling for a short period of time. They are so proud of us now and I love showing them the value of hard work, determination, and grit. I take interpersonal relationships with others very seriously so the roller coaster of members in and out (although normal in this industry) had been an adjustment as well.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
HOTWORX is a 24-hour infrared fitness studio. We feature eight infrared saunas and 10 sessions. Our HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions include cycle and row and are 15 minutes. We also have what’s called Isometric sessions like yoga, pilates, barre, hot buns, hot bands, and warrior which are 30 minutes. The best part is that the sessions are virtually instructed so they are literally offered every 15-45 minutes all day and all night.
Our saunas are infrared which promotes many benefits including detox, increased calorie burn, reduced inflammation, boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and more.
Our 24-hour access, infrared saunas, and virtual instruction set us apart from any other boutique fitness studio or gym.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Smyrna is very open and encouraging to small businesses. We also have an amazing wellness community of like-minded business owners like Cryo Club and Kale me Crazy. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Smyrna Business Association and am the proud VP in 2020.
Pricing:
- First session is FREE
- $59/month for unlimited 24-hour access
- $20 day pass
Contact Info:
- Address: 4624 Camp Highland Road Ste 100 Smyrna, GA 30082
- Website: https://hotworx.net/studio/smyrna-southcobb/
- Phone: 678-293-5468
- Email: ashley.inglese@hotworx.net
- Instagram: @hotworxsmyrnasouthcobb
- Facebook: @hotworxsmyrnasouthcobb
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