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

Leah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

Prior to founding Motion Virtues Aerial Arts, I owned and operated a massage therapy business. One of the most important lessons I learned came from the eight years I spent running this practice on my own. While I’m proud of what I accomplished during that time, I eventually realized how difficult it was to manage everything on my own. That experience taught me the value of having a supportive community, even when it comes to career growth. I also learned that staying inspired in the work itself is key to maintaining motivation and continuing to grow a business. Over time, I found myself losing that sense of inspiration, which really highlighted how crucial it is to not only love what you do but also to surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep evolving.

Leah, 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?

My journey into the world of aerial arts is rooted in my background in Physical Therapy, Yoga, and Massage Therapy. I was first introduced to aerial arts as an audience member at a student showcase- I was immediately captivated. Watching the performers link poses in the air was inspiring, and I realized that my yoga practice couldn’t take me to the air—so I decided to try Aerial myself. While working as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and running my own massage therapy business, I diligently began training as an aerial artist, immersing myself in this unique and challenging discipline.

Now, I help people find inspiration in fitness by introducing them to this world. I offer classes that are designed to make this practice approachable, even for absolute beginners. Many people don’t know where to start, and I ensure that they feel confident and supported as they learn. Through creative and intentional instruction, I guide my students in developing strength, flexibility, and technique, using apparatuses like silks, Lyra, and sling.

What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the body, thanks to my physical therapy background. This allows me to assess each student’s needs and help them focus on the areas of strength and flexibility required to achieve their goals. For me, aerial arts are about making gravity our playground—a creative approach to fitness that challenges both the mind and body. I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to build a community where students feel encouraged to explore their potential and discover the bliss of intentional movement.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has always been word of mouth. Providing high-quality training that inspires my students often leads them to bring their friends to class. I also actively build community online by sharing aerial videos and content on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. This not only helps showcase what I do but also connects me with people who are curious about starting their aerial journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

in 2024, I made one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions of my life—transitioning from running a successful massage therapy practice to building a yoga and aerial arts business. Leaving behind a steady income stream was terrifying, especially knowing that massage therapy had been my career for so long. But deep down, I felt my journey in that field was over. The stress of continuing in a role that no longer inspired me was beginning to take a toll on my health, and I knew I had to make a change.

Starting fresh came with its own set of challenges. I had to fund a new aerial website, invest in advertising, and market to an entirely new audience. It felt overwhelming at times, but I kept reminding myself to trust the process. A friend once told me, ‘If you build it, they will book,’ and that simple phrase became my mantra.

I learned to take things one day at a time, focusing on small, actionable steps toward my vision. There were moments of doubt, but I never gave up. Now, I look back on that journey and see the resilience it took to overcome the fear of the unknown, adapt to a new business model, and embrace the opportunity to follow my passion. It’s a reminder that with trust, patience, and perseverance, we can create something truly meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.motionvirtuesaerial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motion_virtues_aerial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564963643983
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahgeslois
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/MotionVirtuesAerial/

Image Credits

Tyler Diggs, Jill Mills