Meet Marie Manalo Karissa Merrill | Sync into Formation owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marie Manalo Karissa Merrill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marie Manalo, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At Sync Into Formation, we impact the community by creating a sacred space where movement, healing, and connection intersect. Our classes go beyond physical fitness—we blend Pilates, Barre, and spiritual practices like sound bowl healing to support the whole person: body, mind, and soul. This holistic approach empowers individuals to not only feel stronger and more grounded, but also more connected to themselves and each other.

We’ve cultivated a safe and inclusive environment that encourages self-expression, inner peace, and genuine community. From first-time movers to seasoned practitioners, everyone is welcomed with intention and warmth. Many of our clients tell us this space is their sanctuary—somewhere they can release, recharge, and be seen.

Beyond the studio, we also uplift local women by supporting mothers and caretakers with empowering offerings like our Mother’s Day specials. Our goal is to inspire a ripple effect of wellness—where when one woman heals and rises, she lifts others with her.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sync Into Formation is more than a fitness studio—it’s a movement. We blend mindful movement with deep spiritual healing, creating a space where women can come home to themselves through intentional practices like Pilates Reformer, Barre, and sound bowl meditation. What sets us apart is that we don’t just focus on the body—we focus on the whole woman. Our signature “Moma Methodology” is built to nurture strength, release trauma, and connect deeply to self and community.

What we’re most proud of is the environment we’ve cultivated—one that’s safe, sacred, and genuinely supportive. Every class is an opportunity for women to ground themselves, let go of what no longer serves them, and rise in community with others. We’re not about ego or aesthetics—we’re about alignment, intention, and inner transformation.

Our journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding. Starting any business—especially one rooted in healing and community—is a vulnerable act. We had to trust our vision even when it wasn’t clear how it would all unfold. We faced the usual challenges of building from the ground up: resource limitations, burnout, and uncertainty. But what carried us through was our unwavering belief in the mission—and the incredible support of each other and the women who continued to show up and believe with us.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that alignment matters more than speed. When you build with intention, everything else follows. We’ve also learned that success doesn’t have to look like hustle—it can look like rest, clarity, and deep connection.

If there’s one thing we want the world to know about us, it’s this: Sync Into Formation is a call to come home to yourself. It’s a reminder that healing can happen through movement, that strength is sacred, and that when women come together, they become unstoppable. Our story is still unfolding—and we’re building it in formation, one aligned step at a time.

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?
If my best friend visited Miami, I’d start with a grounding class at Sync Into Formation to set the tone, followed by a stroll on the beach and smoothies from Crema. We’d explore Wynwood for art, culture, and tacos, then unwind with live music. Midweek, we’d paddleboard at Oleta River State Park and relax at The Turnberry Spa.
For food, we’d hit Mandolin for Mediterranean vibes. We’d wrap up the week with a final class at the studio and brunch at Greenstreet Café in Coconut Grove.
Miami has the perfect mix of energy and relaxation—just what we need to reconnect and recharge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, our deepest shoutout goes to the incredible community of women who move, heal, and grow with us every single day. Sync Into Formation wouldn’t be what it is without them. From the very beginning, it’s been the energy, trust, and vulnerability of our members that has shaped our space into something far greater than a fitness studio—it’s become a sanctuary.

We’re constantly inspired by the mothers, the nurturers, the creators, and the seekers who show up with open hearts and fierce commitment to themselves and each other. Their willingness to support one another, celebrate each other’s wins, and hold space during the hard moments has created a culture that’s rooted in deep connection and love.

We also want to recognize the mentors and women-owned businesses in our local Miami community who believed in our vision, collaborated with us, and helped us bring it to life. Community is not just something we serve—it’s something we are. And we’re endlessly grateful for every soul who has helped us grow this movement, together.

Website: https://www.syncintoformation.com

Instagram: @syncintoformation

Facebook: syncintoformation

Image Credits
Gianni Danielle