Meet a Mom: Studio Spin’s Julie Hafner! | Chicago North Shore Moms

 

 

Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms weekly Meet a Mom series where we feature one local mama, what they’re up to both personally and professionally. This week’s Meet a Mom feature is the lovely Northbrook mama of three and owner of Studio Spin Northfield and Highland Park, Julie Hafner! Julie’s energy and passion for commitment literally jump out of this interview – it’s contagious! Welcome, Julie!

 

 

Hi Julie! Please introduce yourself. 

Hi! I’m Julie Hafner, owner of Studio SPIN Highland Park and Northfield. I grew up in Glenview and now I live in Northbrook with my family!

 

 

You’re a mama! How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?

Yes! We have 3 children; two girls ages 7 & 14 and my son is 12. Oh, and we have two bearded collies, Ziggy 1.5 years and Bentley 3 months.

 

 

Please share your favorite mom tips that make quarantine/COVID life a little easier.

EXERCISING!!! I kept my studio community together by spinning and coaching strength classes via social media for free. It kept me sane and feeling like myself.

I also took my kids outside every day for fresh air and some quality chatting time.

 

 

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you…

I am an open book! I tell everyone everything 🙂 about me.

That, and I Have 120 pairs of workout leggings …

 

 

You have a 120 pairs of leggings, Wow! What your top 3 favorite brands? 

my top 3 brands:

1) Emily Hsu

2) Lululemon

3) niyama sol

 

 

Favorite local takeout restaurants?

BluFish in Glenview (the one in the strip mall) and Greek Feast in Northbrook.

 

 

You are the Studio SPIN owner in Highland Park and Northfield. Please tell us more about your studios!

MY BUSINESS IS MY PASSION! I started my business overnight. I had been teaching at local big box gyms and absolutely LOVED teaching SPIN and STRENGTH classes. my youngest was 5 weeks old and I decided to purchase 8 spin bikes from a friend who was trying to get rid of them. The rest is history!

The riders I met at the Big box starting buzzing about my studio and starting showing up in Northfield. All from word of mouth, I went from 8 bikes to 30 in just a couple years. and now I have my second studio in Highland Park and it’s been INCREDIBLE!

We offer SPIN, BOXING, YOGA and STRENGTH classes #everydamnday
WE WON BEST SPIN studio and fitness classes 4 years in a row from BETTER magazine 🙂

 

 

 

 

How did you find the guts to open up your very own spin studio?

I had a passion for spin the moment I started. I took a small risk knowing that the reward would be huge! So glad my husband ‘made’ me purchase the first  8 bikes.

 

 

What did you do prior to opening your spin studio?

I was a 2nd grade teacher for 7 years and then at stay home mom.

 

 

How long have the studios been open?

Our Northfield location was opened 8 years ago and our Highland Park location is a baby at just five months!

 

 

Who are your influencers and/or mentors that have helped you get to where you are today and/or continue to inspire you.

Other ‘girlbosses’ are my influencers- I’ve been very lucky to have relationships with all the other local studio owners. We don’t compete, we bounce ideas off of each other.

My parents taught me my work ethic. WORK hard and don’t stop when the going gets tough.

 

 

 

 

What advice can you give other mamas out there who are looking to start a new business in the current climate?

It may sound cliche but ….

GO FOR IT!

Don’t wait!

Be an action seeker!

Follow your dreams!

Your passion will radiate and you will attract clients!

 

 

What’s on the horizon for your business? Future aspirations, plans….

Spreading the love of happiness, community and feeling good about yourself to as many people as I can.

I will continue to find ways to change people both mentally and physically. Life is too short to spend even one day not feeling your best.

On that note, I have BIG plans, just wait and see! Ride the journey with me. I guarantee you’ll be happiest you did.

 

 

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