Our May Meet a Mom is a busy mom of three and co-founder of Thrive Barre & Fitness in Pelham. This Westchester native reopened her studio in a new location in February of last year just as the pandemic was about to hit our area. She and her two partners successfully pivoted their business to include outdoor and virtual offerings to accommodate their loyal following in light of the pandemic. Danielle has her BFA in dance and has taught at (and managed!) studios throughout New York City, Westchester County and Connecticut. Read on to learn more about Danielle, Thrive, and what makes their studio so unique!
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I’m originally from Ardsley and I currently live in Pleasantville, NY.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have 3. My oldest, Mia is 5 years old. I also have boy/girl twins, RJ and Talya that are 3 years old.
What are your go-to restaurants and shops in the Sound Shore?
I love Cantina Lobos in Pelham and our own workout wear boutique at Thrive Barre & Fitness! 😉
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
We love going to outdoor community events where there are fun activities for the kids, great food and local finds. Our area provides so many of those events, especially Pelham thanks to our amazing Chamber of Commerce. I’m looking forward to more of those events this year.
How do you spend “me time”?
Honestly, teaching classes for Thrive is my “me time”. Especially now since I’m teaching a lot of outdoor classes it’s really energizing to be out in the fresh air and connecting with our community in-person again.
How did you get into Fitness and what attracted you to Barre Specifically?
I have a B.F.A. in Dance. After college I came back to New York and while I was working with a dance company and performing I began training to teach barre at Exhale Spa in NYC. Barre is the only “workout” I’ve ever enjoyed. I put that in quotes because it has never felt like work to me. It’s so fun. Especially the way we do it at Thrive. Our teachers have the best personalities and playlists. I always feel challenged and inspired in our classes. I, like many others who love barre, will be doing it for life. I can because it’s not only super effective, it’s safe.
Why did you choose Pelham for your first studio?
Before opening in Pelham I taught at studios in NYC, Larchmont and Greenwich. When we decided to open Thrive Fitness & Nutrition Studio we were looking for space in different areas and ended up finding a great one in Pelham that we called home for 12 years. It was the perfect fit for us because Pelham has such a down to earth, loyal, supportive community. In December 2019 we signed a lease on our new space at 125 Wolfs Lane. We gut renovated that space to create our new home, Thrive Barre & Fitness, with a much larger studio and a workout wear boutique. We opened Thrive B&F in late February of 2020. We wanted to be part of the exciting direction Pelham is moving in with chic new businesses like the kid’s play space Tig & Peach (our next door neighbors), Vincent’s Fine Jewelry and Flour Power bakery. We really wanted to give Pelham this beautiful new space and business, which we knew would be a great service to the community.
What do you feel differentiates the experience at Thrive from other boutique barre studios?
So much about Thrive is different from what you’ll see at typical barre franchise. The people we chose to be our leaders come from diverse backgrounds, are inspiring women and teachers and have extensive training. You don’t know need to look or dress a certain way to come to our classes. Our classes are high energy and fun! Our clients feel challenged and nurtured. We believe in the power of community, phenomenal playlists and unprecedented self-care.
Tell us more about the 305 Fitness class!
305 Fitness is THE most fun exercise class, period. I was looking for 13 years for a cardio complement to our barre classes that was actually enjoyable, since I am not a fan of cardio. I found it in 305. It’s basically a dance party in fitness class form. When you walk in for a class, lights will be off, club lights shining and you’ll hear the hottest playlists streaming. Thrive is the first partner studio of 305 Fitness in Westchester and we’re so excited to bring this unmatched experience to our clients. For more info check out @305Fitness on Instagram and @thrivestudiony as well. These classes are most loved by high school and college students but we’ve had participants from ages 13-75 in our classes because it’s really the place to shed your inhibitions and just have fun. All are welcome and that’s why we love it. The 305 culture fits so well with Thrive’s, it is a perfect match.
How has your business been affected by COVID-19?
Like most businesses we have been affected and had to pivot quickly to provide the services that our community needs. We now offer fitness classes in-studio, virtually and outdoors. We offer in-store sales and delivery from our boutique and in-studio and virtual coaching with our functional nutritionist, Carol Hinchcliffe.
What’s your favorite part about owning your own business?
Oh, man. It’s hard to pick just one of those. Owning this business has helped me grow in so many ways and has helped me help others through doing what I love. I think that’s what I appreciate the most.
How do you juggle motherhood, parenting and owning your own business? Any tips for keeping it all together?
Juggle is a good word for it and I’m not sure I do always keep it all together. I certainly try my hardest to and I have amazing support from my family, friends, business partners, staff and the Thrive community. I couldn’t do any of it without all of them.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m not personally on social media.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
To try never to forget, you’re still you.
Thrive Cofounders, from Left: Carol Hinchcliffe, Danielle Aviezer, Kristy Mount
Check out these pics of Thrive’s gorgeous new studio space!
Photography by Luis Ruiz
To learn more about Thrive and book your first class, click here. Make sure to also check them out on Instagram @thrivestudiony and give them a follow!