Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Lerner.
Becky, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles after graduating from Columbia College with a degree in Journalism and Dance. I spent two years working in a digital advertising agency (which speaks to one of my three careers as a Social Media Consultant). Meanwhile, I came to a very strong realization that corporate America was not for me and that I had the opportunity to create my own life (a la Mrs. Potato Head but on a much larger scale) here in sunny Cali. I left corporate to pursue my dance career while I can and shortly after decided to pursue an additional profession as a Pilates instructor (long-term career).
With a lot of hustling and grinding, a whole lot of squats and countless sets of The Hundred, I have been mostly successful. (With a few major potholes. Think: Chicago winter size potholes… perhaps, a few Lake Michigan size potholes.) I am currently balancing my professional life working as a freelance Social Media Consultant, a full-time Pilates instructor and as-full-time-as-I-can-be dancer. Even on my most stressful days, I’m blessed to be able to do what I do.
Has it been a smooth road?
To say it’s been bumpy is a bit of an understatement. Craters, smooth inclines, giant plateaus only to fall into a cliff to then start over again on the uphill climb sounds about right. And it will continue to be just as dynamic.
My biggest struggle along the way has definitely been having a consistent, stable, livable income. As a freelancer in all regards, it comes with a bit of a question mark about where your next paycheck is coming from, how much, when will you get paid, etc. I’ve had to learn to save money when income flow is healthy and spend conservatively regardless pay grade.
What’s so cool about the younger generation, that I’ve seen, is that they have less of a feeling of obligation to stay on one path, going in one linear direction for the rest of their lives. They’re already willing to experiment, take risks and hustle. What I would say to them, given their drive and tenacity, is to remember that you still have to plan for your future. So yes, take the risk to join the startup, start your own business, take the vacation and buy the shoes. However, one of the things that weigh on my mind is if I’m going to have to work for the rest of my life since I’m a freelancer or if I’ll be able to save enough money to one day retire. While I do want to travel while I’m young, versus my parents’ generation who save their money to travel in their retirement, it will still be valuable to have the option when I’m older to work if I want to, or simply spend my time volunteering (save the puppies!) or giving back to communities near and dear to my heart. (Dancers need Pilates, too!)
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I hate to be boring here, but let me break this down by career.
Pilates: I teach both privately and in group settings. I would say I’m a hybrid between Contemporary and Classical Pilates and I pride myself on running a tough class. I believe every body is different but that we’re all fully capable and stronger than we think. So, wherever you’re starting on any given day does not devalue any work you’re doing. I’m blunt and a little militant but we absolutely have our fun in my classes and laugh whether it’s at my cheesy jokes or the fact that I’ve been saying “TWO MORE!” for the last sixteen reps. (Ok, not literally sixteen. Maybe sixteen. Ok fine. It may be sixteen, but it’s only 30 seconds!)
Social Media: I have worked in digital advertising and marketing for 8ish years all in. I do everything from Strategy (campaign and annual) to Community Management to Content Creation, Influencer Management to Brand Development and the list continues. I have run training on Community Management internally to companies needing to hone their voice and train their managers on customer service. I have worked in a variety of environments from non-profit to retail, from CPG to healthcare, to food, entertainment, nightlife and more. It definitely keeps me learning.
Dance: I’ve been dancing on and off since I was 10. I’m professional in Hip-Hop, Jazz Funk, Modern, and some specialty styles such as Dancehall, Soca and Azonto. I have worked with some small artists here in LA, and some bigger artists when I worked in nightlife in Chicago. I adore performing whether I’m on stage or on set and hope to keep the momentum going so when y’all reach out for a second interview, I can be all, “Yep! I’ve worked with Brandy, Usher, Chris Brown and JLo!”
I think I’m most proud of taking the risk to build my own life, to relocate despite most of my support system being back in Chicago and that I continue to persevere despite those craters I referenced before. It’d be super easy to quit and settle. That doesn’t feel like it’s a part of my being, so instead, I’ve created a game plan to build the stability that I want within the lifestyle that’s important to me. That includes future plans that I can’t disclose at this time, (Hehehe!)
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I read this book by Jen Sincero called, “You Are a Badass. How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life.” Yes, that’s the whole name. You’ve probably seen it trending somewhere… yellow book cover. You know the one I’m talking about.
I’m not really a huge self-help book kinda’ gal, but Jen’s tone in the book was… approachable… funny… un-candy-coated and frankly, un-annoying. (Because literally, if someone makes me talk about my feelings ONE MORE TIME… and by the way, I had a great childhood, thanks. And my dad is awesome.) No, seriously, it was a great way to stimulate a different thought process within your own inner monologue that changes the energy you put out into the universe which, I SWEAR, impacts what opportunities come your way, how you see them, WHEN you see them, and your ability to execute on them without letting nerves or insecurity or your parents’ voices in your head limit you. So, if you have a minute or twelve, read it.
Also, I follow Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) on Instagram and Snapchat and while he may be a little harsh for some people, his F-bombs practically make him my spirit animal. I love the way he looks at failure and rejection as a win, and I love his approach on accountability and “taking an L”. If you have a thick skin and can see through to the tough love approach of his, he’s worth a listen.
Pricing:
- Pilates: $80/single private $375/five privates $700/10 privates
- Social Media Consultant: Ranges from $50-125/hr depending on the role, length of contract, and nature of project.
Contact Info:
- Website: BLFitnessandDance.wordpress.com
- Email: BLFitnessandDance@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/beckspress
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blfitnessanddance
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/beckspress
Image Credit:
Concept A + A, Screen Grabs from JR Taylor’s YouTube Channel (@didntinviteme), Club Pilates North Hollywood
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
