Ever wonder what it takes to turn a small idea into a thriving business? Sunny Ilyas, CEO and founder of Vale Food Co., joins Reforming on Air with Genevieve Ross to uncover the real lessons behind building a successful, multi-unit restaurant brand. Sunny shares his journey from starting a humble meal prep delivery service at 21 to growing a fast-casual restaurant chain with 10+ locations across Florida. This episode isn’t just about restaurants—it’s about entrepreneurship, leadership, and scaling a business while staying true to your vision.In this conversation, you’ll discover:- How to find and serve your ideal audience- The role of grit, tenacity, and smart growth strategies- Why investing in the right team is your fastest path to success- Lessons learned from failures, rapid expansion, and navigating crises- The power of a unique, proprietary edge to stand out in any industryTIMESTAMPS:00:00 The Birth of Veil: A Healthy Vision03:05 From Meal Plans to Brick and Mortar05:52 Understanding the Target Market09:02 Rapid Expansion: The Journey to Six Locations11:57 Navigating Challenges and Lessons Learned15:05 The Importance of People in Business17:58 Future Aspirations and Growth Plans20:52 Adapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-1923:59 Innovations and New Offerings at Veil
What does it take to build a fitness brand that’s more than a gym—a community, a movement, and a business empire?
Manning Sumner, founder and CEO of LEGACY and NO DAYS OFF, joins Reforming On Air with Genevieve Ross for a peek into the business strategies, execution, and vision that have grown his brand into a multi-location powerhouse with a thriving product line. He emphasizes the significance of strategic location choices for expansion, the development of a premium water brand, and the future of fitness as an experiential luxury.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
-Building a fitness brand with a purpose: community, energy, and connection
-Strategic expansion: choosing locations, scaling, and maintaining quality
-Developing a product line that complements the service business
-Leadership and team management for sustainable growth
-Lessons on competition, brand recognition, and staying innovative
-Advice for entrepreneurs entering crowded markets and creating something unique
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Manning Sumner and His Ventures
03:00 The Birth of Legacy and Community Building
06:01 Expansion Plans and Strategic Location Choices
09:03 Innovative Training Concepts and Product Development
12:02 The Future of Fitness and Business Trends
14:53 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in a Competitive Market
17:57 Creating a Thriving Community in Fitness
20:52 Future Aspirations and Vision for Growth
Follow Genevieve & Reforming Pilates:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/itsgenevieveross/
https://www.instagram.com/reformingpilates/
https://www.instagram.com/bodyhotpilates/
https://www.instagram.com/the.only.studio/
Subscribe:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC42ODbrpHDduJBKQBJipNeA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reforming-on-air-fitness-wellness-and-branding-unfiltered-with-genevieve-ross/id1807869318
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5h5yWKiYu0WuFpYd0gtyHP
Genevieve is back—post-baby, sleep-deprived, but energized—spilling the tea about motherhood, work, and finding her reset.
She sits down with her best friend Emily Safran Wands, Miami-based hairstylist and founder of LAHH Salon, for a no-filter chat about juggling babies and business. They dive into the terrifying, hilarious, and sometimes messy realities of pregnancy, birth, and leaving your baby to chase your career.
From finding a nanny who doesn’t give you nightmares to actually learning how to delegate, this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and survival tips for any working mom trying to do it all (and still look human).”
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- The biggest fears women face before having kids
- How business owners can delegate without guilt
- Why being a working mom is all about balance (and boundaries)
- The truth about “mom guilt” and judgmental parenting
- Building a support system that actually works
If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or working woman thinking about starting a family (or already in the trenches of motherhood), this episode will remind you: you can do both.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Navigating the Fear of Motherhood
02:50 Balancing Work and Family Life
05:59 The Reality of Pregnancy and Birth
08:55 The Importance of Support Systems
11:51 Finding the Right Care for Your Child
15:03 Managing Guilt as a Working Mom
18:12 Future Plans: Family and Business Growth
20:58 Empowering Women in Motherhood
23:49 Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent
What’s driving the latest fitness fads—and how can studios keep up?
