Meet BRENT RAMIREZ | Entrepreneur and Community Leader

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

Hi BRENT, how do you think about risk?
For me, risk isn’t about being reckless—it’s about stepping toward something meaningful even when the path isn’t guaranteed.

When I started Born to Perform Studio, the goal wasn’t just to open a business. It was to create a community where young people could build confidence, creativity, and leadership through the performing arts. That was a risk, but it was rooted in purpose.

More recently, co-founding Arete Method has been another leap. We’re rethinking fitness by combining physical training, brain health, and community. As part of that, we even developed a cognitive training platform called FitMindOS, which helps integrate brain performance into the fitness experience. Building something new like that always comes with uncertainty—but that’s where innovation happens.

Being a husband and a dad of four has really shaped how I think about risk. It’s not about chasing big wins—it’s about building things that matter and creating opportunities for others.

I’ve found the most meaningful risks are the ones that invest in people and community. Because the real risk isn’t failing—the real risk is never building the thing that could have made a difference.

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?
One thing that connects the different things I’ve built is a belief that community is one of the most powerful catalysts for growth.

With Born to Perform Studio, theatre has always been the entry point, but the deeper mission is helping young people discover confidence, creativity, and leadership. Over time we’ve developed training systems that give students a pathway to grow—not just as performers, but as mentors and leaders within the studio. One of the most meaningful parts of that journey has been watching students who once walked in shy and unsure eventually step into leadership roles themselves, teaching younger students and helping shape the culture of the studio.

That same philosophy led to the creation of Arete Method. My partners and I saw an opportunity to rethink what a fitness community could look like. Instead of focusing purely on workouts, we wanted to build an environment centered on whole-person development—physical strength, mental resilience, and community connection. That vision even pushed us to develop FitMindOS, a platform that integrates cognitive training into the fitness experience so people can train their brains and bodies together.

Of course, none of this has been easy. Entrepreneurship is full of uncertainty, financial pressure, and moments where you have to bet on ideas long before you know whether they’ll work. But those challenges have also been some of the greatest teachers. They force you to get clearer about your purpose and more creative in how you build.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the businesses themselves—it’s the communities that have formed around them. When you see people encouraging one another, pushing each other to grow, and finding confidence they didn’t know they had, you realize the impact goes far beyond the programs or the workouts.

At the end of the day, my work has always been about creating spaces where people feel supported in becoming the best version of themselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a good friend was coming to visit for a week, I’d probably start by showing them why I love living in this area so much. We’re lucky to have a great mix of nature, community, and some really great local spots.

First thing would probably be getting outside. My family and I love Dover Hendrix Park. They often have concerts in the park and have a fun nature trail you can walk.

After that we’d definitely grab coffee or a bite at Stonehaus in Westlake Village. It’s one of those places where you can just hang out for a while and enjoy the atmosphere. For dinner, an incredible spot is Cafe Bizou in Agoura.

Because theatre and the arts are such a big part of my life, I’d also want them to catch a show while they’re here. There are some great productions at places like the Scherr Forum and Conejo Players, and of course I’d probably drag them to one of our shows at Born to Perform Studio so they could see the amazing young performers in our community.

And honestly, some of the best moments would probably just be the simple ones- a walk and picnic in one of the amazing parks we have in the area, hanging with family, or watching one of my kids’ activities. That’s really what makes this area special to me. It’s not just the places, it’s the people and the sense of community.

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?
Honestly, there are a lot of people who deserve credit in my story, but first and foremost my shoutout goes to my wife, Adelle. She’s been an incredible partner through all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, raising our four kids together, and building the life we’ve created. Anyone who runs a business knows it takes a lot of late nights, big risks, and constant problem solving, and having a partner who believes in what you’re building makes all the difference.

I’d also shout out the incredible teams and communities that surround the things I’m involved in. At Born to Perform Studio, it’s the staff (especially Ryan, Lexi, Michelle, and Luke), families, and students who show up every day and create a culture where young people can grow in confidence and creativity. And with Arete Method, my co-founders Marland and Dr. Adam Darby, along with our members, have helped build something really special centered around health, growth, and community.

At the end of the day, none of this is built alone. Every meaningful thing I’ve been part of has been the result of people coming together around a shared purpose, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who continue to believe in and support the vision.

Website: Borntoperformstudio.com and aretemethod.com and FitMindOS.com

Instagram: Brent.ramirez