Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Fishburn
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Journey to Becoming the Owner of DEFINE Oakley
While DEFINE Oakley has been a pillar in the community for the past 10 years, I’m actually the third owner of the studio. Interestingly, two of the three previous owners are still with us as instructors, having chosen to step away from ownership to focus on their families as their children grew. My introduction to DEFINE came during a time in my life when I felt unmotivated, out of shape, and unable to find any form of exercise I could stick with. I had been a high school gymnast and was so used to having structured workouts planned for me that, once that chapter ended, I struggled to motivate myself to stay active. I even joke that I didn’t work out a single day during my college years (yikes!).
After graduating, I went through phases of attempting to stay fit, mostly using the elliptical at my apartment complex. But, without a solid plan or motivation, I couldn’t maintain a consistent routine. That all changed when my friend, McKenzie, encouraged me to come to a class with her in the spring of 2021. DEFINE was celebrating its 7th anniversary at the time and offering a 7-class pack. I figured, “I can do anything seven times,” so I signed up. By the fifth class, I was hooked! I had never experienced anything like the energy and excitement of a Bounce class. It was fun—something I had never associated with exercise before. DEFINE quickly became a part of my daily routine, and soon enough, my days felt incomplete if I didn’t start them with one of the 6 a.m. classes.
In the fall of 2022, the then-owner, Anne, announced that she was looking to sell the studio. My heart sank when I heard the news. DEFINE had become such a significant part of my life, not just for my physical well-being, but also for my mental health. The thought of it changing in any way was hard to accept. That’s when I realized that if I wanted to preserve everything I loved about DEFINE, I needed to explore the possibility of taking over ownership. After some major thought, support of my husband and trust in my instincts, we decided to take the plunge. Incredibly, it all worked out, and just six weeks later, I had the keys to the studio in my hand!
The past two years have been a wild ride, but I’m so glad I followed my gut and dove into entrepreneurship. About nine months into owning DEFINE, I made the decision to leave my full-time job in corporate brand management so I could fully focus on growing the studio and ensuring it thrives for years to come. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. I feel incredibly grateful to be running my “Happy Place” and to witness the positive transformations in our members’ lives every day. DEFINE is more than just a fitness studio—it’s a vibrant community, and I’m honored to be part of its continued growth.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Not exactly. I often describe it more like a rollercoaster, mostly because there’s been so much learning along the way. Nearly everything about owning a studio was (and sometimes still is) new to me, and I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes. But I’m incredibly fortunate to have the best team by my side. Many of our instructors have been with DEFINE for over eight years, and a few have even been here for all ten. They are truly the MVPs. In the beginning, they helped me get up to speed with the ins and outs of the studio, and more importantly, they bring our classes to life in a way that keeps our members coming back week after week, year after year. Thanks to their dedication and passion, the transition of ownership had almost no impact on our members’ experience, which was a top priority for us.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is technology—it’s always something! One day the microphones decide to stop working (usually right before I’m heading out of town), and the next, the website crashes or the app disconnects. But I type all of this with a smile because I’ve learned to roll with the punches. These little surprises have become part of the journey, and I’ve come to expect the unexpected “joys” of ownership.
As you know, we’re big fans of DEFINE Oakley. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
DEFINE Oakley is more than just a fitness studio—we’re a community dedicated to holistic well-being. We specialize in offering dynamic fitness experiences through three core classes: Cycle, Barre, and our unique Bounce method. Each of these offerings is designed to build strength, balance, and flexibility while also enhancing mental and emotional resilience. What sets us apart is our emphasis on both purposeful movement and personal growth. Our goal is to support each individual in discovering their potential and pushing beyond perceived limits.
We are known for creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone—no matter where they are on their wellness journey—feels supported. One of the key features that distinguishes DEFINE Oakley is our focus on the whole person, not just the physical body. We understand that well-being is multidimensional, and we strive to foster mental clarity, emotional resilience, and community connection alongside fitness.
We’re most proud of the community we’ve built. Our studio is a place where friendships are formed, encouragement is shared, and personal milestones are celebrated. We offer childcare services and a retail boutique, making wellness convenient and accessible to our members. Additionally, our Bounce class method is a signature offering that brings a fun, energy-packed experience that’s unique to DEFINE Oakley. We hope to inspire a ripple effect of positive transformation that starts in our studio and extends into the broader community.
In short, DEFINE Oakley provides more than a workout—we provide a place for transformation, connection, and lasting wellness.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that I can’t do it “all” alone. I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing DEFINE team we have, our social media agency, other studio owners who generously share their insights, and the unwavering support of my friends and family. I often say to many of these people, “I can’t do it, and I don’t want to do it without you!” It’s a collective effort, and the strength of our community has been key to overcoming challenges and continuing to grow. Learning to lean on others, seek new/different ideas and work together has made all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://defineoakley.com/
- Instagram: @defineoakley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakleydefine
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/define-oakley-cincinnati
