We recently connected with Cherith Pruitt and have shared our conversation below.

Cherith, appreciate you joining us 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 bought Tough Lotus – it was May of 2020. That’s right – directly in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything had reopened here in Arizona and we reopened under our ownership on June 1, 2020. 3 weeks later, we were forced to shut down again.

Because of the timing of the purchase of the business, we did not qualify for any government assistance. But we fought to stay afloat. My husband worked several jobs to assist with expenses. But we just felt that our presence was more important than ever. People were so lonely and starved for interaction. And coming together in a small controlled environment was so helpful for our mental health.

Because of our risk, we have established a community that goes beyond fitness. We are a Social Fitness Studio. A place where you can come and do fun things, but more importantly, a place where you can come and be seen and encouraged and uplifted.

Come for the classes, stay for the friends. And remember, love your body for what it CAN do.

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.

Tough Lotus is a Bungee, Aerial and Burlesque studio. We were the FIRST studio in the UNITED STATES to offer Bungee Fitness and we are currently the only one in the state of Arizona.

Aerial has been around a little bit longer, but we have recently added Aerial Silks performance classes. And our signature Burlesque Bombshells classes, where our focus is loving your body for what it CAN do.

I bought the studio because I wanted a place where people felt comfortable and supported and included. I had been a trainer at several gyms and I LOVED teaching. But I was overwhelmed with the messages of change being a necessity and not being satisfied until that change is accomplished.

I have lived with low self-esteem and shame. I found it so difficult to overcome when I was bombarded with messages that UNTIL this change is achieved, you’re not good enough. Now, change is healthy, and I do promote healthy change; however, I believe that life is about balance, a mix of what is good for you and what makes you feel good. Figuring out what that is, is a journey and sometimes the journey is just as amazing as the final destination. I believe that we need to appreciate our bodies, our minds, our emotions and our desires all along the way. Love your body for what it CAN do, right now, in this moment. You will see progress, but also, look at what you’re doing RIGHT NOW. You don’t need to be a certain way, look a certain way or feel a certain way to start that adventure.

In conjunction with that philosophy, we offer adult performance classes in the following: bungee dance, aerial silks & burlesque. No auditions, no restrictions. If you want to perform, we have FREE showcases every few months where our clients get to show off to their family and friends and we invite the community to see what we’ve been doing. A lot of our clients have never performed in their lives, and were probably told they weren’t good enough or never had the opportunity. THEY LOVE IT!!!!

I think everything we do is really cool and unique and one of a kind, but it takes a backseat to the fun we have together just being together. That is what I am most proud of!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to share the opportunity with others. If someone feels creative and wants to express themselves artistically, we offer them that opportunity. Our instructors get to be creative in their choreography and this inspires our students to also be creative and contribute and collaborate.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is teach others how to fill up their love tank. Our love tank has to be full so we can pour into others. And if we’re all walking around full, then nobody ever feels empty. I want everyone to do what makes them happy and fills up their love tank, whether that is hanging upside, flying through the air, shaking their booty or eating a cookie after class.    

Contact Info:

• Website: info@toughlotus.group
• Instagram: toughlotus_chandler
• Facebook: toughlotuschandler
• Youtube: Tough Lotus Chandler