Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Wiley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Danielle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Once upon a time, my dream was to own a fitness studio. But not just any studio. A studio where people felt welcomed exactly as they are. A place free of judgement, pressure, and unrealistic expectations. A studio where anyone could experience high quality fitness that was accessible, inclusive, and effective.

In 2017, fueled by this vision, I opened the doors to my dream: an in-person fitness studio. However, as the reality of running the business set in, I quickly realized that something felt deeply wrong.

Because in order to keep the business afloat and turn a profit, I had to charge premium prices. The financial burden of maintaining the physical space, equipment, and skilled instructors meant that the dream of creating an inclusive studio accessible to all was slipping away. My heart sank as I realized that only a select group of people who could afford a premium membership would be able to experience what we had to offer.

With a mix of relief and a tinge of sadness, I made the difficult decision to sell my brick and mortar studio. I recognized that the path to fulfillment and making a positive impact in the world of fitness was not limited to the confines of four walls. I needed to explore alternative avenues that aligned with my original vision.

Within newfound hope, I set out to create an online fitness platform. This new venture allowed me to reach a broader audience and offer my programming at a fraction of the cost. The online platform provided an opportunity to connect with people from all over the world at a price that made us affordable and accessible to so many more people.

Although still a new venture, the response to Embody (my online fitness platform) has been incredible. People who previously felt excluded due to financial constraints or location now had access to programming that was accessible, easy to follow, and effective. Our judgment-free and approachable ethos resonated with so many individuals who sought a supportive and inclusive environment in which to experience fitness. We now serve members from all over the world and I could not be more grateful and inspired by our growing community. Although it was was a tough and risky decision to start over, I’m so grateful to have trusted my gut and realigned with my vision and values.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My first love was ballet. What I lacked in natural talent (and boy was I lacking!), I made up for in determination and hard work. But as I advanced through the ranks of my ballet academy and looked towards a professional career, things turned far more sinister. Because pressure within the ballet community to be thin is very real.

I struggled with body image, eating disorders, and exercise addiction. I pushed and pushed until my body reached its breaking point. At rock-bottom, I made the difficult but life-saving decision to leave ballet.

But my body missed ballet SO much. For me, movement is as necessary as breathing. I turned to fitness classes as a way to fill that void. And I was lucky enough to stumble into a Pilates class that changed my life. The instructor was so welcoming, nurturing, AND taught an amazing workout. It made me realize I could have a career in fitness that wasn’t toxic, elitist, or judgmental. I could help others (and myself)f find joy, power, and peace through fitness.

I got certified in Pilates, Yoga, and Barre and began teaching. Because of my struggles, I’m incredibly cognizant of how I speak and structure my classes. I never want a single other person to be made to feel bad about themselves in a fitness setting. As I grew in my teaching confidence, I began to blend in my ballet expertise creating my own style and method of training that not only made my clients feel strong and powerful in their bodies, but also taught them grace, balance, and the joy of movement. I focused my teaching on being able to explain, demonstrate, and structure my classes in a way that anyone at any walk of life could feel successful in my classes.

Fast forward to Embody, my virtual fitness platform. Although the road to Embody wasn’t smooth, I’m incredibly proud of where we’re at and the kind of fitness platform we are. We offer classes in pilates, barre, yoga, functional fitness designed to cater to individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. With Embody, we believe that everyone deserves a welcoming and supportive fitness experience that delivers real results without burning you out. Our mission is to empower you to achieve your fitness goals while embracing balance and inclusivity.

Embody stands apart from the crowd by teaching you HOW to move. I pride myself in offering lots of options, explanations, and words of encouragement in every single class so that you understand and feel empowered to make the choices that are best for you. You’ll learn about your body and fitness in a way that’s non-intimidating and easy to understand. Because fitness can be high-quality AND be friendly, educational, and accessible.

One of the key features that sets Embody apart is our dedication to inclusivity. We firmly believe that fitness should be accessible to all, regardless of age, body type, or fitness level. Embody’s workouts are designed to be adaptable and scalable, allowing you to progress at your own pace while building strength, flexibility, and confidence. Our classes always feature modifications and alternative exercises, ensuring that you can fully participate and feel supported in your fitness journey.

At Embody, we understand the importance of balance and avoiding burnout. Our workouts are thoughtfully structured to provide effective results while considering your overall well-being. We emphasize a holistic approach to fitness, focusing not only on physical strength but also on mental health and self-care. Our platform includes restorative sessions, stress-relief exercises, and educational resources to help you create a harmonious mind-body connection.

Joining Embody means becoming part of a vibrant and supportive community. Our platform provides a space for individuals from all walks of life to connect, share their experiences, and uplift one another. Through our interactive features, you can engage with fellow members, seek advice from our instructors, and celebrate your achievements together. We believe that support and encouragement are fundamental to a successful fitness journey, and we’re committed to fostering a positive environment for our community.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I sold my brick and mortar studio and set out to create an online fitness platform, I quickly realized there were more things I DIDN’T know how to do vs. knew how to you. While I felt confident in my teaching, I new nothing about how to run an online platform and all the tech and logistics involved with creating online content.

I dove head first into camera, lighting, microphone, and video editing research and got completely overwhelmed. As much as I wanted to learn and do it all myself, I knew that I had to lean into my strengths and seek help for my weaknesses. I worked with an amazing local videographer that helped me purchase the right equipment and provide a crash course in creating high quality video content. This was a game-changer in terms of expediting the launch and growth of my business.

But even with this help and support, perfectionism still got the best of me. I wanted my content to be perfect right out the gate, which is simply not possible. The biggest thing I had to unlearn is your’e going to have to be ok with putting out videos and content that aren’t ‘perfect’. Especially in the beginning. With time and a lot trial and error, I’ve come into my own with my personality, video style, and content quality. The key is staying true to yourself and your mission – consumers don’t want perfect, they want authentic.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I’m incredibly active and responsive in our Embody email and video comments section. Members know they can always reach out to me. I often provide custom video guides, do weekly accountability check ins with members needing extra support, and provide additional resources (like referring to some amazing local and virtual PTs if anything arises out of my scope of practice). I encourage my members to ask questions, make requests, and provide open and honest feedback. I also let my members help guide the direction that platform takes and what content is created. I love taking video requests from our members so that the content connects directly with their needs and interests. We strive to create a community where our members feels as much a part of the creation of our content, not just the consumption of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: embodylogin.com
• Instagram: embody.fitness.wellness

Image Credits
Jess Vesguez Photography