Meet Charla | The Naples Moms

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?

I am originally from Immokalee, I have lived in Naples for over 15 years.

How many children do you have and what are their ages?

I have three incredible boys. Zane 13, Dylan 11, and Avi 9

Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?

My parenting shortcut is teaching about inner alignment. I always say, if you are not in alignment you are not allowed to talk. It keeps the boys from arguing, it helps me be a better parent, and it teaches all of us that we are the only ones in control of our happiness and that happiness needs to come from within. It is funny when the boys use it on me and send me to my room to meditate.

Best mom hack that makes life easier?

Making everyone take a shower before dinner. Then after dinner we get to spend time together talking about our day.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…

I don’t love salad and I don’t always eat organic.

What is your favorite thing about living here?

The people and my tribe. People in Naples are at a higher vibration than most places I go and are very kind. I like to think of Naples as a Vortex of people that are ascending to a higher state of self awareness. Truth is, I never thought I would live in Naples forever but once I had kids and found my tribe, I could not imagine ever leaving them.

Do you have a family favorite restaurant in Naples?

The boys and I love cooking at home. Though when the weekend comes, we love to brunch. It is a hard choice between Jane’s on 3rd or Meridian Cafe. Both have great vegan/gluten free options and they both serve pancakes/waffles and bacon.

What do you love to do with your family around town?

We love going to the beach and surfing the wave, movies, the farmers market, Cambier Park, and house parties with our friends.

Tell us about your business and how it came to be, what you love about it, what makes it unique, what your goal is, etc…

Since a young teenager I knew I wanted to be in the fitness industry. I loved the way movement made my body feel and I wanted everyone else to experience it. In 2013 I was at friends party and someone said, “Hey what do you think about opening an indoor cycling studio here in Naples” I said, “Great, I will start looking for the location.” Cycle Guroo opened as Time Trial Cycle in 2014. Formally changed to Cycle Guroo in October of 2016. I love being able to help every single person that walks into those doors. I love reminding them that they showed up for themselves and I know how hard it is, so I see what they just accomplished. Therefore, we are going to do anything possible to make the time go by as fast as it can. What makes Cycle Guroo unique is we are 100% judgement free zone. It does not matter what you do, it matters that you show up and stay on the bike. We care and have a special way of teaching to our clients that gets them to work a little harder when they did not think they could. My goal is to have at least 10 more studios, so I can impact as many people possible and get them moving in a fun, motivating, safe, non-judgemental environment that is going to burn over 500 calories in 45 minutes and they walk away feeling like the Strong person they are.

Are you involved in anything else within the community?

I host charities rides at the studio for numerous non-profits in the community. I also help raise money for Party for a Purpose.

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

Collier County has always been my home. Growing up here I have seen the changes in the demographics. A lot of younger people are moving to the area now. When I opened my business in Naples, Naples was not as metropolitan as it is now. Majority of my support has been from people coming to the studio who are from New York, Boston, Chicago, and California. Clients from larger cities who know that the best 45 minutes you can spend, to burn massive calories and not get injured, is indoor cycling. I have local clients who have been with me since opening. Most people in Naples when I opened, had never heard of an indoor cycling studio concept. They did not understand the full benefits of it and thought we were just another “spinning” class, which is far from that. Basically a lot of education had to be done in this community. If anything this community has made me more resolved, determined, and to have full confidence in my vision and dream.

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