Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Garrison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The Balance Culture is a women’s fitness studio that offers group classes in yoga, pilates, barre, bootycamp, strength training, endurance training, HIIT and stretch. We are a place to empower women mentally, physically and emotionally. We believe every community of women is a community of strength. When you walk through the threshold of our doors you feel a sense of worth, empowerment, safety, power and purpose. Our goal is more than the physical, it is to equip women mentally, emotionally and physically to be the best woman they can be! We are strong, we are beautiful, we are capable, we are enough, we are limitless! The world needs who we were created to be!

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

My name is Stephanie Garrison and I serve as the owner of The Balance Culture Winter Haven (BCWH). BCWH just opened in Winter Haven, Florida in January 2023. This is the second location, our first location opened in 2015 in Lakelalnd, Florida and is thriving. The Balance Culture is a women’s fitness studio offering group fitness classes in yoga, pilates, barre, bootycamp, strength training and endurance training.

I have been a part of BC from the beginning as I grew up with our founders Kirstin Czernek and Ruthie Tait. I have served in operations and as an instructor since 2015. In January of 2022, Ruthie Tait and I discussed the expansion to a new city and second location. I had been preparing and investing for my next career move and this seemed like perfect timing. I accepted the challenge, left my 20 year career in Higher Education and moved to downtown Winter Haven. We acquired a historic storefront in the downtown square and began renovating. We were able to open our doors in January 2023.

I began dancing at the age of 3 and remember walking into my first studio thinking, “How can I do this every day of my life? This is the best feeling!” Thirty seven years later, I’m living out my dream!

The Balance Culture is unique because we cater to women and meet them wherever they are in their story. We are a safe place that empowers them to be the best versions of themselves; mentally, emotionally and physically. We believe that when your head and your heart connect- your booty, legs, calves, quads and core will follow and work together!

Our clients sense the community, authenticity and empowerment when they come into our space. As a boutique fitness studio we are set apart from the traditional big-box gyms and create a space that is custom and offers variety.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The Balance Culture thrives on creating community as well as being an intricate part of the community. Winter Haven is about 25 minutes away from Lakeland (our 1st location) and in the same county (Polk). We chose Winter Haven because it is a sister city- close enough where the ladies heard of our brand, but far enough that there was need and community for another location.

Joining The Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Winter Haven was a profitable decision for BCWH. I attended every meeting, event, pop-up, 5k, market day, city meeting that I could. I wanted to immerse myself with the city, my new town and our future clients. I met so many people in those months prior to opening that I was more confident as we opened the doors.

Winter Haven is a beautiful city with a lot of rich history, relationships and buy-in. Winter Haven loves Winter Haven- everyone supports change, new and growth. Opening BC in the downtown square brought diversity, groups and walking traffic to the area. Our new clients trusted our space because they were able to follow along during the year of preparation. It was immediate “family” as we entered into Winter Haven.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Kirstin Czernek and Ruthie Tait founded The Balance Culture. Kirstin and I grew up together through high school, youth group and then went to college (Southeastern University) together. I was in her wedding and have celebrated with her (and Tomas) as they welcomed their children in their home. When Kirstin told me she was planning for BC, she said “I need you to teach barre”. I was sold from that convo- I was turning 30 and my dancing days were over; but group fitness and barre just fit, there wasn’t a need to think about it.

Ruthie Tait also went to Southeastern University for college and I hired her as a student employee one summer. We connected and became friends as the years went on. When she and Kirstin began BC it was an easy yes to be a part of the company.

Eventually, Kirstin retired in 2021 as her family continued to grow and Ruthie assumed 100% of BC Lakeland. As I had always served on the backend of operations for BC, Ruthie and I discussed my involvement and future expansion. In January 2022 we agreed I was move forward with the 2nd location and become a business partner.

Contact Info:

• Website: thebalanceculture.com
• Instagram: @stephgarrison @thebalanceculture
• Facebook: Stephanie Garrison/The Balance Culture
• Linkedin: Stephanie Garrison

Image Credits
Photography by Madisen Elizabeth Photograhy madisen.elizabeth.m@gmail.com @madisen.e.photography 805-827-1212