We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalie Fuertes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalie below.

Natalie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

When you hear of the word “home,” what do you think of? For most, it’s a warm, fuzzy place, right? Growing up, my experience wasn’t exactly that. Picture this: a young Latina girl in a broken home, a dad battling addiction, a mom doing her best on her own. Society was quick to write me off, expecting me not to achieve much, but I was set on proving them wrong. Even when I found myself pregnant at 21, I was determined not to just be another statistic. I poured my heart into my education, trying to be the best student I could be. And, when I gave birth, I poured my soul into being the best mother I could be.

Fast forward through the years, I became a teacher, giving it my all in the classroom – until I couldn’t anymore. There was an emptiness inside me. Maybe it was the result of a long battle with anxiety and depression. Or the years of trying to prove to society that I was the best mother, teacher, and wife, had finally taken a toll. I hit a wall. I burned out.

So, I left teaching and suddenly found myself in an unexpected place – a gymnastics facility. I know, you’re thinking, how did we get here? And I could give you the details. How a quick consulting gig turned into purchasing the business. But here’s what really matters: this little place, Industry Gymnastics, became my sanctuary.

It’s like this little world where I see toddlers taking their first steps. Where my staff has become my family, who I laugh and cry and crack the most ridiculous jokes with. Where you’ll probably catch me outside in the summer, sweeping the sidewalk, ready to tell you that you’re doing a great job as a parent.

Without even realizing it, I created the safe space I never had growing up. And I believe every kid deserves that – a place filled with laughter, where your differences are welcome, and you’ve got a whole squad cheering you on.

At Industry Gymnastics, it’s not just about learning cartwheels and flips. We’re all about the ‘whole child.’ We’re breaking molds here with gender-neutral, inclusive programs. Kids who are gender expansive? They find a haven with us, a place where they can just be themselves without any side eyes. We cater to kids with special needs too, making sure everyone gets to join in the fun, no matter their abilities.

Creating Industry Gymnastics wasn’t just opening a business. It was about making a home. The kind of place I wish I had as a kid. The kind where every child walks out feeling a little taller, a bit prouder, and so loved.

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

I’m a proud Latina and lifelong New Yorker, running a vibrant gymnastics facility right in the heart of NYC. My story kicks off in a challenging family environment, but I was fueled by my heritage and a fierce love for learning. Life tossed me a curveball early on – I became a mom at 21. But instead of letting it set me back, it propelled me forward. I balanced diapers with textbooks, eventually graduating and diving into a teaching career.

After nearly a decade in education, though, the grind started to wear me down. I found myself battling burnout, feeling like something crucial was missing from my life. That’s when fate stepped in. Initially, I just brought my kids to a local gymnastics class to let them burn off some energy. Watching them, something clicked inside me though. I realized that this place, this environment, could be more than just a pastime – it could be my calling. A quick consulting gig to help out the gym turned into a full-on passion project as I decided to take the leap and purchase the business.

And just like that, Industry Gymnastics was born. We’ve tossed out those outdated gender-segregated training models and introduced fully gender-neutral and inclusive programs. Why should a sport dictate that only girls balance on beams and boys swing on rings? At our gym, every kid, regardless of gender identity, gets to try everything. We even have gender-expansive classes where gender variant children can engage with peers who share similar experiences, led by LGBTQ+ coaches who are all about inclusivity.

We’ve also established comprehensive programs for children with special needs. Understanding the challenges faced by children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), or sensory processing disorders (SPD), our facility offers tailored classes with specialized instructors. These programs ensure that gymnastics is accessible and enjoyable for every child, regardless of their physical or cognitive differences.

But the thing I’m most proud of? Our community work. We’re always drumming up support for a cause, whether it’s local animal shelters, food pantries, LGBTQ+ support groups, or schools. We’ve even provided a safe space for incoming migrant children, giving them free gymnastics classes to help them feel at home in our city. Additionally, we served as an emergency drop-off location, providing essential supplies to incoming asylum seekers in NYC for six months.

