Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Simpson.
Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Jazzercise was founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett and it has continued to grow and expand over the last 48 years because it offers a workout experience that works. I began taking classes in 2013 and quickly fell in love with the program. I needed a workout that was a group of people and was fun to attend. Jazzercise is made up of instructors and owners who each own a franchise of the company. In September of 2013, I successfully tried out to become an instructor and began teaching classes in Abilene, Tx. I then moved here to the Boston area one year later in 2014. I was presented with the opportunity to take over the Jazzercise Newton Fitness Studio in January of 2017 and took over the business on July 1st, 2017.
Has it been a smooth road?
The hardest thing to learn about business, and life, is that you will not please everyone. There is going to be someone who does not like your decision and that is a part of life. It was very hard for me in the beginning when I took over because the previous owner was there for 10 years, so we were going through a transition period. I had a lot of positive feedback from my staff and members, but all I could hear were the small negatives. It really began to dishearten me because I had a lot of new ideas and was putting in a lot of work to make the place feel and look different. I have slowly begun to realize that negativity is part of life and I need to take it into perspective and focus on the positives. I will always listen to my customers and let them know that they are heard, but I cannot take everything to heart.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jazzercise Newton Fitness Studio story. Tell us more about the business.
Jazzercise is a dance fitness program taught all around the world. You come to shake, swivel and sweat for an entire hour! We offer different class formats including DanceMixx, Fusion, Strike, Core, and Strength that make the workout experience fun while kicking your ass. Our music is current music from the Top40 and guaranteed to pump you up for class!
As a company, we aren’t just known for our awesome dance moves, but also our ways that we give back to the community. We have raised over $28 million dollars for people in our communities. We also participate in working with elementary schools to help get kids fit. We are also a great company full of powerful women. Our company was founded by a woman and gives opportunities for women to own a business.
Jazzercise also began offering classes free to young ladies ages 16-21 this year and our studio will continue that for 2018.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
In the next five years, we will continue to see Jazzercise grow. It is not what it was when your mothers took it in the 80’s.
Jazzercise continues to grow and change with the times, which has made us successful for 48 years. At our local studio in Newton, MA, we hope to see more cosmetic changes and adding more classes to the schedule.
Pricing:
- 12 Month Commitment – $55/month
- Month-to-Month Commitment – $75 (can cancel at anytime)
- Walk-In – $20/class
- ALL GIRLS 16-21 ARE FREE!
Contact Info:
- Address: 392 Watertown St. Newton, MA 02458
- Website: http://local.jazzercise.com/jazzercise-newton-fitness-studio/Newton-MA/
- Phone: 617-964-4026
- Email: emilysimp27@gmail.com
- Instagram: jazzerciseinc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JazzerciseNewton
- Twitter: JazzerciseInc
- Other: www.jazzercise.com
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
