Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylei Ibarra Blackmoon.
Hi Kaylei, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“It’s the journey, not the destination.” My fitness career came simply for discovering my passion to better not only my health but also the lifestyle and wellness of others. I have always considered myself an athlete, however, my true love began through indoor cycling and progressed from there.
I began an outdoor women’s program with my good friend Sharon Reid during COVID lockdowns, simultaneously teaching indoor cycling at two studios, personal training, and leading group strength training classes at another local gym. I say all of that to say I love what I do! It has led me to owning opening and operating my boutique studio where I can incorporate the things that I love into one place.
My business partner Brian Jolly and I have found this part of the journey to be incredibly rewarding as we introduce mental wellness into our doors as well. You should feel good about the movement you choose, and feeling good starts from within. If you’re in the Miami Shores/El Portal area, we hope you will come check us out! Located at the Citadel Miami.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has been far from smooth! Just the opposite, I think along this journey I have fallen into quite a few pits that have seemed almost impossible to come out of. We keep it rolling “till the wheels fall off.”
As a business owner, I think every step is the hardest because it’s in the unknown. Finding a location was the hardest, the build-out and overall permitting system was the hardest, and putting ourselves out there was the hardest. The biggest struggle I have and continue to face would be self-doubt.
It can be extremely nerve-racking to consistently try to keep yourself motivated to go forward when sometimes it feels as though there isn’t anyone on the sidelines cheering you on, or keeping you afloat. We have to do the work for ourselves.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am one of the owners at Rhythm | Release. A boutique fitness studio that focuses on rhythmic-based classes and mental wellness. We are a small business looking to make a big impact and we do that through energy.
Our screen-free studio is known for putting the focus beyond physical health. I am most proud of making it as far as we have despite all the odds. It took us a full year to open, and we were able to maintain outdoor cycle and strength classes and pop-ups around Miami to build brand awareness of our studio.
What sets us apart from others can’t be mimicked.
The space and energy we have created within our boutique studio walls are infectious. All of our members are welcoming and ready to include whoever walks through our doors. Those who get it, stick around solely based on that feeling.
Any big plans?
Our plans for the future are to continue to grow our brand awareness and partner or collaborate with other local businesses in our community who share the same values as us.
I am most looking forward to us being discovered, with every day being a new opportunity to make a change.
Pricing:
- Pricing: Intro offer 3 classes for $25 (expires August 31st) unless they mention seeing this article
- Hours: Open seven days a week
- Classes: cycle, strength training, active recovery (stretch)
- Mental Wellness Events Happening Monthly
Contact Info:
- Website: rhythmandrelease.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhythm_and_release/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhythmandrelease
Image Credits
Kimberly Gawler
