MAD LOVE MONDAY - Chantelle Beasley | Aradia Fitness
My name is Chantelle Beasley, and I am the owner and operator of Aradia Fitness. We have six studios, and four locations including Whyte Avenue, Kingsway, Sherwood Park, and St. Albert.
Chantelle was nominated for a MAD LOVE MONDAY by her assistant Ashley Moorji from Aradia Fitness! Below is what she shared with us about Chantelle!
"She owns 4 different Aradia Fitness locations (Kingsway, Whyte Ave, Sherwood Park and St.Albert).
She decided to take on Aradia fitness when she was just 19 years old & has since built the largest pole dancing business in Edmonton! She works so hard every day to ensure that not only her business is running smooth, but that her staff and customers are treated fairly & are happy. While building up her pole dancing empire she also had a daughter & finished her social work diploma through Grant Macewan. AND to top it all off she started a charity (
) for young girls. I have been working for her for nearly 4 years and have NEVER been so inspired or motivated by anyone than I have
Chantelle!
I would love for her to be featured. She truly deserves all the praise she can get! <3"
Hey! Thanks for reading!
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My name is Chantelle Beasley, and I am the owner and operator of Aradia Fitness. We have six studios, and four locations including Whyte Avenue, Kingsway, Sherwood Park, and St. Albert. We primarily specialize in pole fitness and aerial arts, but we also include fun alternative fitness classes such as hip hop, belly dancing, aerial yoga, dancing in heels, twerk, strength/flexibility, and so much more!
Growing up, people knew me as the unathletic slug that avoided gym class at all costs. (We’re talking, I would only show up to class to get signed off for attendance, and then I would sneak away to sleep in the gym locker room). I absolutely despised physical activity. Often, I would find myself going to the gym because I felt like I had to, or because I was trying to burn off as many calories as what I had for supper that evening. I hated it – it became about obsession in regard to what my body looked like, and it didn’t help me appreciate my body for what it was.
I was about 17 years old when I saw MTV Canada interviewing a pole dancing studio in Toronto. I was glued to this interview, and I couldn’t help but think “What!?! You can take pole dancing classes? It’s a form of fitness? This looks like something I actually wouldn’t hate!”
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And as soon as I turned 18, I signed up for my first class at Aradia Fitness. I was a nursing student at the time, and I convinced one of my classmates to join me. VERY long story short, I became instantly hooked. (Yes, my first few classes were awkward as heck, and I felt like I was in the wrong place the entire time, but once I got past that feeling and realized everyone was in the same boat as I, it was incredible).
And for the first time in my life, I finally stopped counting my calories. I began setting goals in pole fitness as to what tricks I wanted to attain, not how much weight I wanted to lose. I would look at girls in higher levels, and think “WOW, if I could EVER do that, I would be so proud of myself.” And with practice and work, I did learn to do those things, and through it all, I learned to become proud of my body for the incredible things that it can do, as opposed to just how it looked.
So at the age of 19, my dad who owns his own business as well, also owned some commercial property in Sherwood Park. He had a vacant mezzanine, and he would constantly suggest “we should open up some kind of a business up there.” With my new passion, I suggested that pole fitness would be a great fit in the community – and he agreed to let me put a studio up there! And that was it – from there I took over the original Edmonton studios two years later, and opened up our fourth location in St. Albert almost three years ago now.
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Without realizing it, I think my lifes’ motto is “just do the things.”
I take a lot of risks – and I admit that I haven’t been very cautious about my business decisions. If something sounds like a fun challenge, I hardly think twice about it, and honestly just go for it. Sometimes I have absolutely NO idea as to how these “opportunities” are going to play out, how I’m going to even afford them, or if it will work – but I do them anyways. I only think about the possible positive outcomes of those adventures, and even if failure does happen, which it WILL, I think about what I will learn from it, and how it will help me grow as a leader and entrepreneur.
I just feel that if we only have one life to live – what are we doing to live it to the fullest? Being an entrepreneur, and owning Aradia has helped me live my passions out to their fullest.
I am always setting goals. I have daily goals, weekly goals, monthly, yearly, and even 5 year plans in place. They definitely change all the time, my 5 year plan today could be different tomorrow, and that’s okay!
Did I ever have a time where I wanted to give up? I’d say I contemplate giving up more often than I don’t. Being an entrepreneur will never, ever be easy. My biggest struggle is that I’m a huge people pleaser. If somebody is unhappy with something, I take it very personally, and lose sleep over it until it’s “resolved” or made better. As you can imagine, having a clientele of 500 students, and 50 instructors – it’s next to impossible to please everyone – but they keep me on top of my game, even when it’s hard! My business is my baby, it is an extension of myself, so I feel that when somebody is unhappy with my product, they are in return unhappy with me. I try and use this as a positive for my business, because I truly want my customer experience to be incredible!
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The reason at the end of the day as to why I’ve never given up, is because I believe in what I do – SO strongly. Getting the e-mails, receiving the feedback, and hearing about how pole fitness has changed somebody’s life… there’s no greater feeling, there’s no greater reward.
