All Styles Welcome. When we were developing the concept for our first club in Peoria IL, Styles Studios Fitness, we talked about who we are, what we are about, and how we want to make people feel when they experience our services. Basically, how do we communicate our heart and soul to people.
For us, this came through loud and clear when we created our company ethos, which is also now our tagline that is even written across our front desk greeting you when you walk in the club – All Styles Welcome.
Amy and I have been a gay couple for over 10 years and married for 9. We have a beautiful soon-to-be 5-year-old son named River. He is truly our pride and joy!
Amy was born in New Zealand and me in America. I moved to New Zealand for my career in 2010. After nearly a year living overseas Amy and I began dating and instantly fell in love. We were fortunate to both be working in the fitness industry which is, for the most part, very gay friendly. We have not suffered bigotry or cruelty for our love and lifestyle like others around the world have both past and present. And though we have never intentionally used our relationship as a platform for influence, it’s been incredible to see the empowerment our openness and acceptance of ourselves and each other has had on others throughout the years.
So for us, communicating All Styles Welcome represents a message that Styles is a safe place for everyone to belong. It’s a community of acceptance and love. A place where you can feel included and understood. A place where you belong no matter what. We meet you where you are regardless of your age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, fitness level and more.
So for us, Pride month represents an opportunity to celebrate! To us, the LGBTQIA+ community represents a beautiful diverse collective of loving and accepting people who have empathy for anyone who feels discriminated against and anyone who feels the emotional and social impact of being treated as a minority.
To us Pride month is a loud and proud celebration for this community to bring awareness to love and acceptance no matter the gender, sexual orientation, or sexuality.
We hope that whoever you are, wherever you are, and whoever you love that you are willing and able to join us in this celebration and #ShowUsYourPride!
Love, Carrie & Amy Styles
