We recently connected with Kymberlee Helmuth and have shared our conversation below.
Kymberlee , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Well let’s just say I didn’t want to be like everyone else…
I knew at a very early age I was going to STAND OUT. I knew that I wanted to be a leader and really motivate other people. From my first experience as a 7th grade cheerleader to trying out for the Chicago Bulls LuvABulls – I was a driven competitor and loved the spotlight.
You see…cheerleading really set the stage for my life-long journey of being part of a team. It taught me winning – it taught me losing. It shaped my work ethic, my personal development and my continued thirst for more.
At a young age I knew I couldn’t be one of seven Kimberlys in my kindergarten class. I wouldn’t have it! Something had to change and it had to be done immediately. “Kymberlee” was going to be the new, branded, spelling and I would live up to my own expectations of hard work and determination to stand out.
Over the years I have been given amazing opportunities to stand out – but I have also worked extremely hard to make certain I deliver the very best in speaking, presenting fitness classes and mentoring others. I crave new learning experiences and I pride myself on failing again and again before I can hone in on perfection. Without the falling down I have experienced over the years, without the doors slammed, without the big fat “NO”s being said – I’d never be where I am today!
I started my very own marketing business out of the shear fact I wanted to be home with my first born. Almost 20 years later I’m blessed to say I am referral only and absolutely love the marketing clients I work with!
Four years ago I opened up Fly Girl Dance & Fitness. The studio have evolved into a #GirlPower group of empowered women -all there for the common goal of working out, supporting each other and feeling great! I could have never asked for a better neighborhood to introduce this studio to and I’m blessed every time I walk in and see a packed group of women working out…together.
I’ll continue on this journey of STANDING OUT, making a BIG FAT difference and paying it forward. My goal is simple. Impact the most lives before I leave this earth.
Kymberlee , 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 DAY JOB I have been a digital marketer and national speaker for over 20 years. I consult, train and provide hands-on marketing support.
I travel the globe speaking and helping companies and sales professional execute ingenious marketing strategies. I consider myself a personal trainer of marketing and hold every client accountable for action and results.
I bring high-impact energy to every project and speaking event. I fuel the fire in my clients to ignite their marketing efforts and take them to the next level.
MY SIDE HUSTLE
I opened Fly Girl Dance and Fitness almost 9 years ago in Chicago. I’ve been a dancer my whole life and fell in love with teaching fitness at a young age. As a bullied kid, I wanted people to get along and Fly Girl just made sense! Create a safe space for women of all ages and backgrounds to come workout and get healthy!
I opened a second location in Twin Lakes Wisconsin two years ago when I moved up to Wisconsin. I am passionate about connecting others and bringing our Fly Girl community to every inch of the globe!
MY OTHER PASSION
I started www.girlgangchicago.com for my fellow #GirlBosses. I went from networking event to networking event leaving unfulfilled. I heard speaker after speaker talk about how great they were…and I got FED UP! I wanted an empowering women’s group where we could share real stories. Real problems and have real melt downs. I wanted speakers that fell down, picked them self up and kept fighting for their business. GIRLS SUPPORTING GIRLS! No frills, drama or competition!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
COVID…a love hate story
March 2020.
EVERYTHING changed. What we thought was a 15 days to stop the spread – ultimately closed my Chicago business.
I got creative! ONLINE FREE classes! This can’t possibly last longer than a month!?
My KICK BOOTY Chicago instructor team taught virtual classes for free – for MONTHS!
We had to change the business model. We went online! We had to learn new technology, how to engage through a computer and how to keep our business profitable.
Month after month I saw the decline. Then the announcement came – we can open with fewer numbers. OUTSIDE. In 90+ degree weather. Are you kidding!?
My team set up shop outdoors! We just wanted to see our members in person. We went to any length to conform.
After months of being unable to pay rent (and against my wishes) we did a GOFUNDME. We raised almost $18,000 in back rent. Our landlord gave us ZERO break on the rent when we were closed for months! In fact, they charged late fees! On a property they owned!?
When we were able to reopen inside – I realized we would never be the same. People where scared and numbers were low.
I eventually closed the Chicago location at the beginning of 2021. I needed time to see what would happen in Chicago.
I took a giant leap and re-opened our doors in October of 2021. I went smaller. I crossed my fingers and toes people would start to come out again.
My team understood what we were up against – yet showed up READY TO WORK! Ready to welcome our members back.
They also knew that we had to start making money. Many of them worked for free. Some ripped up my checks if I left them. They were dedicated to our members and this little studio! I
I never got ahead with the new space. We were not even at half the capacity of the original studio prior to Covid. I needed to get this team paid and our rent paid. It just never happened.
I fell behind and would no longer put my team through this dwindling situation.
I handed over my keys January 1, 2023. It’s a heart breaking story. My heart was broken for Chicago and my amazing community. But I had to do what was right by my team and financially what was right by me.
I moved to Twin Lakes Wisconsin in October of 2021. This passion of mine couldn’t quit with the closer of Chicago. I opened up another studio up here in April of 2021. HERE WE GO AGAIN!
I’m proud to say this little studio is doing great! It took a minute. I’m not from here, I didn’t know anyone and no one here had ever heard of me or my classes. But I rolled up my sleeves and did what I know best! I brought the Fly Girl spirit up to Wisconsin where it is alive, growing and thriving!
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
This is the reality of being in business! I’ve had checks bounce and rent check returned. I think the key to any of these issues is building a strong team and being transparent. I make sure my team understands what it takes to make our studio thrive and grow. Invest in your best – and these small let downs will be understood.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kymberleeraya.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kymberleekaye/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kymberlee.kaye/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kymberleeraya/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaye_squared
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEc92E-ZH0JIy8GhxeMNBuw