None of this could be done without my incredible team. They are the face of Aradia. I can sit behind my computer and make business decisions, but without my team to carry forth safe training, a body positive attitude, and a want to build community – Aradia is nothing without them.
As a YEGBOSSBABE, I want to connect with other YEGBOSSBABES in order to find a means of support. Admittedly, when I am going through my business lows, I struggle emotionally. As much as my husband lends an ear for support, he does not quite understand the struggle of a business owner. Additionally, I can not put the stress of my woes on to my team – it would be incredible to find a support system from other YEGBOSSBABES who can relate and connect by supporting each other through the difficult entrepreneurial times!
MAD LOVE MONDAY - Jocelyn Davison | The Virtual Effect
Jocelyn Davison was nominated by us here at YEGBOSSBABES and Danielle Dugan of Etched in Marketing. As a valuable member of our Ambassador Program here at YEGBOSSBABES, we are proud to be featuring this talented entrepreneur.
Jocelyn Davison was nominated by us here at YEGBOSSBABES and Danielle Dugan of Etched in Marketing. As a valuable member of our Ambassador Program here at YEGBOSSBABES, we are proud to be featuring this talented entrepreneur. Here is what Danielle shared with us about Jocelyn: "[Jocelyn] is one of the most positive, encouraging, and supportive people I have ever met. In the just under a year that I've known her, she has not built up her business (which she's been hustling hard on), she has worked to help build connections and a community among Edmonton female entrepreneurs. I feel like she always has something new and exciting going on but never brags about it (although she should since it's all due to her skill and hard work) and instead is always asking about and building up those around her. Basically, Jocelyn is amazing!"
What a difference a year makes. I look back at myself last year at this time when I was at my lowest point, and I don’t recognize myself. I loved my comfort zone and loved it for far too long. Loved it to the point that in my late thirties, which I know is still young….right?? I was simply going through the motions of daily life and not really challenging myself in any way or seeking new and heightened levels of enjoyment. Before recognizing this everything was flowing smoothly, as it should when you are operating within your perfectly controlled comfort zone, but then something shifted or changed or maybe I just woke up and realized I wanted, and was capable, of so much more. I was living below my potential, which at the end of the day or the end of one's life, is a heartbreaking realization to come to, at least mine came to me while I still had plenty of time to change it.
Want to know the funny thing, I thought everything was flowing smoothly as I said above, but it wasn’t, my life was falling apart around me and I was a shell of who I used to be. So in retrospect, nothing was flowing smoothly and I will forever be grateful for the wake up, shake up, and true path I fought with all my heart to walk.
Starting my own business, doing what I love, has opened my eyes and my heart to be my true self and to show up for the world and everyone in my life in a much bigger capacity than I ever thought possible.
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My business, my professional heart and soul, The Virtual Effect, at the surface provides event planning and branding services to businesses. But it goes so much deeper than that. I connect with brave souls who have taken the leap to pursue their passion, who have been inspired to achieve more in this world, give back to our community, and make an impact and a difference with every client they touch. I get to hear and understand the stories behind many incredible businesses and then create an experience for their market, whether through events or brand development, to enable them to communicate their business soul in a real and authentic way.
The Edmonton entrepreneur scene is one of support, collaboration, inspiration, and drive. I feel so fortunate to be a part of it and share in the experiences of those living in their truth and pursuing what they love. I promise you when I say there has not been a day that has passed since I left my job and went full-time into my business that I have not expressed gratitude for this experience I am having. I get to curate beautiful experiences by weaving a brand’s story into events so that is a seamless journey for the guest. I get to dive to the depths of businesses to create a foundation for brands to be effectively and authentically communicated. I get to work with people who fill my cup and inspire me in all that I do.
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I am no longer the person who wishes for change or opportunities, I am the person who creates them. Beautiful communities like the one created by YEGBOSSBABES have been an absolute gift and spark for me in my journey. Connecting with women who think like you do, who operate on the same vibration, and who truly want to celebrate in your successes and hold you up through your challenges are the solid foundation we all need to achieve all that we are capable of and more. For those I have yet to meet, I can’t wait, and YEGBOSSBABES, thank you for creating this community!
Take it from the former Queen of Comfort Zones, that while safe, nothing happens there. So whether it's a baby step outside it or a massive leap of faith, make the decision to try and see what happens, because I believe you will find out that you are capable of so much more.
-Jocelyn Davison
See more of Jocelyn and the Viritual Effect on Instagram or say Hi to her at upcoming events!
Learn more on how you can get involved by becoming a YBB Volunteer or Ambassador by sending us an email (yegbossbabes@gmail.com)
MAD LOVE MONDAY - Jennifer Drvaric | Jen D Style
I am in the business of helping people feel and look their absolute best and portraying the best version of themselves. My businessis primarily a style consulting andpersonal shopping business but I also offer otherservices like consulting onportraits, headshots, events and even help people pack for travel.
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1.What is your business & why that field / service/ product?
