We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Santiago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
There are certainly financial risks I’ve taken in my business that have been uncomfortable. Some have worked out well and some have hurt my wallet. But my philosophy about money is that it is always there if I keep moving forward despite the losses. So, in hindsight, financial risks have not been nearly as dangerous as the risks to have my own business in the first place – those risks I’ve taken to be an entrepreneur – to rely only on myself for my own financial stability. This was where I lost the (false) feeling of safety I had from a steady paycheck or the steady paycheck of a husband. What I gained from taking those risks is a life where I have my own financial stability. I gained freedom to make my own choices. And I gained so much wisdom. Most of all, I gained the satisfaction of living a life on my own terms and being true to my dreams. Taking risks for me has been key to my success. The rewards were sweeter than the mistakes were painful. As I kept making risky choices, I became more comfortable in taking more risks. Now that I find myself at a place where I can take those risks more discerningly, but more confidently. I measure the potential outcome for any risk by listening to my feelings. If I am equally terrified and excited, then I know it is a good risk to take.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In 2013, I started Intown Gymnastics, when I realized there was nowhere to bring my two boys for gymnastics that was close to me. I’m most proud of being able to bootstrap a completely new business organically, by starting small and tapping in to my close contacts and friends. I started teaching gymnastics classes in a tiny little Sunday School room in a neighborhood church, with 30 students and around 4 classes a week. Eight years later we were named one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine, boasting two locations, 65 employees and over 1,700 students per week. We expanded to offer Parkour, camps, child care, and special events, with a clearly defined set of Core Values at the forefront of everything we do. Leading a company as a female CEO in a male-dominated business is one of the things I’m most grateful for. I love being a role model for the hundreds of girls I meet every day and the incredible team of female leaders who have learned to grown the business with me. We host a Strong is the New Pretty summer camp every year, just for girls, empowering them to support other girls, and count on their girl friends to support each other to follow their dreams and dream big! I’m grateful to have such a huge platform to promote my personal values of women’s empowerment, supporting women of color, and building female leaders for the next generation. It is truly a privilege.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would no doubt take my friend to Ponce City Market for a day of shopping, brunch and games on the roof, while staring at the incredible Atlanta city views. Then we would take a long walk along the beltline looking at the local art and talking about the incredible civil rights history Atlanta is known for. Then we would stop at Lady Bird restaurant for cocktails and dinner outside on the patio. The following day we would do a tour of the High Museum and walk around Piedmont Park. If we had one extra day I would definitely want to go for coffee at Aurora Coffee in Little Five points and do some people watching there. Then go antique shopping in Virginia Highlands.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success wouldn’t be possible without the inimitable Apollonia and the guidance and genius of the women at the School of Humanity and Awareness. For over twenty years these women have been my guides in learning and growth.

Website: www.intownstarsgymnastics.com

Instagram: @intownstarsgymnastics

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/anna-santiago-39944813

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntownStarsGymnastics

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