Reflections on Fly Freak’s 5th Birthday
Celebrating 5 years of hard work and fantastic community!
Five years ago, my baby Fly Freak Studio opened the doors as a brick and mortar. Five years ago, my dad was still alive, and along with my mom, two cousins, aunt, and uncle, helped shine up a very old and dirty space for the big opening party. This studio still exists today because of three reasons. One, the super hard work of many people. Two, a wonderful community who have held me up when I’ve been too exhausted to stand on my own. Three, my refusal to give up.
The last five years have brought some of the highest highs and the lowest lows. I’ve experienced the deepest exhaustion I’ve ever known trying to keep it all going through everything that life has been since 2018. And yet, this place still stands - and even continues to grow! I’m grateful beyond words.
I’m taking the lessons I’ve learn over the last five years into the next five. One of those lessons being giving myself more credit. Most people will never understand what it took for this place to exist. And that makes sense. I have always felt strange acknowledging the sacrifices I’ve made because I chose to make them.
In the next five years, I hope I give myself more gratitude, more credit, and more acknowledgement for the many hills and valleys I have endured to continue to have a space where folks feel welcome to move and be. Where you can chase your circus dreams but can also chill and catch a yoga practice or thoughtfully balanced workout. Where truly as many different body types as possible are shown that they can move safely and sustainably, and it doesn’t matter what that looks like. A gym where you are enough. A space where you can really talk about how your day was if you want.
I’m so proud and so grateful for every single person who has trusted Fly Freak to help them in their movement journey. I will never take that honor lightly. Helping others has and continues to be an enormous source of joy and gratitude in my life. Thank you to all who support.
Sincerely,
Hayley