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

Vanessa, appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were to start my fitness studio brands, BOXHAUS and Ekam Yoga & Pilates, all over again, I would undoubtedly approach the journey with a different perspective, one that values trust in the universe and embraces change. Over the years, I’ve learned that fear can be a formidable obstacle, and my hesitation to expand BOXHAUS into a franchise business earlier is a testament to that. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of recognizing the signs that the universe presents us with. In our case, despite my initial reservations, the constant inquiries from people who assumed we had multiple locations in other cities were undeniable signals. Instead of dismissing these signs, I should have considered them as opportunities for growth. Trusting that the universe was sending these signs for a reason would have led me to explore the franchise model sooner.
One of the primary reasons I resisted franchising was my concern about losing brand control. It’s natural to want to protect something you’ve poured your heart and soul into, but sometimes, holding on too tightly can hinder growth. Looking back, I would advise my past self to understand that franchising doesn’t necessarily mean losing control; it can mean expanding the brand’s influence and impact while still maintaining essential brand standards.
Another barrier I faced was my fear of the unknown. I lacked knowledge about franchising and was uncertain about how to get started. This lack of knowledge held me back for several years. However, I’ve come to realize that you don’t need to know everything from the start. In the world of entrepreneurship, learning as you go is not only acceptable but often necessary. Had I embraced this concept earlier, I might have taken the leap into franchising sooner, avoiding years of missed opportunities.
The most critical lesson from my journey is that leading from a place of trust in the universe and following your gut and intuition are powerful tools. Even when you doubt your abilities or are faced with the unknown, passion for what you do can drive you to learn and figure things out along the way. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges and uncertainties, but it’s also a path to personal and professional growth.
In summary, if I could start my fitness studio brands over again, I would trust the universe more, recognize the signs it sends my way, and embrace change with an open heart. I would understand that fear is a natural part of the journey but should not be a barrier to pursuing new opportunities. Leading with trust, passion, and intuition has been the key to our success, and it’s a lesson I’ll carry with me as I continue to grow and evolve my businesses. The universe has a way of guiding us towards our true potential if we are open to its signals and willing to take the leap of faith.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into the fitness industry began in a rather unconventional way back in 1996 when I was just 16 years old. I was so passionate about fitness that I even went to the extent of getting a fake ID to land a job at Bally’s Total Fitness in Glendale, California. Over the next two years, I wore multiple hats at the gym, working my way up from the front desk to a sales representative and eventually becoming a fitness trainer. However, life took me on a different path, and I moved to Miami Beach, where I worked as a real estate agent. During this time, I discovered my love for Ashtanga Yoga. It wasn’t until I returned to California around 2003 that I fully embraced my yoga practice and realized that fitness was where my true passion lay.
I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own fitness studio. My vision was to create an all-in-one fitness hub that offered my three favorite modalities: Yoga, Pilates, and Spin. As I delved into planning and considering the financial aspects of such a venture, I decided to narrow my focus to one modality, and that was Pilates. In 2006, I stumbled upon the Lagree Method, formerly known as SPX or Pilates Plus, which featured customized equipment called the Proformer, akin to the original Reformer designed by Joseph Pilates.
With an eager and supportive partner from my fitness-focused circle of friends, Pilates Plus OC was born in 2008. We proudly opened three locations in Orange County, including Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Laguna. We were the 11th Lagree affiliate to join the brand, which has since grown to include over 500 affiliate locations worldwide.
Fast forward to 2018, and I decided it was time for a new adventure. I sold my Pilates Plus OC studios to launch two new fitness concepts: BOXHAUS and Ekam Yoga & Pilates. These brands have quickly become industry leaders in Newport Beach, California, and have garnered immense support from our community.
BOXHAUS is all about unleashing your inner fighter, offering group boxing classes, private training, and a fantastic range of branded boxing equipment and merchandise. What we’re most proud of is the incredible community of empowered individuals we’ve built through these boxing sessions. It’s a high-vibe experience that leaves you feeling unstoppable, and we’re thrilled to have recently launched the BOXHAUS Franchise to bring this energy to even more locations across the United States.
Ekam Yoga & Pilates, on the other hand, is the go-to place for a wide variety of group classes, private training, workshops, special events, teacher trainings, and a thoughtfully curated retail shop. Our studio space is designed to envelope you with comfort and relaxation post your workout, with well-appointed locker and shower areas, cozy lounge nooks and a complimentary organic tea bar.
What truly fills my cup in this journey is the incredible people I have the privilege to work with every day and the clients who have become like extended family. Our passion for fitness and well-being drives us forward, and we can’t wait to continue making a positive impact in our community and beyond!

Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.

Yes, I have experience selling a business, specifically my original fitness brand called Pilates Plus OC, which I co-owned for nearly a decade. Here are some lessons I learned from that experience that could be valuable for entrepreneurs looking to sell their businesses one day:

Put Everything in Writing: One of the most important lessons I learned is to never rely solely on verbal agreements or handshakes when starting a business. People and circumstances change, and having written documentation of each partner’s expectations, roles, and the current pay structure is crucial. This documentation should also include contingency plans for various “what if” scenarios that may arise.

Plan for Change: Change is inevitable in business and life, so it’s essential to think ahead and anticipate possibilities, even if they seem unlikely. Having a clear plan in place for how to handle changes or unexpected events can prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the road.

Selling Shares: Selling your shares of a business can be emotionally challenging, akin to going through a divorce in the workplace. Having written expectations and guidelines in place can make this process smoother and less emotionally charged. While my partner and I were able to salvage our friendship, the negotiations were emotionally taxing, and having clear terms in writing would have eased the process.

Clear Communication Is Key: At the outset of a business, establishing open and transparent communication about expectations is vital. This not only helps with day-to-day operations but also makes the eventual sale more straightforward. When all parties are aware of and agree to the terms, it provides a sense of security and minimizes potential conflicts during the sale process.

Regularly Review and Update Agreements: Business dynamics evolve over time, so it’s advisable to revisit and update your partnership agreements and expectations annually, if possible. This ensures that everyone involved is on the same page and that the agreements remain relevant as the business grows and changes.

In summary, my experience in selling a business taught me the importance of clear and documented agreements, anticipating change, managing the emotional aspects of selling shares, emphasizing open communication, and regularly reviewing and updating partnership agreements. These lessons can help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of selling their businesses and maintain strong relationships with their partners throughout the process.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with five different business partners in the fitness industry, and each of these connections came about in unique ways. Some partners and I initially met while working out together, others through discussions about potential business opportunities, and some were individuals who expressed a keen interest in helping me grow my fitness businesses. However, what’s most important in these partnerships is that they felt right from the beginning. I believe in trusting my instincts, especially when it comes to people. The common thread that connected all of my business partners and I, was our shared passion and enthusiasm for what we were building together. This mutual drive and commitment were the keys to our successful collaborations.
In my experience, if that initial spark of passion and alignment is missing, the partnership is unlikely to reach its full potential. It’s crucial to connect with your intuition and trust your gut when assessing potential partners. The magic in any partnership truly begins when you both share a deep passion for the vision you’re creating!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.boxhaus.co www.ekamyogapilates.com
• Instagram: @boxhaus_studio @ekamyogapilates
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boxhausoc https://www.facebook.com/ekampilates/
• Linkedin: BOXHAUS EKAM YOGA & PILATES
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boxhausstudio https://www.youtube.com/@ekampilates5060
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boxhaus-newport-beach?osq=boxhaus https://www.yelp.com/biz/ekam-yoga-and-pilates-newport-beach

Image Credits
first two images of me @picfoster next two images of boxing room and pilates room @griffinconway last image of yoga room @allthatjaz_