Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Walderzak.
Julia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a child, I struggled with childhood obesity. I hated competitive sports and there was no other alternatives for working out as a child. It was extremely isolating and frustrating. I would try and go to the gym, but I didn’t really know what to do except run on the treadmill. Later on, I found my passion for Tae Kwon Do and at that point, I knew how important it was to find what you love to do in order incorporate fitness as a lifestyle change.
My other passion was for entrepreneurship. I knew I wanted to be a business owner, and I knew that I wanted to own a business that would mean something and better our community. In 2013, my husband and I became pregnant. It was shortly after that that I had the ‘aha’ moment and H2K was born. I knew that there were so many other children out there who were struggling to find their niche. Instead of being stuck in front of a screen or playing video games, they should be moving. I also knew from my previous Tae Kwon Do training what important role meditation and mindfulness plays in your overall wellbeing.
We lost the baby, but I knew that everything happens for a reason, so I knocked on every banks door until one would finally give me a small business loan. Today, H2K is a non-competitive and mindfulness-based mobile fitness program for children and families of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to provide a holistic fitness experience in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment, regardless of skill set or ability level. Classes that we offer include yoga, kickboxing, dance, tumbling, Family and Me Classes, adult classes, and more. Each H2K class ends with meditation and a discussion of individualized healthy goals, encouraging a wholesome and lifelong approach to mind-body health and wellness. We began as a studio and quickly began taking our classes all across the state and beyond, teaching at hospitals, wellness centers, schools, libraries, play spaces, and more. We currently have classes in MA, RI, and NC and recently opened our first Franchise in Houston, TX!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is a reason why very few businesses become successful. If you are not able to adapt to your situation and pivot, you will not succeed. I also learned how little women are respected in business. In fact, when I was applying for my loan, the loan officer actually said to me ‘Are you sure you want to do this? What if you have a family one day? You can’t do both.’ I was disgusted by this man’s archaic belief that woman can’t be successful and have families.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
H2K specializes in non-competitive fitness for children and families. We are completely unique in that fact that our classes end with meditation and healthy Goals. Our classes range from Lil’ Ninjas to Mom and Daughter Kickboxing and our adaptive classes for children with special needs.
What’s super cool about my company is that we help all types of kids and families. In our classes, our students range from star athletes to children struggling with anxiety or weight issues. We create a safe space where everyone feel comfortable not matter their athletic ability.
I’m proud every time I hear how happy a parent is to find us because their child has never had a place where they feel comfortable working out.
What were you like growing up?
I have always had a big personality. In fact, I grew up singing, acting and dancing. I loved theater so much that I received a BFA in Theater performance! I still love theater and hope to get back into it one day, but for now, my life is full running my business and spending time with my amazing husband and two beautiful girls.
Contact Info:
- Website: h2kchildrenfitness.com
- Phone: 978.293.5225
- Email: julia@h2kchildrenfitness.com
- Instagram: @h2khappyhealthykids
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/H2KHappyHealthyKids/
- Other: jwfitnesspreneur.com
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