We were lucky to catch up with Gabrielle Rosenblum recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gabrielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Taking the leap to leave behind the security of a full-time job was the biggest risk I ever took. For years, I hustled tirelessly for others, knowing I was good at what I did but feeling a deep sense of disconnection. My work wasn’t making the impact I wanted for myself, and I felt the passion slipping away. Taking a huge risk, I left that job and launched The Central Gab, pouring my heart into building something of my own. Simultaneously, I returned to my roots in fitness and dance after a brief hiatus, bringing my journey full circle. Teaching fitness has always been my passion—it’s where I find joy, connection, and purpose. I absolutely love working with my clients, guiding them to discover their strength, confidence, and potential, and being part of their transformative journeys is a privilege that fills my heart every single day.

Not knowing what the future would hold. It was a risk filled with uncertainty, but I knew deep down it was a step I needed to take. Looking back now, it has turned out to be one of the most incredible decisions of my life—opening doors I never imagined and allowing me to create something truly meaningful and fulfilling.

Through The Central Gab, I connected with incredible clients, one of whom eventually became my business partner in co-founding Harvest & Home Farmers Market. It was a moment of transformation that brought purpose and fulfillment back into my life. After my mom’s passing, I felt untethered, struggling to find my footing. Creating these businesses and rediscovering myself in the process has been the most meaningful journey—one that has helped me turn loss into strength and build a life that truly honors her legacy.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I am truly doing what I was meant to do. The journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I am constantly amazed at how much my life has transformed. By doing this, life has introduced me to some of the most inspiring and supportive people, each of whom has played a role in shaping this chapter of my life. It’s a dream come true to wake up every day with purpose, passion, and the knowledge that I am building something meaningful, not just for myself, but for the community I’ve created along the way.

Gabrielle, 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?

The Central Gab is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of my journey and my heart. After spending my entire life caring for others—particularly my mother, who I cared for until her passing—I found myself at a crossroads, feeling lost and unsure of where I belonged. Losing my entire family left a void that I struggled to fill, but through The Central Gab, I discovered a new way to channel my love and purpose. This venture has allowed me to continue supporting and uplifting others in a way that feels deeply meaningful and fulfilling.

Supporting local businesses has become a true passion of mine. The Central Gab is my way of giving back to the community, celebrating the incredible people behind small businesses, and helping them thrive. I offer free advertising to NJ-based businesses, creating a platform for them to share their stories, connect with their communities, and grow their presence. I don’t just promote them from afar—I visit their locations, meet the owners, and immerse myself in their journeys. Every business has a unique story, and I feel honored to help share that with the world. Finding out about other’s stories is one of my favorite parts of my position.

This platform has also been a healing space for me, offering the opportunity to build something entirely my own while supporting others who share the same drive and determination. It’s about more than just marketing; it’s about creating genuine connections and fostering a community that lifts one another up. The Central Gab is my way of continuing to care for others, and in doing so, I’ve found my own sense of purpose and belonging once again. Supporting those who support me has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am beyond grateful for this journey.

Fitness and dance have been a constant to my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve been dancing for over 34 years, and my journey has taken me through so many incredible experiences—from learning in the studio as a child to teaching others, performing professionally, and even working for a dance competition. It has been a full-circle moment to find myself back in the world of dance and group fitness, where I feel truly at home. Returning to this space has reignited my passion and allowed me to reconnect with the joy that movement brings to life.

What I love most about fitness is the healing it offers—not just for the body, but for the mind and soul. There’s something transformative about movement, whether it’s through dance or a powerful workout. It’s a way to release, to build strength, and to find confidence in your own skin. Helping others experience that healing has become incredibly important to me, especially because of my personal connection to it. My mom struggled with her health for much of her life, and seeing her stop caring for herself inspired me to make wellness a priority—not just for me, but for others.

Now, every class I teach and every client I guide is a step towards helping someone stay on their journey. Fitness is about so much more than physical changes; it’s about fostering self-love, creating a space to feel seen and supported, and encouraging a lifestyle that brings joy and resilience. I feel deeply grateful to have found my purpose in supporting others on their wellness paths. It’s a privilege to be part of their stories and to help them find the strength they might not have known they had.

Tying together The Central Gab and my fitness journey has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. Both ventures stem from my deep desire to connect with and support others, and together, they allow me to do just that in uniquely impactful ways. The Central Gab is all about championing small businesses, creating community, and telling stories that deserve to be heard. In fitness, I work with individuals to build strength, confidence, and resilience—not just in their bodies, but in their lives.

What makes these two paths so beautifully aligned is the shared purpose of uplifting others. Whether I’m at a local business learning someone’s story or in the studio guiding a class through a workout, I’m building connections. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. The Central Gab lets me do that on a larger scale for businesses and communities, while fitness brings it down to a personal level, one client or class at a time.

I also see how these passions overlap in their ability to heal and inspire. Movement and community are both transformative forces, capable of changing perspectives and lives. I’ve found that many of the values I hold dear—dedication, creativity, and connection—are reflected in both arenas. Through these intertwined paths, I’ve discovered a way to honor my own journey, pay tribute to my mom’s memory, and build a life that feels deeply meaningful. It’s a perfect blend of passion and purpose, and I’m so excited to keep exploring how they can grow together.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Growing my social media audience organically has been one of the most rewarding and authentic experiences in my career. Instead of relying on quick fixes or paid ads, I’ve focused on truly connecting with people—sharing my story, my passions, and the businesses and individuals I believe in. By consistently showing up, being transparent, and offering valuable content, I’ve been able to build an audience that resonates with my mission and values. Most importantly, I always say to be your authentic self.

I believe that authentic engagement is the key to real growth. It’s about quality over quantity and building a community where people feel like they are seen and heard. I take the time to interact with my followers, share their stories, and amplify their voices because I see social media as a platform for connection, not just promotion. This organic growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about forming lasting relationships and fostering a sense of trust and loyalty that extends beyond the screen. That’s what I strive for every day, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that everyone in your personal life will always have your back in business. I had to face the harsh reality that not all “friends” are there to support you—some may even work behind the scenes to undermine your success. This eye-opening experience was a pivotal moment in my journey, teaching me that the line between friendship and business is much more complex than I originally thought.

At one point, I lost five of my clients—clients that were a huge part of my streamlining income. This was a massive hit for my business, and it left me feeling defeated. But what I learned through this was invaluable: you can’t trust everyone, especially when it comes to business. I had to accept that not all people are meant to be in both your personal and professional life. Some may try to tear you down, and others may simply not understand your vision. The key was to stay focused on my purpose and continue pushing forward.

Although it was a painful setback, it ultimately made me stronger and more cautious with the people I let into my inner circle. I realized that trust must be earned, not given freely, and that keeping the right people close is essential for success. As a result, I came out on the better end of the situation—stronger, wiser, and with a deeper understanding of my business and my boundaries. That experience became a defining moment in my business growth, showing me the importance of maintaining control over my personal and professional relationships. It taught me to never underestimate the power of protecting your energy, your vision, and your business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thecentralgab
• Linkedin: Gabrielle Rosenblum-Zampella

Image Credits

For the two professional photos – Kim Flannery Photo Media