Meet Nicole Schmitz | Newport Peach Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Schmitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Owning a brick-and-mortor fitness studio has been a great journey so far, filled with energy, passion, and constant growth. When I first took over Newport Peach a little over a year ago, the excitement was sky-high, but finding balance was way more challenging over the coming months than I was expecting. There were so many moving parts – managing schedules, updating our software and studio, customer service, and the business side of things – that my personal time often took a backseat. Being a health and nutrition coach, that was not something I was willing to sacrifice.
Over time, I’ve learned that balance isn’t a static goal but a dynamic one. Just like in fitness, where we strive for a mix of strength, flexibility, and endurance, I’ve applied the same principles to my life. I’ve become more intentional about carving out time for myself, whether it’s waking up extra early, going for more walks, making sure to get in a healthy, solid lunch every day, or squeezing in date nights even when I’m beat. I also make sure I get in class a few times a week!
Now, I think about balance as a blend because I know I can’t be my best for the studio or my family if I’m not healthy and rested. It’s about knowing when to push and when to let things unfold as they should. I have to trust myself, my team, and the universe that what we are doing, right now is the right time, and it will all be worth it!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My background is in sales and marketing, and I’ve worked mostly for wellness and fitness companies (both big and small) for almost my whole life. When I became a mom, I started to work less so I could focus on parenting more, but I found myself starting a blog, selling clean skincare and personal products on the side, and seeing nutrition clients privately. I’ve always had more than one gig at a time, and despite what other people (or my husband) may think about it, I’m just not good at sitting still. During and post-pandemic, I was lucky enough to keep my “day job” at a small publishing company selling advertising, which has supported me in making some upgrades at Newport Peach. Both Nicole Kniss, the original founder of the studio, and I did NOT see this coming. However, after one special conversation one particular day, the idea came up, and I knew that I had to be part of this community and “save” the studio. I’m really grateful for all that I’ve learned so far, and I’m excited to see where we take it!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve lived in Newport Beach for the last six years, run my business in Costa Mesa, and recently moved to Irvine, so I’d have to create a fun weekend that highlights all those amazing spots! The best time ever for my family and friends would obviously kick off with a workout at Newport Peach. Then, we’d hit the beach on bikes, soaking up the sun and sea breeze. My favorite restaurants are North Italia, Puesto, and Red-O, and the Cannery, so food would have to be part of our day! One of my favorite things to do in Newport Beach is going to the firepits and watching the sunset. It’s a special place to live and visit!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitley want to send a shout out to the Newport Peachers! Our team of Peach Instructors have supported me every step of the way during this unexpected transition, and I wouldn’t and couldn’t do this without them. Nicole K has entrusted me with her “baby,” her homegrown Peach Step Program, clients, and studio she built from scratch over 7 years ago. Most of our teachers didn’t even know me when she shared that I’d be taking over the studio, and together, we all held hands and jumped in with both feet! Being a team means staying connected over text all week long, connecting about client needs, supporting me with scheduling and marketing help, and staying positive even when unexpected things pop up! I’m so grateful for our community of teachers and clients, and their energy reminds me that I am in the right place for the right reasons.
Website: https://www.newportpeach.com
Instagram: @newportpeach
Facebook: /newportpeach
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/newport-peach-costa-mesa
Youtube: https://youtu.be/cw33LSS2SNQ?si=u2KwyMigISZpF2Si
Image Credits
https://www.jessicaisaacphoto.com/