We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethany Cook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethany, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
The first couple years of building my first business consumed me, as tends to happen when you’re doing what you love. But after burning out and losing my health in the process, I realized that although I am the brand, the brand is not all of me. So I started leaning into the depth of who I am, the things that bring me joy and giving myself permission to be more than what I was building for the rest of the world.

This time around with opening Lifestyle, you could say my calendar went from color-coded time blocks for each area of life to a swirl of just showing up and living each moment of the day to it’s fullest. These days I’ve let go of the idea that work balance exists and have chosen to live an integrated life instead. Clients are now family, friend time is often spent swimming, training, etc. and any chance I get to combine community with creativity, it’s happening.

At the end of the day, I’m building a village, not just a business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a co-founder of Lifestyle Movement, the only female-founded performance facility in Miami. We are a movement ecosystem made up of physical therapy, performance training and pilates! Although we just opened our doors at the beginning of this year, we have almost 40 years of combined experience working with elite level athletes. We’ve taken what we’ve learned along the way to create a lifestyle for all our clients that emphasizes longevity and healing through movement.

Q1 has already been full of surprises, so I guess you could say I’m the most excited about what this first year will bring in terms of community, connection and partnership! It feels great to expand and align with others who share the same heart and vision.

Stepping into a brick and mortar space and bringing it to life was nowhere close to easy and yet somehow it just worked. A lot of prayers went into this space before we even signed the paperwork, so regardless of challenges, there was a strong conviction to keep moving forward from the start. Having co-founders who share the same drive, vision and core values has been key in collaborating to build something from the ground up.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to show up as the most authentic version of yourself. When you are building something that is a piece of who you are, you have to be willing to show up in transparency, vulnerability and with conviction.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Both my best friend and I are active people so yoga at PAMM, doing pilates at Lifestyle Movement and walking the Key Biscayne bridge at sunset are easily top of the list for activities. We swing by El Bagel on our way to the beach every time she’s here- specifically for the rosemary sea salt bagel, so add that to the itinerary. Lung Yai, Zitz Sum, Tam Tam and Shiso are the short list for long, leisure dinners with great food, service and ambiance. Lastly, the ballet! Miami City Ballet is a hidden gem, if you’re in Miami during their season, catch a performance- you will love it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My community is my family, so a big shoutout to the people who hold me down.

Amy LaVallie (@thecreativebrand_) has been a force in my life since the creation of my first logo in 2018. Her talent is pulling gold out of everyone she meets and who I am today- as a human and a brand- is in large part because of her steady influence and friendship.

Rondell, Elijah and Ty, ya’ll have been there since day one and are the reason I live as boldly as I do. Thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself in every season.

Instagram: @drbethanycook

Other: Biz IG: @lifestyle.movement

Image Credits
Juliet Hay, Patrick Ciceron, 197 The Agency

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