Reforming Pilates Founder Genevieve Ross and COO Elisa Zambrano dive into the evolving trends reshaping the fitness and wellness industry. From the surprising comeback of spin and barre classes to the rising popularity of weightlifting among men, they unpack how consumer behavior is shifting post-pandemic. They explore how studios can adapt by creating more inclusive, community-driven spaces—especially by rethinking how they engage and welcome a broader clientele. They also spotlight the growing demand for in-house memberships over third-party platforms and highlight the power of consumer feedback in predicting the future of fitness.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Current Fitness Trends
05:07 The Resurgence of Spin and Cardio Classes
06:36 The Weightlifting Landscape
08:01 Consumer Trends in Fitness
11:40 Shifting Gender Dynamics in Fitness
14:13 Engaging with the Audience on Trends
Can a juice bar do more than nourish your body—can it transform a community?Brennan Branca and Tara Schreiber, the dynamic duo behind Barvida, unpack what it takes to turn a passion for health into a purpose-driven business. From meticulous cold-pressing processes to creating a customer experience that feels high-end yet totally un-intimidating, Brennan and Tara share how they built a wellness brand rooted in quality, hospitality, and heart.
They open up about the challenges of expanding too quickly, the financial lessons they learned the hard way, and why hiring the right people is just as important as the perfect green juice recipe. You’ll hear about their favorite Barvida locations, their dream to expand, advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and lessons learned from financial mistakes in their journey.
RESOURCES:
Barvida: https://thebarvida.com/
Social Media: @barvidajuicebar https://www.instagram.com/barvidajuicebar/
Brennan Branca: @boyfromconnecticut https://www.instagram.com/boyfromconnecticut/
Tara Schreiber: @girlfromnewyorkcity https://www.instagram.com/girlfromnewyorkcity/
CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Barvida and Its Unique Approach02:55 Creating a Welcoming Experience in Health Food05:52 Quality and Freshness of Products09:07 Challenges of Maintaining Quality During Expansion12:10 Growth Plans and Future Locations14:56 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Food Industry18:12 Learning from Financial Mistakes19:58 Lessons from Expansion Challenges22:01 Favorite Locations and Personal Connections23:37 Dream Locations and Future Aspirations25:24 Hiring and Firing: Building a Strong Team29:15 Plans for New Locations and Community Engagement30:18 Juice Delivery in the City: Expanding Reach34:24 Call to Action: Where to Find UsFollow Genevieve & Reforming Pilates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgenevieveross/https://www.instagram.com/reformingpilates/https://www.instagram.com/bodyhotpilates/https://www.instagram.com/the.only.studio/Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC42ODbrpHDduJBKQBJipNeA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reforming-on-air-fitness-wellness-and-branding-unfiltered-with-genevieve-ross/id1807869318Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5h5yWKiYu0WuFpYd0gtyHP
Are you ready to turn your passion for fitness into a thriving career?
Reforming Pilates Founder Genevieve Ross and COO Elisa Zambrano break down the essential steps to building long-term success in the fitness industry. They share how finding your niche can elevate your personal brand and why positive energy and approachability are key to standing out. Gen and Elisa dive into the importance of finding your voice, cultivating a strong studio culture, and becoming an indispensable part of any team.
They also get candid about knowing when it’s time to move on from a role that no longer serves your growth, while giving a behind-the-scenes look at exciting projects they’re working on. From insider advice like experiencing a studio as a client before applying, to mastering auditions and staying ahead of industry trends, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for fitness professionals at any stage of their journey.
Takeaways:
- Invest at least a year into your teacher training journey.
- Build your personal brand by finding your niche.
- Experience a studio as a client before applying for a position.
- Bring good energy and approachability to every interaction
- Go beyond your job description to become indispensable.
