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

Melissa , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I was working for a small studio and was killing it. Full schedule, high pace work day, and great clients. I was ready to take the risk and open my own studio. This was always my dream.

I knew I didn’t want any debt. I worked hard and saved up and started looking for a studio I could make my own. I finally decided on a 1000-square-foot space in the heart of Studio City right on Ventura Blvd. I hired a crew to help build out and design Pure Strength. I invested in high-quality machines and hired a marketing specialist to help me develop my personal brand that was authentically me.

I worked hard for each client that signed up with me. I focused 100% on them and gave them my best service. I still do this today. For each person who comes to us, we focus on giving them the best experience. This remains a number one priority today and I have instilled this value in my staff because I think it is foundational to continuing to grow and scale Pure Strength LA to the next level.

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

My passion for health developed at a young age when my father died of lung cancer when I was twelve. I also watched my mother and stepfather gradually gain weight since I was a child and struggle with obesity. This left an impact on me and I began focusing on my own health in my early teens.

After getting my degree, I explored different avenues, but I always kept coming back to follow my true passion- working with people and teaching them how to be healthy.

I obtained my SuperSlow Certification in 2000 and began instructing clients. I soon learned that people just needed help getting started and I related to this. So many people don’t know what to do when they go to a gym, aren’t sure what to do to be in better shape, or how not to injure themselves.

In March 2004, I found a great space tucked away on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. My vision was to create an environment that was private, supportive, and aimed toward helping people be healthier! I was inspired by my mentor in Northern California that had a small exclusive studio and I just loved the environment and no-nonsense way of training.

For nearly 20 years now, PureStrength LA has been providing a superior workout backed by science, specializing in working with men and women over 40. Through the P.L.E.A.S.E The Body Blueprint, Pure Strength offers a six-step program that helps clients get stronger and build muscle. Our slow cadence technique specifically reduces the risk of injury and helps you reverse muscle loss, increase bone density, boost metabolic rates, and improve overall core strength.

I have put a lot of research and time into finding the most specialized equipment to give people the safest and most efficient workout. We recently added a new “Biohack” section to complement the unique slow-strength training technique we use in the studio. It is all designed to help people with recovery, osteoporosis, alleviating joint pain, and what I feel is most important- helping to reverse muscle loss as we age. I feel confident I am offering the best possible experience in terms of health and wellness to everyone who walks through our door.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals from our existing members! As a small business owner, referrals have been instrumental in our success. I don’t think there’s a secret. We simply give each person who comes to us our best and show them we genuinely care. We get a lot out of our members sharing with us the changes that happen to them as they go through our program. It’s inspiring. As they start to see changes and feel better, many people refer their spouses, friends, and other people they know to us.

We also receive referrals from other professionals- doctors and chiropractors refer patients to us to help reverse osteoporosis, manage back pain, and improve cardiovascular health.

One of our members came to us in poor health. One year later, he went for his annual heart exam. His doctor saw such a dramatic improvement from his previous tests that he told him to keep up lifting weights because it is a great heart workout. Thirteen years later, he continues to come twice a week.

Another member was hit by a car last month crossing the street. Her doctor told her to keep up lifting weights because it saved her from breaking any bones during the incident and she’s recovering much quicker than she would be had she not been working with us regularly.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Surviving through the pandemic. It was unsettling at times. I remember driving into the studio to check on everything and seeing many businesses close on Ventura Boulevard each week. Some of these were places that had been in business longer than I had. I had a lot of clients move away and out of state. I was unable to open my doors for nearly a year. I had to pivot and expand to new streams of revenue, get creative, and push myself.

We continue to work with members in the studio and are thriving today. I added virtual training and we now train clients all over the United States. I started public speaking – something I never thought I would do. I now speak to people all over the world and feel honored to share my message and affect people’s lives in a whole new way. We are excited to launch our corporate wellness program. There were times I thought we might not make it but I persevered and grew my business in a time when we could have shut down.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.purestrengthla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purestrengthla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PureStrengthLA
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagunnpurestrength/
• Twitter: @purestrengthla
• Youtube: @PureStrengthLA
• Yelp: @PureStrengthLA

Image Credits
ScottSapp Photography