Chicago's Wellness Leaders: Building Community Over Competition

In Chicago, women entrepreneurs are reshaping the fitness industry by focusing on community support instead of rivalry. They are proving that success doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Sweat Sessions Studio, for example, is a shining example of this collaborative spirit. Founded by Aubre Winters-Casiano, the studio offers dance cardio, barre, and yoga classes. The journey began online in 2020, but Winters-Casiano's dream was always to have a physical space to bring people together. Opening a studio during a pregnancy was challenging. A miscarriage in 2023 forced Winters-Casiano to confront her dreams and losses. Despite the heartache, she was determined to bring her vision to life. By October 2023, she had found the perfect space and welcomed her son, Camden, the same month. Sweat Sessions opened to the public in October, and Winters-Casiano's residency program for aspiring women entrepreneurs became a reality. The program offers mentorship and a revenue-sharing model, reducing the financial burden on new instructors. The program is designed to help them focus on their skills. Winters-Casiano's focus on mentorship and community reflects a broader trend in Chicago. Nearly half of all new businesses in 2023 were owned by women, a significant increase from 29% in 2019. In the fitness and wellness niche, this trend is especially strong. The Space Between, run by Daryn Schwartz, is another studio that prioritizes community and collaboration. Since opening in 2018, Schwartz has focused on immersive movement and meditation-based experiences. Her studio offers yoga teacher training and continued education opportunities, fostering growth among instructors. Schwartz's experience highlights the importance of collaboration. Early in her career, she was seen as a competitor, which led her to believe in the power of working together. Her collaborative spirit led to a lunch event in spring 2024, where female studio owners across Chicago gathered to share challenges and successes. Eleanor Sheers, owner of Forth Movement Studio, also emphasizes community and collaboration. Forth Movement Studio focuses on yoga, breath work, strength, and meditation. Sheers's studio is a hub for the Logan Square neighborhood, with classes and events that bring the community together. In the South Shore neighborhood, Julia Perkins opened Studio Yogi in 2022 to address a need in her community. Studio Yogi offers affordable yoga classes, priced at $14 per drop-in, making wellness accessible to everyone. Perkins' mission is to create a wellness hub that supports not just physical health but also the community's overall well-being. Studio Yogi is part of a larger building that houses other local businesses, ensuring long-term sustainability and accessibility. Perkins' vision is to create a space where people can come together to heal, grow, and thrive. These women are not just running businesses; they are building communities. By focusing on mentorship, accessibility, and support, they are creating spaces where people can heal and grow. This collaborative approach is transforming Chicago’s wellness scene, making it a place where everyone can find their unique path to wellness. The drive to support others is what unites these studios. Whether through affordable classes, mentorship programs, or community events, these women are creating more than just fitness studios—they are building homes for their communities.