We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsee Curiel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsee, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Ive always had the desire to own my own business one day. I have been very independent and an entrepreneur since I can remember but never really pushed myself to succeed as a legit business owner. So, once I got married and had 2 boys I decided to be a stay at home mom. At that point I had a lot of time to think and started to really miss “working”. But I knew I did not want go back to working for someone else. As I was learning to be a Mom (which is a full time job), I realized I had what it takes to start my own business. Being a mom kind of makes you feel like you can do anything. So I did just that. I started my dream career as a personal trainer and what pushed me to keep going is my kids. And on top of all that, my husband quit his full time job to run this business with me to open up a boutique gym.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I own (along with my husband) a boutique gym in Santa Barbara. We specialize in weight training and cardio kickboxing. When I started with just 1 on 1 personal training, I felt like a lot of people where missing community. So I started small intimate weight training classes and kickboxing classes. We have no more than 6 people per class. That definitely makes us stand out from other gyms because we are still able to correct each clients form and technique to prevent any injuries. In a larger class it is very difficult to access every person properly. I am proud at the outcome and review from our clients who love that it feel like family and community in our facility. That we have a close personal relationship with each person and truly want the best for them. I am very excited about the new equipment we keep investing in for our clients.

It was and still is very challenging. We have 2 little boys who keep us very busy. Its just my husband and I who work as trainers and wear all the hats in our business. Our kids need a lot of our attention and don’t have support financially. Month to month is a struggle but sometimes we area ahead, sometimes we aren’t. But our goal is the same and our children are the reason we keep going. Plus when you love what you do, then its never considered “work”. One of the hardest things is that I started this business 2 weeks before covid hit and everything shut down. Even tho that was challenging, some ways it was a blessing to be getting more clients since it was just 1 on 1 and no gyms were open. But of course Covid came with many problems.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was to never give up and to know its in Gods hands. There were many days that I would ask myself if I was doing the right thing. But then I keep being reminded in prayer that I was put on this Earth to help others and to love on another. I truly embrace my clients like family and will do whatever it takes to help them accomplish goals and make lifestyle changes.

Our gym is called RSTR Fitness which is short for RESTORE. We are here to help restore your mind, body and spirit to your best, healthy version of yourselves. We live what we preach and to be a testimony to others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Santa Barbara is a beautiful place that’s not over crowded. At first, I would take my visitors to walk down state street. Since covid, State Street has been shutdown to traffic and is now an Italian feel walkthrough. Very fun to shop all the shops and try out the delicious Italian ice at Mangiones. You cant resist going to breakfast lunch or dinner at Boathouse where the restaurants sits right on the ocean. The next place to go explore is the Funk Zone for wine tasting and art viewing. Many locals display their talent on the streets or in the shops. Live music is popular all around state street and the funk zone. I would love to visit the Mission rose gardens for a nice picnic and beautiful view of history. Of course you cannot come to Santa Barbara without making a trip out to Santa Ynez/ Solvang for wine tasting.
You will never be disappointed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout goes to my coach David Esparza. If it wasn’t for him, I would not be in the fitness industry. Dave has been body building since he was the age of 15. He has won 1st place in countless competitions all natural. He had worked many years as the strength and conditioning coach at UCSB. Dave took on my husband and I to compete in mens physique and women’s figure. We came home with hardware every time. Not only has Dave taught me the fundamental of weight training and health, but the discipline and determination to push myself to the max. I got to take all those lessons and use them in my life as a mom, and now teach that to my kids AND my clients. To never give up, to know that you CAN do it. He has, and continues being in my corner and always uplift me. His support is everything to me and I feel honored to learn it all from him.

Website: www.rstrfitness.com

Instagram: @thekelsee

Image Credits
Socal Media

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