Meet The Owners
Well, let me first say how truly lucky and blessed I am to be back in Santa Barbara. The overwhelming amount of support and love you all have given Kelly and me since we found out we are the new owners has been amazing. We're so excited to get the gym back to its glory, and then some.- Charles
Tell us about yourself / your family.
My family moved around a lot as a child before calling Fairfield, CA my home base. My mom was a single parent, raising three wild boys. We are different, so my Mom had her hands full raising us. My life was always the best looking from the "world's eyes," but I am so lucky to have the life I was given. It has shaped me and made me the man that you see here in the community of SB. If I wasn't dancing I was very active in my community growing up. I moved to SB to play Volleyball at SBCC from 07'-09' while attending SBCC. This is when I found My Gym. After my time in Santa Barbara, I transferred to SAC State to take an internship. It was also closer to home. After finishing I worked at Hume Lake for almost two years and I started the 10:31 Dance Company. It was time for me to return to the beach city vibes and views. When I returned I would take on the role of Director from My Gym, until 2020 when I moved to Nashville. A whole Pandemic later, after a year a half away, I am so blessed to be back to a place I've always called home.
How did you discover My Gym?
A Friend of mine told me we should look for a job at a place called, "My Gym." I had never heard of it and she said I would have so much fun doing it; That I get to play with kids all day. So I agreed. Needless to say, I do LOVE every bit of My Gym.
What are your hobbies? How do you and your family like to spend your time?
Besides having a creative mind, working out, writing, cooking, and reading, I have become interested in baking. It seems like a fun hobby, but over quarantine, I got very creative with making fun salads, so I didn't gain all that quarantine weight. Also, I love hosting and throwing a great event.
Share your favorite childhood memory with us.
I believe it would be the Christmas that my Mom got me all The Power Rangers and the Command Center. I felt as if I was on cloud 9 at that point and I was untouchable.
Let’s talk about Santa Barbara! What do you love most about your community?
I love how big yet how small Santa Barbara is. Everyone knows everyone and we all support each other the best way we can. It's been a true blessing to see how much this city has grown since moving here in 2007, and not knowing anything about Santa Barbara, but falling in love every minute that I have been here.
What’s the most exciting part about bringing My Gym to Santa Barbara?
We're most excited about bringing My Gym back to the community. I know this Pandemic has been a struggle for a lot of us, but we can only look forward to making new memories and continuing to make moments that matter with all of you. I am so thankful and blessed with such an amazing business partner as Kelly. From day one, so many years ago, she saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself. Now, almost 12 years later, we are stepping into a new chapter together and bringing something so magical back to the community of Santa Barbara.
Tell us about yourself / your family.
My husband, Kevin, and I are so happy to be able to raise our children, our son Casey who is 11, and our daughter Abby who is 8, in Santa Barbara where I grew up. My husband was a professor at UCSB for over 20 years and has his own consulting business, which allows him to be home with us much of the time. For the last 10 years, I have been a volunteer for many organizations, most recently as a Board Member for Moxi and Director of Community Engagement for Gwendolyn Strong Foundation focusing on raising money for Santa Barbara's first fully inclusive playground.
How did you discover My Gym?
We discovered My Gym and Charles who I get to call my business partner these days, when our son, Casey, was just about a year old. We joined My Gym and fell in love. I think Casey celebrated 4 birthdays in a row at My Gym!
What are your hobbies? How do you and your family like to spend your time?
We love to travel and show our children places we have loved as well as discover new destinations together. We also love to take our dog, Buddy, to the beach, on hikes, and to enjoy our own pool with friends and family.
Share your favorite childhood memory with us.
Growing up in Santa Barbara there are so many, it is hard to pick just one! What came to mind first would be camping at El Capitan with family friends every summer.
Let’s talk about Santa Barbara! What do you love most about your community?
I love so many things about Santa Barbara. While there is always change, I believe there is more that stays the same. The consistency of the feel and vibe in our town is really special. For me personally, the community I have from my childhood that remains along with the new community I have built as an adult is my favorite thing. I have to add though the beauty, nature, food, and many festivals make it pretty incredible too!
What’s the most exciting part about bringing My Gym to Santa Barbara?
I am most excited for the next generation of children to get to experience the fun of My Gym. I am also really happy to get to share this journey with Charles. Charles has been such a wonderful influence for both of our children that I am thrilled to get to bring his joy and overall amazingness to a set of Santa Barbara families.