What I want everyone to know about Industry Gymnastics is this: we’re more than a gym; we’re a family, a support system, and a force for positive change. Every child that walks through our doors leaves feeling a bit taller, a whole lot prouder, and deeply loved.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Launching Industry Gymnastics in January 2020 was stepping right into a storm. We had just opened our doors when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing us to shut down only two months later. With no external investors, just our dreams and determination, we suddenly found ourselves without any revenue for nearly four months. But that’s life, right? When faced with challenges, you find ways to adapt and thrive.

So, we pivoted. We couldn’t welcome families into the gym, but we weren’t about to let that disconnect us. We started offering free online classes and content. It wasn’t just about keeping Industry Gymnastics afloat; it was about keeping that human connection alive. Families were stuck at home, craving interaction and a sense of normalcy, and we provided that little oasis of normal in the chaos. This move wasn’t just a lifesaver for our business – it deepened our bonds with the community.

When we finally opened our doors open again at 50% capacity, the support was overwhelming. It felt like the whole community was behind us, cheering us on. That whole ordeal taught me a lot about thinking on my feet and the power of community. It was a crash course in business resilience 101.

But the learning didn’t stop there. As the world started to open up, we faced new challenges like inflation and high interest rates. Taking a page from our pandemic playbook, we adapted again. We shifted from competitive gymnastics to strictly recreational. Why? Because it was clear that’s what our community needed. Parents were looking for programs that supported their kids’ special needs, mental health, and safe spaces, especially for LGBTQ+ and migrant children.

This shift let us cut down on the hefty costs of competitive sports and focus on what we do best – being inclusive and welcoming to everyone. We ramped up our community engagement and doubled down on inclusivity. Now, our business model isn’t just about gymnastics; it’s about building community and supporting our kids in every way we can.

Pivoting has been the name of the game since day one. But each pivot has helped us turn challenges into opportunities to do more for our kids and our community. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and keeping everyone’s spirits high is all about creating a culture that feels like home. At Industry Gymnastics, we’ve built a workplace that’s as inclusive and nurturing as the environment we create for our students. Honestly, the running joke at our gym is that no one ever really quits – it’s a testament to the supportive and fulfilling vibe we’ve fostered.

We’ve seen employees leave to pursue degrees in fields like education and physical therapy, often returning after exploring other paths because they miss the fulfillment they found with us. This cycle of leaving and returning really highlights the unique and rewarding atmosphere at Industry Gymnastics. Their loyalty doesn’t end with them; their families often become part of our community, drawn in by the positive stories shared at home.

We’re all about breaking the mold of the typical hustle culture. In a world that often overlooks mental health and work-life balance, we make it a priority, recognizing the unique challenges faced by our staff, 80% of whom identify as LGBTQ+. In a sport that can traditionally be quite conservative and gendered, it’s crucial that we provide a safe space. This means ensuring that every team member feels secure, valued, and accepted – not just on paper, but in everyday interactions which isn’t a given in every workplace.

Nearly all of our team members manage a myriad of mental health conditions, and unlike many traditional workplaces that struggle to meet these needs, we embrace them fully. We adapt communication methods to accommodate staff with ADHD or dyslexia and provide a supportive shoulder on rough days. Our goal is to adjust our environment in ways that help everyone thrive, recognizing that each person’s needs are as unique as they are.

Further strengthening our supportive culture, we treat mistakes not as failings but as opportunities for growth. I lead by example, openly sharing my own mistakes to foster an environment where learning and development are prioritized over fault-finding. Our team knows I have their back, especially when dealing with customers. At Industry Gymnastics, the customer is not always right if it means compromising our staff’s dignity or well-being. This approach ensures our team feels genuinely cared for and valued, far beyond the financial aspects of our business. It’s about building a community where everyone feels they have the support and space to be themselves, which is essential for maintaining high morale and encouraging a deep, enduring loyalty to our gym.

So, my advice? Build a workplace that genuinely cares for its people. Make it a place they’re excited to come back to, not just a spot they check into from nine to five. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves and supported in their personal growth. That’s the secret sauce to high morale and a loyal team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.industrygymnastics.com/
• Instagram: Personal: @the_m_o_m / Business: @industrygymnastics
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/industrygymnastics
• Linkedin: Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-fuertes/ and Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrygymnastics/