Meet Josh Gutier | Pole Dance Studio Owner

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

Hi Josh, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own pole dance studio because there wasn’t anything in my area. For years I was finding myself driving long distances just to get my pole fix and decided it was time to bring the joy of pole dance to my community in the SGV. I knew that my community would love pole as much as I did so I really felt like there wasn’t any other option. With a few bucks in my bank I took a scary leap and didn’t look back!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Siren Pole Dance & Siren Aerial Fitness is a blessing to so many students in the SGV community. As a queer owned studio, we take equality and inclusivity very seriously and make sure to provide safe space for everyone.

We’re proud to be the only studio that provides space for a full trans cabaret, hire multiple sex workers or ex-sex workers, and to be a pole studio in a area that wouldn’t seem like they would have one. Pole is getting more mainstream but I don’t think anyone saw SGV coming up with a studio.

I’m super excited to be expanding and opening up more locations outside of SGV. Too soon to share where but be on the look out!

It was a crazy journey to get where I’m at now with my business and def wasn’t easy. I still have hard days but it always feels worth it to see the Siren family that the studio built!

As a first time business owner, I learned sooooo many lessons but a major one is to always be kind. I’ve worked for a-holes and use them as the example that I don’t want to be. I try my best to always be nice to my employees and treat them like real human beings and not tools used to run a business – sadly, they inform me that not all studios practice this kindness.

I would want the world to know that Siren Pole Dance, small but mighty, is a great studio that welcomes everyone to join our tribe of awesomeness!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bf were to come to LA to visit, I would have to start them off with nature! Depending on the weather it’ll have to either be a hike or the beach. SGV has some of the best hiking grounds in LA so I’m pretty blessed to have them so close to me. We’d eat at EVERY vegan restaurant and day drink at the gay bar, Precinct, in downtown. More hikes. We’d dance our tails off and when we’re not at the studio poling around we’d practice yoga and Pilates. Finding balance in fun and exercise would be the dream trip I’d plan for my bestie.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s literally too many people to thank! This includes my family, my best friends, and especially the clients! I’d also love to shoutout Romance & Dance for providing the space for me to fall in love with pole!

Website: https://www.sirenpoledance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenpoledance/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesirenpoledance

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/siren-pole-dance-azusa