Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Bustle.
Hi Liz, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
When I decided to pursue dance and performing as a career rather than just a hobby, I assumed the need for a “side hustle” as many performers do. Fitness seemed like the obvious choice, I loved to move, I wanted to help others find a form of exercise that they actually enjoyed, and it was a terrific way to network with other artists who were living, teaching, and working in Los Angeles alongside me. I worked as a dancer between LA and NYC in my 20s while teaching barre, dance cardio, and trampoline cardio before the spring of 2020 when, well, you know.
Moving to Columbus came with plenty of metaphorical baggage. Leaving behind a career in the arts felt like a giant sinkhole had formed in my identity. Sure, I could still be involved in the fitness scene (which is, thankfully, pretty buzzy in Cbus) but what would that look like 5 or 10 years from now? Eventually, the idea for Studio Glow was born.
I missed teaching workouts that had meant so much to me and had changed me from the inside, and out. So, a big ol’ leap of faith lead me to open up one of the few non-franchised barres, dance cardio, and trampoline cardio studios in the city in August. A few months down and I’ve learned a ton, and this is only the beginning…
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has been quite smooth and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that! There are so many people to thank, primarily my parents and family, financial supporters, friends and clients, and the beautiful community of Worthington which is constantly supporting their small businesses.
Did I know the fitness side of things: the science behind the method, how to craft a challenging class for varying levels of experience, how to set up a workable schedule, etc. but the business side? Let’s just say we didn’t even know what we didn’t know. Thankfully there were and continue to be people willing to help me craft a space where people can come as they are and get an effective workout with a team working smoothly and cooperatively behind the scenes.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Once a dancer, always a dancer! When that was my main gig I was all over the place from dancing on stage with a contemporary company, in commercials and on tv, and in musicals! My schedule was different every day and changed at the drop of a hat. I was choreographing for red-carpeted fashion shows, award shows, dance films, and television, and likely taking a lot of it for granted. Maybe I’m wearing rose-colored glasses looking back at the past several years, but I’m so proud of the hard work that’s led me here and I wouldn’t change any of it.
Now, I’m creating more than I ever have! From each routine or sequence performed in class to every detail of the physical studio space, I love having agency over what I put out into the world in a way that I haven’t experienced before. I created my barre method based on my dance training, everything I’ve learned while teaching and taking classes around the country, and the science gleaned from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. The same goes for dance and trampoline cardio! I’m grateful to have so many spaces and places to pull knowledge from while continuing to codify the Studio Glow Method!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking, even typing out the word, gives me anxiety. I would so much rather do my own work and let it speak for itself but, as I’ve come to learn the hard way, that’s not how it works. Thankfully, the circles that I naturally find myself in include lots of kind extroverts that see what I have to offer and we often scratch each other’s backs, so to speak. I would encourage anyone in any field to avoid the people that you get an icky feeling about (your gut usually senses this) and find that kind, trusty soul and do right by them. Don’t be afraid to ask!! (Ahem, ladies!!)
I’ve been taking advantage of the wonderful, terrible beast that is social media and paid attention to the trends and how the studio’s brand can best be served on each platform. The Brand is another entity that can be a little scary, but switching your mindset to think of solidifying your brand into creating a work of art might make the process kind of fun! You get to look at all the possible fonts, color schemes, vibes, etc., and see what lights you up! Don’t rush it. And again, don’t be afraid to ask for help!!
Pricing:
- Drop-in class: $22
- First class: $10
- 5-pack: $85
- 10-pack: $165
- Monthly Unlimited Membership: $149/mo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studioglowfitness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioglowcbus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioGlowCbus
Image Credits
Jennifer Zmuda Photography
