Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylei Ibarra Blackmoon.
Hi Kaylei, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t start Rhythm & Release with a big business plan or investors behind me. I started it because I believed fitness should feel like something you want to show up for, not something you force yourself through. I grew up around movement, music, and hustle, and I saw early on how powerful the right environment can be in helping people unlock confidence, discipline, and community.
Before opening the studio, I was teaching, training, and building relationships one class at a time. I paid attention to what people responded to energy, music, authenticity and I leaned into that instead of trying to fit a traditional fitness mold. Rhythm & Release was built from the ground up with that intention: movement driven by music, connection, and real effort, without intimidation or ego.
The early days were scrappy. I did everything myself coaching, cleaning, scheduling, marketing while learning how to run a business in real time. There were setbacks, growing pains, and moments where quitting would’ve been easier, but the community kept showing up, and so did I. That consistency is what allowed the brand to grow.
Today, Rhythm & Release is more than a workout studio it’s a space where people come to challenge themselves, find their people, and leave feeling stronger than when they walked in. I’ve expanded the brand to include strength, cycling, recovery, and wellness, and I continue to evolve it as both a business owner and a leader. My journey has been built on resilience, adaptability, and staying deeply connected to the people we serve and that’s what continues to move it forward.
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?
Not at all it hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think it’s supposed to be. One of the biggest challenges was building something from scratch while wearing every hat at once. In the beginning, I was the coach, the front desk, the marketer, the cleaner, and the decision-maker, all while learning how to actually run a business in real time.
There were financial pressures, moments of burnout, and times when growth felt slower than I wanted. I had to learn how to trust my instincts, make hard decisions, and set boundaries especially as the business grew and I transitioned from doing everything myself to leading a team. Learning how to delegate, build systems, and still protect the culture of the brand was a huge learning curve.
Another challenge was staying aligned with the vision while outside opinions and comparisons crept in. It’s easy to get distracted by what other studios are doing, but I had to learn that consistency and authenticity mattered more than quick wins or trends.
Every struggle forced me to level up not just as a business owner, but as a leader and person. Those challenges shaped the studio into what it is today and taught me that progress doesn’t come from perfect conditions it comes from showing up, adjusting, and continuing forward even when it’s uncomfortable.
I am still being challenged.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Rhythm & Release is a boutique fitness and wellness brand built around the idea that movement is more powerful when it’s rooted in music, intention, and community. We offer rhythm-based cycling, strength training, Pilates, and recovery services, all designed to help people build both physical strength and mental resilience.
What we’re known for is the experience. Our classes are music-driven and intentional every playlist, interval, and movement is curated to create energy, focus, and connection in the room. We don’t believe in intimidation or one-size-fits-all fitness. Whether someone is new to working out or highly trained, our space meets people where they are while still pushing them to grow.
What truly sets us apart is the culture. Rhythm & Release isn’t just a studio people visit it’s a community they become part of. Our coaches are present, prepared, and invested, and our members feel seen, supported, and challenged. We place just as much emphasis on how people feel when they leave as we do on the workout itself.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that Rhythm & Release has stayed authentic as it’s grown. We’ve expanded our offerings to include strength, cycle, Pilates, and recovery, but the heart of the brand has never changed. It’s still about consistency, effort, and showing up for yourself and others. Everything we do from the lighting and music to the programming and coaching is intentional and aligned with that mission.
For anyone curious about experiencing the studio, we currently offer 3 classes for $33, which is the perfect way to get a feel for the energy and variety we offer. And as a thank you to readers, I’m also offering a free class to anyone who mentions reading this article. I want people to experience Rhythm & Release for themselves because once you do, you understand that it’s more than a workout. It’s a space to grow, connect, and release.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans in the future are to take up space. I’m most looking forward to our newest venture into the wellness community that hasn’t been seen by many studios and bringing that into rhythm and release.
Stay tuned.
Pricing:
- 3 classes for $33 intro
- Unlimited cycling $135
- 4 flex pack $80
- 8 flex pack $120
- Unlimited cycle and strength $165
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.rhythmandrelease.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleidee?igsh=aXRkYmFxcm96cncw&utm_source=qr