I am in the business of helping people feel and look their absolute best and portraying the best version of themselves. My businessis primarily a style consulting andpersonal shopping business but I also offer otherservices like consulting onportraits, headshots, events and even help people pack for travel.
I am also interested in dabbling in wardrobe styling, working with photographers and potentially collaborating on creatives or editorial work. Down the road I’d like to get into providing corporate seminars for organizations on dressing in the workplace.
I launched mybusiness (www.jendstyle.com) only very recently but being a stylist is something Ihave wantedto do for quite some time.
2.What inspired you to start your own business?
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Well, to put it simply – the desire to build a business based on something that I truly am passionate about.Before deciding to start my styling business, I had a pretty successful career in the corporate worldfor over 10 years. I then went on to have my kids (ages 6 & 4 now) and stayed at home with them for a couple of years. Once I returned back to the corporate world after being home with my kids, I felt like something had changed in me. I knew that I wanted more than just the everyday grind of working for a large public company, that the differences I could make were really just minor. I wanted to go to work every day and feel passionate about what I could do to help someone, love what I do and feel a sense of satisfaction. I also worked in the recruitment world for about a year, learned a TON and all this led me tofigure outthat entrepreneurship was in the cards for me.
3.Do you have a go to quote / motto?
Yes! Style is more than just clothes. A lot of people think that fashion and style is superficial and materialistic, the truth is – the reason many of us love it is because it does something for how weFEEL. There really is just something to be said for putting on those beautiful shoes and feeling like you can do anything, or those pair of jeans, etc.I also believe that for me, being able to help other women (or men!) feel more confident about themselves is really a gift I’m really excited about sharing!
There is a quote that came from Rachel Zoe and I included it on my website because it really depicts what my motto as a stylist is. It speaks to the importance of how what we wear depicts how we are viewed by others and sends a message about confidence, self-awareness, assertiveness and the list goes on. From someone who spent many years in the business world,I saw firsthand how this concept is so very true in the business world. I love being able to help others be the best version of themselves
4.What’s a personal goal of yours to accomplish? (time frame?)
Personally, I really would like to bring back fitness into my life more regularly! Ever since having kids, exercise has really not been made a priority for me and I struggle getting it in. For all the mommas out there who are incredibly fit, I need to take a page from your book!Although, I do have to say that the type of exercise I’m drawn to these days is ALLL about Yoga! I LOVE yoga and would like to incorporate it into my daily routine.
5.Do you have a professional goal or set of goals for your business?
Wow, I’d say really a few things. I’d really like to learn all there is to know about the styling business, connect with other women in business and give back to the community where I can. I am excited to learn from those around me, make connections, collaborate and build long lasting relationships. By the end of 2018, I would like to have 2-3 collaborations.
6.Why do you love being an entrepreneur?
I am a very driven person and the concept of entrepreneurship is a match made in heaven. I have a business background so I understand the foundation which helps,but so far what I like the most is the creativitythat I can put into it and I take great pride in calling itmy own. I enjoy having theflexibilityto drop my kids off at school, pick them up and flex with what’s happening in my personal life. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been pushed outside my comfort zone a lot but I know that for both personally and professionally when I allow myself to be exposed to new ideas, new environments - I learn, grow and thrive.
7.Did you ever have a time where you wanted to give up? How did you overcome that feeling?
Jen D Style hasn’t been around for very long. I’ve had a few moments where I thought, “What are you doing?” But for the most part, I charge on forward and keep reminding myself that if I believe in myself and my ability to succeed, I will. Mediation and yoga practice has really helped ground me during days of uncertainty, self-doubt and stress.
8.Whats your best boss babe moment? (First moment of reassurance).
To be honest, it was actually when I decided to quit my last job as a recruiter. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED the organization I worked for but I never felt quite right with whether the job itself was for me. I recruited for senior level finance professionals (which is what I came from)and I became very good at it.The moment I came to realization that I needed to move on waswhen I realized that even thoughI didn’t particularly enjoy the work,I was still successful! The whole concept FLOORED me.
I immediately began to think, “Can you imagine what you could do ifyou actually loved what you did?That’s when Jen D Style was truly born.
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9.What platform do you find most success / interaction from? (IE. Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook).
So far, mostlyInstagram@jendstyle.yeg.My next step isto build my blog,facebook and pinterest platformsvery soon.
10.Work-life Balance: What you do you do to destress? What is your must-have moment of the day (me time)?
I think most of you will laugh at this but my biggest de-stressoris SHOPPING! Retail therapy is at its finest for me. Otherwise, my favourite “me” time is after the kids go to bed. Anyone who has littlechildrenknows that the post child bedtime relaxation is the only chance you really get to unwind!
11.What are you looking to learn from other YEGBOSSBABES in the community?
I’m most excited just to meet other BOSSBABES and learn from them! This journey is quite new for me and I have so much to learn. There really isn’t anything better than a community of people around you who can support youand you can grow from. I’m so happy that I found YEGBOSSBABES and can’t wait to attend all the upcoming events.