We were lucky to catch up with Manndola Dorsilon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Manndola, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It all began when I attended my first 26 + 2 heated class in Santa Monica back in 2012. I distinctly remember walking into that session feeling nervous and stressed, only to leave feeling completely rejuvenated. It was in that transformative moment that I realized the powerful combination of heat and strategic movement could profoundly impact both the body and mind, marking the official beginning of my journey.

From there, my focus turned to how I could introduce heat to enhance the transformative power of fitness for others. Heat amplifies the benefits of movement by promoting flexibility, detoxification, and heightened focus. It serves as a catalyst for physical and mental transformation, nurturing a sense of accomplishment and well-being that extends far beyond the confines of the studio walls. Personally, heat was instrumental in healing and sustaining me for many years, so much so that I felt compelled to integrate it as an essential component of my workout philosophy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born and raised in Orlando, FL, I’ve always been an athlete. Throughout my life, I’ve participated in sports such as soccer, track and field, and even marching band (it’s a sport, I don’t care what anyone says, lol), which kept my mind and body in peak condition. As I transitioned into adulthood, I noticed a lack of workouts that consistently challenged me to excel physically or supported my athletic fitness goals.

In 2012, after my first experience with hot yoga, I knew immediately it was a game changer. This inspired me to create DolaFit, my critically acclaimed class.

What I’m most proud of is the community and clients I’ve built around DF. If you’ve ever attended one of my classes, you know it’s an unforgettable experience. The communal support is unparalleled, and the workout strikes a balance of fun and challenge suitable for all fitness levels. DolaFit is a heated, full-body workout that combines isometric and dynamic movements to strengthen and tone the entire muscular system. We incorporate weights and resistance props based on the focus area for that day.

For those considering DolaFit, if you’re ready to elevate your fitness journey, this is your opportunity. While my class has a reputation for being one of the toughest in the country, I always chuckle at that notion. The challenge level is entirely up to you. Just show up with a positive attitude and give it your all. Currently my classes are available exclusively at White Heat Yoga , in North Hollywood on Wednesdays at 4pm.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is through word of mouth. There’s nothing quite like a recommendation from someone close to you, sharing their discovery of a new class or describing how an experience made them feel. This approach led to me being voted the #1 workout in LA in 2019, despite having little to no social media presence. It’s also how I’ve garnered hundreds of 5-star reviews and consistently filled classes.

Currently, my class maintains an “IYKYK” vibe, and I appreciate that, especially in today’s overly exposed social media society. Recently, I’ve started allowing clients to film brief clips of class and capture funny or cool moments for posting, as long as it’s done respectfully and with consideration for others. Nonetheless, I believe that the less time we spend on our phones and social media, the better.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As a business owner, you will inevitably need to unlearn things, especially when striving for growth. Initially, many of us assume we can handle everything independently. While this might be true initially, over time, it can become detrimental to both you and your business. Therefore, I prioritize actively listening to my clients and remaining sensitive to their needs, whether I’m guiding them in a class setting or during private training sessions. They always receive my undivided attention as I assist them in reaching their goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dolafit.com
• Instagram: @Dolafit
• Other: DolaFit apparel is set to launch in the fall of 2024.

Image Credits

@shoate_media