We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Fazio recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was leaving behind stability, comfort, and certainty to follow my heart and open my dream pole fitness studio, CLAQ HAUS, in 2024. It was a life-changing decision—one I had always imagined for the distant future, especially after becoming a mother of two and buying my first home in October 2022. At the time, I thought my path had already been set. I was immersed in the new venture of homeownership, and I assumed the logical choice was to build a stable, secure life. Pursuing my passion and taking risks seemed like a distant dream. I didn’t want to choose between my priorities, knowing how much time and dedication it would take to build a business. And so my dream studio would have to wait.
Becoming a homeowner had been a lifelong dream, and I truly believed that once I signed on the dotted line, I’d feel complete—happy, accomplished, and proud. And for a while, I did. But less than a year later, in 2023, a profound realization hit me: homeownership wasn’t the final piece of my happiness. By September, life knocked me off course, forcing me to take a hard look at myself. What I saw wasn’t someone truly fulfilled. I’d been going through the motions of life, disconnected and searching for purpose. Ironically, that feeling was all too familiar—much like the identity shift I went through after becoming a mother. It was those same feelings and search for meaning that had originally led me back into a pole studio. Taking the leap to open my own studio wasn’t just about pursuing a passion. It was about reclaiming my sense of self, embracing growth, and redefining what happiness and success truly meant to me.
When I found the space that became CLAQ HAUS, I wasn’t actively searching for a place with intention to follow through and finally launch my business. I’d occasionally browse retail spaces online and daydream about their potential—imagining what I could create, from the aesthetics to the people who would walk through the doors. What began as casual web browsing turned into a vision of community, support, and empowerment. I remember thinking, “This is too good to be true. Something’s going to get in my way,” when I first reached out to the landlord. But to my surprise, nothing did. And when the landlord said, “It’s yours if you want it,” I was flooded with every emotion imaginable. I was estatic, excited, and happy, but also terrified—terrified of committing, failing, and making the wrong decision. I thought about the crossroads I was at in my life—feeling unfulfilled and unhappy with the path I was on. And when it came down to the final decision, I recalled a quote by Tony Robbins: “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.” That was the moment I realized I had reached that point, and it was finally time to make a change.
I took the plunge, and as we celebrate our first anniversary on February 26, 2025, I can hardly believe I ever questioned making this decision. Silencing the doubts in my mind and opening this studio has turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Not only am I finally happy and fulfilled, but I also feel that I’m serving my purpose. CLAQ HAUS has become a safe haven for so many—a place where people feel seen, heard, supported, sexy, strong, and free to express themselves through movement and embrace all that their bodies are capable of. What started as a thought has now become a reality, and the incredible community we’ve built along the way has been the missing piece in my life. I can truly say, without a doubt, that I am exactly where I’m meant to be, and I am finally living the life that brings me happiness and fulfillment.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi there! I’m Ashley and I am the proud owner of CLAQ HAUS Pole Fitness, located in Maywood, NJ. My journey into the world of pole fitness began back in 2010 after I saw a live pole performance in Las Vegas that completely captivated me. I was so intrigued that I immediately signed up for my first class before I even landed back home. From that moment on, I was hooked. At first, pole was just a fun and challenging hobby on the weekends, something I would occasionally go periods of time without. But after having my second child, I discovered pole dancing as so much more than just a workout—it became a transformative experience for me. At a time where I was struggling with who I was, I found that pole gave me a platform for self-expression, a way to build my confidence, and the opportunity to reconnect with and appreciate my body. This was a pivotal moment for me. I never imagined where it would take me, but I knew that pole fitness would never again be something I’d put on the back burner. It became non-negotiable in my life. And once I started teaching and helping others reconnect with parts of themselves they had lost—rediscovering their confidence, strength, and beauty—I realized I had found my true passion.
At CLAQ HAUS, we offer a wide range of classes to cater to all interests and fitness levels, including pole fitness, aerial fitness, yoga, strength & conditioning, flexibility, chair dance, heels, and more! Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned poler, there’s something here for you! We also provide private lessons and host fun, memorable private parties for all occasions; birthdays, bachelorette celebrations, or just because!
The mission of CLAQ HAUS is simple but profound: to offer a supportive and safe space where people can feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Our goal is for everyone who walks through our doors to leave feeling empowered, confident, and better than when they walked in! At CLAQ HAUS, it’s not just about dance and fitness—it’s about personal growth, self-love, and embracing the full spectrum of what your body is capable of. It’s a place where you can express yourself freely without judgement and discover strength you never knew you had.
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built at CLAQ HAUS. It’s a space where individuals support and uplift each other, where vulnerability is met with encouragement, and where each person’s journey is celebrated. Strangers become family and I want anyone who steps into our studio to know that they are not only gaining physical strength but emotional and mental resilience, and a supportive community cheering them on from the sidelines as well. I believe in every student who walks through our doors, and I am honored to be part of their fitness and personal transformation.
If you’re looking for a place that’s more than just a workout—where you can explore your strength, confidence, and sense of self—CLAQ HAUS is the place for you. We welcome all to come join us and find out just how powerful and beautiful you truly are!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a pole studio owner and pole dancer, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the empowerment that comes from self-expression through movement. Whether it’s my own personal growth or that of my students, it’s truly amazing to witness how pole fitness helps people build confidence, strength, and a deeper connection with—and love for—their bodies.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building the studio’s audience on social media has been and continues to be a gradual process. Since we’re a newer studio, recently having celebrated our 1-Year Anniversary on Feb. 26th, 2025—we initially focused a lot on marketing to let people know about our studio opening and what we have to offer. We highlighted the fact that we’re Bergen County’s first and only Pole and Aerial studio, which meant bringing something new to the area. We also shared information about our grand opening, special promotions, and showcased the unique class offerings we had. As our audience grew, we began showcasing our instructors, classes, and the community we were building. We continue to post weekly to highlight our instructors’ personal styles and classes, which helps build trust and connection with potential students.
For anyone starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to stay consistent and align your content with your brand. Show what makes your business unique and don’t be afraid to share the real, behind-the-scenes moments. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and highlight your value. Also remember that building an audience takes time, so stay patient and active, and your following will grow!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.claqhaus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claqhaus_polefitness?igsh=eTE5djhxbTJzc2V4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1532kqPPsR/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Kimberlee Joan Photo