Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari DeMarinis.
Hi Kari, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi my name is Kari DeMarinis. I founded Roots Gymnastics in 2008 in Westfield, MA when my daughter started showing a talent for competitive gymnastics. I was D1 gymnast myself and to this day am grateful as it was the foundation for the person I am today. My mission when I started Roots was to establish that same foundation and to continue to “Plant the seeds for healthy bodies and minds” through gymnastics for all ages and abilities. Roots Gymnastics quickly expanded to training recreational athletes to full ride scholarship athletes. In 2015 I sold the gymnastics center to my partners and opened Root Aquatics and Fitness Center, a renown swim school and adult fitness center. With this expansion I wanted to Roots to not be a place to foster growth for children but adults and staff as well.To date Roots Aquatics and Fitness center is a nationally ranked swim school which provides programming that has been acknowledged by USA swimming association. In addition, I founded Roots Cycle in 2018, an indoor boutique cycle studio that is truly magical.
In 2020, as the covid era hit and my kids were off to college I started migrating to south Florida. I dabbled in fitness as I started to spend more time in south Florida but quickly realized Boca Raton could benefit from more children’s activities. My love for children and gymnastics quickly brought me back to my “Roots” and I decided to open Sweet Peas in June of 2024. Sweet Peas Educational gymnastics, founded my Lynn Ledford is a program that integrates cognitive and physical milestones utilizing the gymnastics floor as the training arena. Sweet Peas completely aligned with my passion for gymnastics and my love of children.
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?
Getting a business off the ground is never easy. Even thought this is the 4th business I have founded each one comes with challenges. Being relatively new to south Florida my biggest challenge was finding and creating a community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Sweet Peas Boca is dedicated to teaching gymnastics to children 6 months to 6 years old. Our lesson plans are carefully designed to makes sure every child can be celebrated even for the smallest milestones.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people do not know that my career started as a registered dietician. I was the head nutritionist for Canyon Ranch a world renown health resort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetpeasboca.com
- Instagram: sweetpeasboca
- Facebook: sweetpeasboca
