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

Hi Shafonda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Hourglass Exercise Studio, was established at the brink of covid. I realized just how much people were suffering from not having a sense of normalcy at that current time. The gyms specifically were closed, along with most establishments that allowed people to go work-out, regroup, and condition their minds and bodies. I wanted to give people something to look forward to, in a time where it seemed like life hit us hard, and with so many changes rapidly. I believe that working out not only conditions the body but trains the mind to be strong as well. It serves as different tools for so many people. Some people use their workout time to relax, refocus, get some quiet time, and most importantly do something for themselves, that is rewarding based on consistency. Starting the weekly virtual workouts, provided the people with what they were missing.

What should our readers know about your business?
Hourglass Exercise Studio, is not your average personal training studio. Although you are receiving a personal training exercise session, it is far greater than a workout. People come into Hourglass and fall in love with the way the program is ran. We start with a basic warm up, we work every area of the body. As a trainer, I am there to lead by example. Not only will I work out with you, but I will also customize your workout based on your bodies need. I am definitely proud of the growth of Hourglass within its first 8 months of being in an establishment. The preparation, to get to this point, makes me appreciate the outcome of what is developing. Training out of my home, prepared me mentally and physically to be able to put forth my best effort once I reached my goal of owning my own studio. My greatest lesson thus far, would be that hard work and consistency pays off. If you work at your dream, your dream will begin to work for you. I want the world to know that at Hourglass Exercise Studio, we are changing lives one person at a time. I am passionate about my people and helping them become better versions of themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start with a great brunch on a Saturday or Sunday Morning, at a local eatery, with great food, music, and scenery. We would go to Marina Del Rey Area, and maybe take a boat ride, or do a water related sight see. We would eat lunch by the water. We would do some shopping at South Coast Plaza. We would attend maybe a jazz festival, or a concert. Thats a great way to meet people and network in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Id like to shout out my amazing family (My mom, dad, Step-dad, Step mom, My aunt, and cousins) for believing in my dream, before it was ever a reality. For standing with me and assisting in developing the foundation for Hourglass. Id like to shoutout my kids, for inspiring me, to want to be my own boss, and show them the necessary leadership skills they need to see from their mother. Id like to shoutout my love, for pushing me to dream big, and not box myself in out of fear.

Website: HourglassExerciseStudio1.com

Instagram: @hourglassexercisestudio

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.