Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquelyn Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started pole dancing six years ago after bouncing from the gym, to personal training, to kickboxing, to long distance running. I loved working my body in different ways, but I found that none of these forms of working out really fully appealed to me. A friend told me that she was going to start pole dancing and I refused to begin with her because I felt that it wasn’t a real workout and couldn’t possibly be as effective as the other workouts I’d done. Fast forward six months and she was flying around the pole like a seasoned dancer. I couldn’t believe how much upper body strength she gained in such a short amount of time and her results were phenomenal. I started taking classes right away. I immediately began seeing results in my arms, back and core, but the increase in confidence and self-image is what kept me coming back. I began traveling for pole conventions, teaching and learning as much as I could about the pole fitness industry. Four years later, I began teaching. I loved teaching and helping women gain the confidence to know that they were truly capable of anything in the pole studio and beyond!
Six years into my journey; in November 2017, I lost my teaching job as an instructor and was devastated. I felt that I lost my community and purpose. After much encouragement from clients and awesome friends, and the support of my loving husband, I decided to open a studio in my own community of Gwinnett County, GA; a northeastern suburb of Atlanta. Spice opened in July 2018. Since opening, the studio has grown tremendously. The studio was voted one of the best health clubs and personal training facilities by the Gwinnett Magazine in 2018 after being open for only seven months.
The ride has had its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love seeing the ladies come in and see results but the best part is literally seeing them glow with confidence. After a few pole classes, their whole “swag” changes. It an awesome sport and a great way to shake the self-image issues that plague many women all over the world.
I’ve finally found my passion and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads me next.
Has it been a smooth road?
No!
I’m a new business owner. I have a slight advantage over some because I have a Masters in Accounting, from Clark Atlanta University (C-AAAAA!!!); however, the amount of details that go into opening and operating a premium service business is something you can’t learn in school. I learned by doing. I made mistakes along the way, but literally, by the grace of God, I kept my sanity and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.
The studio is absolutely beautiful and although not 100-percent perfect, we have maintained our status as the premiere pole dance studio in Gwinnett County since opening less than one year ago.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Spice’s motto is “Spice Up Your Workout”, and that’s exactly what we do. We want women to come in and build confidence through sensual dance, but we also want them to burn some calories and see results. I’m so proud when I see women come off the street who have never touched a pole before within a few months climbing the pole or executing tricks that I know they weren’t capable of just a few months before. I love hearing ladies proclaiming after one class “Wow I burned almost 600 calories” to which I tell them wasn’t that way more fun than running on a treadmill!
Spice has a wonderful team of experienced, and passionate instructors. Collectively our team of 10 has more than 20 years of experience pole dancing. Our instructors LOVE pole dance and are consistently looking for ways to enhance their skills. This I would say is our greatest asset and creates a premium experience for our students.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The short answer is yes. However, I feel that in order to thrive in the Gwinnett County community you have to live and be apart of the community. Someone that didn’t live in Gwinnett may not understand that it’s not your typical family oriented, conservative community that a lot of people think. There are many young people, and cool things to do in Gwinnett County, and if you know how to tap into the right demographic, you can thrive.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2148 Duluth Highway; Suite 106, Duluth, GA 30097
- Website: spicepolefitness.com
- Phone: (770)744-0479
- Email: info@spicepolefitness.com
- Instagram: thespicepolefitness
- Facebook: Spice Pole & Aerial Fitness
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/spice-pole-and-aerial-fitness-duluth
Image Credit:
Ocular Imagery
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