We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brian Jolly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brian , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

When I look back at my life as a teenager or even in college, the thought of going into fitness or even owning a business never crossed my mind.

Since graduating college, my background is aligned in the digital marketing & advertising worlds – it is a safe space for me to operate and learn.

Fast forward 4 years post college, I had just started a new job and I had a lot of time on my hands after work. I decided to start a new goal of getting back into shape for the physical aspects and the mental clarity.

After taking my first indoor cycling class, I not only fell in love with the workout but the overall experience which included how I was greeted at the studio, how the instructor personally assisted in setting up my bike, to the music that kept me going for the full 45 minutes – I knew I had found “my” thing.

A few classes later, I became of the front desk team – again another “safe” space as I was used to working with clients in a fun environment. Little did I know a few months later, my first risk would arrive.

I was encouraged by various members to audition to become an instructor because of my personality. I had grown up in church performing various speeches and had no problem in school with public speaking but for some reason, this presented an uncomfortable feeling where I didn’t know if this was for me. Once I had passed the audition, my training lasted over six months and has been listed as one of the top three challenges of my life thus far. Once I made it in – it was game on.

Moving forward another three years to 2021 – the pandemic has hit and because my marketing job allowed me to work remote, I decided it was time to move home to VA and start to slow down. I was lucky enough to find a local studio to keep coaching with so the passion didn’t drain.

I kept in touch with my close friend, Kaylei, and at one point we both started to realize that we wanted more in life not just personally but also for our community.

We began drafting a plan to build the studio but for me, I knew I wouldn’t be ready to commit at least for five years.

After deep discussions, Kaylei and my other business partner, her husband Johnathan sat down with me and laid out a way that we could successfully start the studio within the next year but it would require me to move back to Florida and start life all over again.

I had spent 2021 getting my life back to the comfortable stage that I liked but I knew that by taking this risk, I would be able to build a space and give the community back what I had received. I would also be able to show people of our background that we do exist in these spaces. I have been to studios where while the class may be nice – the community itself isn’t welcoming.

Coming into November 2023, we have now been operating for over a year, our community has grown at the pace that we can appreciate as both Kaylei and I are able to have personal relationships with each member while also giving them an amazing fitness experience from start to finish.

Brian , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I know what it feels like to start something new and be presented with techniques that are unknown. It is a scary place and at first glance, you may begin to question yourself. My promise as a coach is to guide you through the process and support you in every aspect of your own journey. From your triumphs to your challenges – let’s get it going today!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I place a great emphasis on community building and mental wellness. To me to be a successful instructor, you have to be able to provide drills while leading. To be a great coach, you have to how to connect with your community in their individual journeys.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Kaylei and I do a great job of remembering that the client may have the idea of coming in just for a cycle class; however, it is on us to let them know it is an experience from the moment they step in the door. Our strategy for the studio is to be very hands-on from start to finish with assisting in shoe rental, access to Celsius Energy Drink products for pre/post class, and an overall safe space.

Both Kaylei and I are not born salesmen which for us is a huge benefit as we do our best to boost our sales by just having authentic connections and conversations which the true sale results in both a client and new friend.

Contact Info:

• Website: rhythmandrelease.com
• Instagram: brianljolly
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-jolly-26768471/