- Stay informed on fitness and industry trends.
- Know when it’s time to move on to foster growth.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Fitness Industry Journey
02:10 Exploring Career Options in Fitness
06:55 Finding the Right Studio and Community
12:39 Becoming Indispensable in the Workplace
18:08 Knowing When to Move On
20:31 Future Projects and Growth Opportunities
Can healthy taste this good?
Truvani is revolutionizing protein with purpose and flavor. Melanie Duncan, Owner & Chief of Creative at Truvani, joins Reforming On Air with Geneveivee Ross for a behind-the-scenes conversation about building a clean, high-performance protein brand designed with women in mind. From ingredient sourcing and flavor testing to bootstrapping the business and navigating product development hurdles, Melanie shares what it really takes to launch and scale a health-focused product line.
They explore the difference between whey and plant-based protein, the challenges of finding trustworthy manufacturers, and why ingredient transparency is non-negotiable. Melanie also opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, how Truvani carved its place in a saturated wellness market, and what’s next—including expansion into major retailers like Target.
Resources:
Check out Truvani products and follow along: https://linktr.ee/truvani
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Truvani and Its Founder
03:10 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
05:59 The Birth of Truvani
09:02 Product Development and Challenges
12:05 Finding Trusted Manufacturers
14:45 The Importance of Ingredient Transparency
17:59 Expanding Product Lines and Flavors
21:53 Taste Testing and Product Development
24:32 Best Sellers and Market Insights
27:51 Moments of Success and Recognition
30:01 Whey vs. Plant-Based Protein Explained
33:17 Future Goals and Brand Expansion
34:03 Where to Find Truvani Products
Follow Genevieve & Reforming Pilates:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/itsgenevieveross/
https://www.instagram.com/reformingpilates/
https://www.instagram.com/bodyhotpilates/
https://www.instagram.com/the.only.studio/
Subscribe:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC42ODbrpHDduJBKQBJipNeA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reforming-on-air-fitness-wellness-and-branding-unfiltered-with-genevieve-ross/id1807869318
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5h5yWKiYu0WuFpYd0gtyHP
In this premiere solo episode of Reforming On Air, host Genevieve Ross—entrepreneur and founder of Reforming Pilates, The Only Studio, and Body Hot Pilates—shares her personal journey in the fitness industry. From starting her first studio to launching multiple successful brands, Genevieve breaks down what it really takes to build a thriving business in today’s wellness world.She dives into the evolution of boutique fitness, the power of branding, and why customer experience is everything. With a candid look at the lessons she’s learned along the way, this episode sets the tone for the conversations to come—highlighting the trends, mindset, and community-first approach shaping the future of fitness.Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own studio, building a wellness brand, or just obsessed with boutique fitness, this episode is your front-row seat to the business side of wellness—real, raw, and ready to inspire.Takeaways:-Boutique fitness is booming—and it’s not slowing down-Community and personal connection are everything in boutique fitness-Social media is a growth engine for fitness brands-Understanding your customer is the foundation for growthChapters:00:00 Introduction to Reflections Podcast00:56 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins04:03 Building a Fitness Brand in South Florida08:01 The Rise of Boutique Fitness11:03 Future Trends in the Fitness Industry
Reforming On Air is the ultimate podcast for fitness and wellness professionals who are ready to turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re an instructor, influencer, or entrepreneur in the making, this show is your playbook for building a standout brand, breaking into the industry, and staying ahead of what’s next.
Hosted by Genevieve Ross—founder of Reforming Pilates, The Only Studio, and Body Hot Pilates—this show blends real talk, expert interviews, and actionable business advice for ambitious wellness leaders. Genevieve knows what it takes to grow a brand from the ground up—and she’s here to help you do the same.
Each week, you’ll get unfiltered conversations with the biggest names in fitness and wellness, branding strategies that actually work, and behind-the-scenes insight into the trends driving the industry forward.
