Introducing Happy Hour by Marisa!

« Read the full blog

August 6, 2010 by Arlyn W. | Comments (0)

We are pleased to introduce Happy Hour by the MOST fabulous Marisa! Not only will she be a part of the CRAVE Summer Party, but she shares her personal story behind her brand. Learn how her lifelong mentor has inspired her to start her own business. Marisa continues to be one of his soldiers, changing one life at a time with fitness & health.

What was your inspiration to branch out on your own and start “Happy Hour by Marisa”?
Life works in funny and unexpected ways.  I’d been working full-time at 24 Hour Fitness in various management positions for almost 15 years when my position was eliminated company-wide in January 2009.  I thought I’d work there forever so needless to say, I was in total shock.  I chose to see it as an opportunity. An exciting one to reinvent myself.  My passion has always been making that personal connection with people…helping them to see their amazing potential.  I knew I had to create an opportunity where I could live out my passion!  I’ve been teaching aerobics classes for 15 years and I’ve always called my classes “Happy Hour“!  I want that hour to be fun, stress-free and a time to play…..adult recess!  So when I decided to start my own fitness business, it seemed to make perfect sense to name it “Happy Hour by Marisa“.

Who is your role model/mentor?
My mentor, Erich Jenkins, taught me to never underestimate the power of one.  He used to refer to our true role at 24 Hour Fitness as “changing lives”.  Sadly, we lost Erich in a tragic accident several years ago now.  I decided that day that I would carry on his vision….be one of his soldiers…..changing lives every day through fitness.
What is the one business mistake you won’t make again?—  I honestly don’t see anything I’ve done so far as a mistake.  When I’ve tried something that hasn’t been effective, I learn from it and move on.  It’s a constant learning experience.  Every day I learn a bit more.  I’ve learned how important it is to be open-minded and humble.

What do you consider your greatest success of this past year?
I’m most proud of the fact that I said I wanted to open my own business in January 2010 and I DID IT.  I didn’t just think about it…I did it!  I consider going for it as a huge success!

What would people be surprised to know about you?
Surprised to know about me?  I’m not sure there are many surprises about me for the people who know me since I’m so open with my classes and clients about who I am and what I’m about.  For people who don’t know me, they may be surprised to know that fitness hasn’t always been part of my life.  I used to be 60 lbs heavier and didn’t know the first thing about working out.  Being fit hasn’t come easy and continues to be a challenge for me!  I am on my own fitness journey and struggle every day with the same things other people do.  I’m just an ordinary person with a lot of drive and determination!

What do you CRAVE in life?
Ooooh, so much!  What I CRAVE most is making an impact.  Making a true difference in the lives of people that I cross paths with.  I also don’t ever want to wish I had done something.  When things come up on my “life to-do list”, I want to cross them off one at a time!  Why not!?

What’s your biggest self indulgence?
I absolutely love food!  And I love just about everything that’s bad for me!  I struggle every day with making good choices.  If I could, I would eat Mexican food every day!

Take your fitness to new levels with Happy Hour by Marisa!

Leave a Reply