Help Sofia open her first fitness studio!

Hi! I am Sofia Varela, born and raised in San Francisco and have worked as a Lagree fitness instructor for seven years! My passion is to help others feel their best and perform their best through fitness and wellness. Specifically, while teaching at Heartcore in San Mateo, I discovered a community of the most empowering and fierce women who helped me grow into the woman I am today. I've gained more confidence in myself to take up space and be unapologetic about it. I do my best to create an environment for anyone to show up and let go of what is weighing them down and be present. In the seven years I've dedicated to this practice, I've discovered it is you that drives me to bring all my energy and my best self even on days where I struggle to do so.

 

Sadly, as with many small businesses worldwide, the pandemic presented many challenges for Heartcore, which unfortunately has led to the closing of the San Mateo location. Devastated by this news, I decided to open my own studio and create a space that can serve as the new home for this community we have built together! This community means the world to me, and continuing to serve you all is my drive and inspiration for this new venture. Your smiles early in the morning light me up, despite not being a morning person. Your energy gives me energy and the ripple effect goes far beyond those four walls. I've connected with you through your stories of how these classes helped you recover from a traumatic injury, kept you strong during and post pregnancy, complete your first marathon, kept you grounded during a tough break up,  gave you a place where you don't feel judged and countless more. 

 

As a new business owner,  I am still in the very beginning phases of operating and am currently looking to sign a lease in the next couple of weeks if all goes well! I will hopefully acquire a small but perfect location in downtown Burlingame.  Aside from the expenses of renovating the space, I must first purchase the Megaformer machines before the month ends. For a total of 25,000 dollars, I can acquire all ten megaformers for my new studio! In addition to this GoFundMe, I am also applying for a business loan and fundraising by teaching several additional classes at the San Mateo studio over the next three weeks. 

 

Opening a studio has been a dream of mine for several years now, and I am finally in a position where I can turn it into a reality. This would mean the world to me and everyone looking forward to this new space where we can celebrate each other through movement, an awesome playlist and the best workout ever. With your support, I will be forever grateful. Any amount is immensely appreciated!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. <3

 

With love,

Sofia