We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles Fossett-Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
If you know anything about Frog, which I know how crazy that is to start and say, Frog cant jump backward; they can only move forward. A parent told me this in a note when she mailed to me I moved to Nashville in 2020 before the pandemic. That phrase now lives with me every day. I use that in my work life and my home life, we don’t realize the choices we make and the path they may lead us down, but we have to remember that we have chosen this path for a reason, and we have to see it through.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

My Gym Children Fitness Center is a non-competitive Gymnastic program. We have over 700 locations, and the best part of this franchise is that we work with amazing and talented people worldwide. Also, we have created an environment where families can come together and make lasting friendships and memories—developing a place where children can improve their fine and gross motor skills while playing games, learning new skills, and tumbling gymnastics without feeling pressured. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am creative; I live for the stage. At My Gym, we get to be as creative as we want. Everyone who has come through our doors leaves with a smile and lasting memories, which is all I can ask for. Also, the staff will tell you that we aren’t about the dollar sign; we want every individual to become a part of our MyGym family. One thing that makes us different is our secert weapon, and well, if I told you that, it wouldn’t be a secert, but we have a few things that make us different. I can’t say better because some families might be looking for what another children’s place has that we dont have, but that doesn’t mean we don’t try.

Our brand is simple, Moments that Matter. Within every minute of every second, something unique happens in a person’s life; we want to try not to waste those moments and make every moment matter, the good and the bad. There is always something to learn and something to cherish in the moments.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, we have to start with a hike. I suggest Inspiration Point or Seven Falls or just at the beach. Im excited that Seven Bar is opening because they have the best food in town. But we will go to The Cruisery, Sandbar, and I have to have some Sushi! That’s a tricky question for me cause Im, an extensive food guy, and I used to work in the service industry, so I know all the best places. One day will be full of eating, which is a must, and a BBQ at my house. I am more into working out overall. So Madfitness is where you will fine me when I’m not teaching.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If this were up to me, I would make this a novel. But I keep this as short as I possibly can. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if this path wasnt paved for me because these cards weren’t in my “future” Well, clearly, they were, but I had tunnel vision. My mom has always been my number one fan, rock, and cheerleader through many of the tough choices I have made, but she has also been the person to set me right and keep me on a path that shows light in all the dark places.

The Staff at My Gym, I know that sounds so typical, but without them, I dont know where we would be; we have all grown together, and we all support and care for each other. They have grown with me, and I have with them this past year and a half. Im so thankful for each one of them walking through the doors and applying. Coach Jake, Coach Jack, Ms. Grace, and Coach Ethan. Thank you isn’t enough for all your work and the moments you’ve been there for me.
The community, since I started with My Gym back in 2007, has been such a big encouragement and support of not only me but also the Gym as well. I dont know where I would be without your love, and you have always been there for me in so many areas of my time in Santa Barbara.

This journey started with a woman giving me a shot working at her Gym. Jennifer Caesar gave me a chance at the old location; the rest is history. But without her, I wouldn’t know that I love working with kids and finding my true passion. Well, working at the first Santa Barabra location, I became the Gym’s director; I had become and started the Dance Company we had there. She gave me a safe space to express myself and my passions while teaching at the Gym.

Website: MyGym.com/santabarbara

Instagram: mygymsantabarbara

Facebook: Mygymsantabarbara

Image Credits
Openairbooth-Nick Andrews Christmas Photo- Tristin Tracy

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