Nestled away in a shopping mall off the intercostal, there lies a boutique studio focused on offering a fusion of unique fitness and wellness classes to it’s tight knit community. We caught up with entrepreneur and Pulse163 owner Melissa Grosfeld at her studio to get an inside scoop of her concept and vision for the studio and its clientele.
- Are you a Miami native?
No. I’m originally from Philadelphia. I moved to Miami 25 years ago. I met someone who was from Miami in Aspen, Colorado that I started to date and ultimately married him, and that’s what brought me here.
- Do you have a fitness background?
I do hold several Barre certifications, but much prefer to be a client while at my Barre studio.
- What was it that sparked the idea for you to open Pulse163 and at it’s current location?
I was showing this space as a realtor to a Barre franchise. At that time, I was working out regularly at Barre studios and loving it. After showing the property to the franchise, I went home to my husband and told him I wanted to open up a Barre studio. Pulse163 was created shortly after that at the space I was initially showing to potential clients.
- Were you discouraged at all by your own fears or other people’s opinion about this business venture, especially considering you were not a fitness professional yourself?
The fear of failure was huge before I opened but I surrounded myself with such amazing talent and it diffused the emphasis on me. I truly believe when you do this kind of venture, you become successful with the team you co-create and collaborate with.
- What type of space have you been working on creating at Pulse163? What is it you want your clientele to feel when they come into the studio?
It’s a concierge vibe, but not pretentious. The setting is comfortable and my staff is personable. There is a sense of community and it’s non competitive environment where everyone that walks in is supported and we support each other whether we work together or workout together.
- How long have you been in business?
Pulse has been in business for three years which far exceeds the life expectancy of a private studio. In this oversaturated, highly competitive market, I anticipated the struggle of opening a specialty studio with a focus on Barre as at the time, it was a very misunderstood form of exercise. It took several years to convert some of my cross fit and orange theory clients to add Barre into their fitness schedule. When they saw the change in their bodies and felt the difference in their flexibility, I was able to gain a captive audience.
- Where do you see the direction of Pulse163 brand in the next 5 years?
I would love to have more of a conscious living community layered into the fitness by adding more mindful components allowing us to elevate ourselves intellectually and spiritually.
- How do you choose your talent? What are you looking for in an instructor that works or auditions for you?
The most important thing for me is an extensive background. You have to have warmth, sensitivity and a love for what you do.
- You sell clothing and jewelry. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
We have a small retail boutique and like to support local designers, such as, Funky Yoga and Just Live Brand. We also carry Boho Chic jewelry from a local designer and Bettina’s Collection. We carry a line of handmade soy candles by One Soul. We love to showcase new lines as they are launched. We welcome local designers to work with us in trunk shows and pop up events. Anything to support small local businesses we are always in.
- If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability what would that be?
If I could wake up tomorrow permanently letting go of any quality it would be my fear of failure. I like to talk about not getting caught up in our Egos, but let’s be real, no studio owner likes to see an empty class. So, if I could let go of fear and allow myself to resonate with the success of building a tight fitness community focused on women supporting women, that would be beyond liberating.Check out this hidden jewel at www.pulse163fitness.com.
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