Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Fuertes

Natalie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My story started with a love for teaching and a desire to create something different—something that wasn’t just about skills or competition, but about building confidence and fostering inclusivity. Before founding Industry Gymnastics, I spent over a decade as an educator, working in environments that often didn’t prioritize mental health or personal growth. That experience shaped me because I always knew if I started something on my own, it would be a place where everyone—kids, staff, parents—felt seen and supported.

I actually didn’t have much of a gymnastics background, believe it or not! But my kids took classes, and that’s when I realized how exclusive and rigid the gymnastics world could be—strict gender norms, high competition, and not enough focus on the kids who just want to enjoy the sport for the love of it. So in 2020, I decided to create Industry Gymnastics, a space where gender-expansive kids, children with special needs, and those who just want to have fun could all thrive.

I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but the journey’s been a mix of challenges and wins. Between navigating the pandemic, growing our programs, and balancing the needs of our community, it’s been a whirlwind. But what keeps me going is seeing the impact we’re making—the kids who tell us they feel safe being themselves here, the families who feel included, and the staff who find a true sense of purpose in their work. That’s what it’s all about for me—creating something meaningful that truly makes a difference.

That’s how I got to where I am today, and honestly, I can’t wait to see where we go next!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! Like any small business, we’ve had our fair share of struggles along the way. Starting Industry Gymnastics right before the pandemic was probably the biggest challenge. We launched in early 2020, and then boom—COVID hit, and we had to shut down just two months in. That was terrifying as a brand-new business owner. We had no revenue for months, and the uncertainty of whether we’d even reopen was real.

Beyond that, balancing the financial demands of running a community-focused gym has always been tricky. I’m so committed to offering free classes to migrant children, supporting local schools, and creating a safe, inclusive space for kids of all abilities, but those initiatives come with costs. It’s been tough sometimes to make it all work financially, especially with rising costs across the board. I often joke that if I could give it all away for free, I would!

But honestly, it’s these challenges that have taught me the most. The struggles have pushed me to be more resourceful, to find creative ways to sustain the business, and to connect with people who believe in our mission. It’s been a tough journey, but one that’s made me more resilient and determined to keep pushing forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Industry Gymnastics?

Industry Gymnastics is all about breaking the mold of what a traditional gymnastics facility looks like. We’re based on four transformative pillars: gender inclusion, special needs inclusion, a focus on recreational gymnastics, and deep community engagement. We offer classes for everyone—from infants to adults—and what sets us apart is our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for children of all abilities and backgrounds.

We have gender-neutral classes for children who don’t fit into the traditional gender norms of gymnastics, and we also offer programs specifically tailored for children with special needs, including those with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and sensory processing disorders. Our Sensory Friendly classes are designed with low stimuli and small groups, making gymnastics accessible for children who need a quieter environment. We also run one-on-one instruction for children who need more individual attention.

But what really sets us apart is our mission to make gymnastics inclusive and accessible. We’ve won the Hello Alice American Dream Award for Inclusive Excellence, which recognized our work in promoting inclusivity in a traditionally exclusive sport. And just recently, we were named one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in America by the US Chamber of Commerce, which was a huge honor!

Community is at the heart of everything we do. We offer free gymnastics classes to incoming migrant children, support over 20 local schools through donations, and actively participate in local non-profits. We’ve been an emergency drop-off location for asylum seekers and regularly host fundraising events for causes like local animal shelters, LGBTQ+ organizations, and food pantries.

What I’m most proud of is that Industry Gymnastics is more than just a place where kids come to learn cartwheels. We’re a space where they can feel safe to be themselves, grow at their own pace, and find joy in movement—whether they’re training for fun or building life skills. I want readers to know that we’re about creating a supportive environment where every child can feel included, celebrated, and empowered. Whether your child is a beginner or just looking for a non-competitive, fun space to explore gymnastics, we’ve got something for everyone.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’d just love to share that our mission at Industry Gymnastics goes beyond gymnastics. We’re building a community where children of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities can feel safe, supported, and celebrated. Whether it’s through our gender-neutral classes, special needs programs, or our commitment to community outreach, everything we do is centered around inclusion and empowerment.

If you’re looking for a place where your child can grow, learn, and thrive—not just in gymnastics but in life—come check us out. And if you’re passionate about our mission and want to help us reach more families, we’re always looking for support, whether through partnerships, sponsorships, or simply spreading the word. We truly believe that sports can be a powerful tool for fostering confidence, kindness, and acceptance, and we’re excited to keep pushing that mission forward.

At the end of the day, we want every child who walks through our doors to leave feeling stronger, more confident, and more connected to who they are. That’s what we’re all about!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.industrygymnastics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/industrygymnastics
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/industrygymnastics