We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Roessler Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business because I felt that Oakland was lacking in a true community space where people could come together regardless of age, race, identity, sexual preference, religion, experience, socio-economic status, etc and find exactly what they need in their life. I wanted to create a space where community and inclusion were the driving force and not profit. A space where everyone feels at home. I believe that we can make the world a better place by making it a healthier place. When you are healthier, you are happier and it has a ripple effect and impacts everyone you come in contact with. Thus Truve was born. 

What should our readers know about your business?
Truve’s mission is to make high quality health and wellness accessible to everyone, no questions asked. Pre-pandemic we offered personal training, acupuncture, physical therapy, nutrition, Pilates, massage, reiki, and over 90 group fitness classes per week. We offered community free group fitness classes daily that anyone could attend, no prior purchase necessary. We hosted a free class followed by food and wine to give people a safe way to go out on a Friday evening for the first Friday of every month. We adopt a whole school and provide everything the students need to start the school strong with all of their supplies lists being filled. We hosted a Halloween party and provided free pumpkin carving, games, and more to anyone in the community who wanted a safe place to go. Ever during the pandemic we continue to offer free virtual fitness classes and socially distanced outdoor classes and activities because physical health and mental health are so closely connected and people need safe outlets more now than ever. You will not find another studio more committed to their community than ours.

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.
Oakland when it locked down by a pandemic is beautiful. When visiting Oakland the following are not to be missed: A free class at Truve A walk or run around Lake Merritt The Saturday Farmers market at Lake Merritt A movie at the Grand Lake Theater Authentic Italian at Lo Coco’s on Piedmont Ave A hike in Joaquin Miller park A visit to the Oakland Museum of California A visit to the Oakland Zoo A visit to the Oakland Rose garden to eat lunch that was picked up from one of the many yummy restaurants on Grand and Lakeshore Avenues If it is summer, a visit to Dancing Under The Stars in Jack London Square Catch an Oakland A’s game Pick up dinner from Champa Garden for authentic Laotian food. Pick up authentic Salvadoran pupusas from Los Cocos in Fruitvale

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?
My former client and current commercial landlord Michael Ghielmetti took a chance on me and allowed me to pursue my dreams of opening a 7,200 sqft private training facility and wellness center without any prior experience with a brick and mortar location. He walked me through the process of obtaining my space, demolishing the building and rebuilding it, and even now with a pandemic that has closed my business for 10 months he continues to help me in any way he can to make sure I succeed.

Website: Www.Truvefit.com
Instagram: @Truvefit
Twitter: @truvefit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/756583041795553/?ref=share
Yelp: https://yelp.to/2QGbVLr0Ccb
Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/TrainerAlison

Image Credits
Alison Roessler Campbell

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.