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

Hi Anna, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
We do something very special through Balanced Kids Atlanta. Yes, fundamentally, we provide a service to kids and families by teaching them the life-long skill of riding a bike. BUT it is so much more than that. We see children of all athletic and learning abilities develop confidence as they accomplish a skill they once thought impossible. Many parents say they tried and failed to teach their kids to ride and are shocked at what we can accomplish with them in even just a few classes.

Unlike traditional competitive sports, where success is defined through natural abilities and winning, Balanced Kids Atlanta programming focuses on each individual’s growth and perseverance. The number one priority is to HAVE FUN while riding a bike! Every child leaves our classes with a sense of accomplishment, knowing they’ve done something they couldn’t do before—all while enjoying the process in a supportive, pressure-free environment. Our unique approach to youth programming is the most important factor behind the success of Balanced Kids Atlanta.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Balanced Kids Atlanta started in 2018 after witnessing our children seamlessly ride a pedal bike after riding a balance bike for years. We were absolutely amazed! As new parents, we thought training wheels, tears, and crashes were going to be a part of our future. It was a lightbulb moment when we discovered it didn’t have to be this way; we knew we had to share this concept with others! Balanced Kids Atlanta was born.

Before starting a family, I worked with Alpharetta Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Services for many years, so they were the obvious choice to partner with to start our new venture. They are the best in the business! Over the years we have created a program that efficiently teaches kids how to ride in a really fun way. It has been trial and error with various scheduling, registration, marketing, programming, etc. We are constantly trying new approaches to ensure the very best for our participants.

The kids and their families have always been extremely satisfied with the classes, but one of our biggest challenges has been advertising the programs. There is so much noise out there for parents to weed through and they just don’t know that a service like ours exists. We strive to make seeking help with teaching kids to ride bikes as natural and routine as enrolling them in swim lessons. It takes a village and we are honored in our role in helping families thrive. Balanced Kids Atlanta is a local, woman-owned business on a mission to get more kids on bikes, building their confidence and independence in a fun and supportive environment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite local spots are…

La Fonda for delicious Latin food
The Eastern, Buckhead Theater or the Tabernacle for a concert
Painted Duck for food, drinks and fun games
Shopping for top-tier outdoor gear at the family-owned High Country Outfitters
All the breweries…Wild Leap, Bold Monk, Monday Night- you cannot go wrong!
MLK Center for education and inspiration to live a kind, peaceful life

My favorite bike riding activities include:
Streets Alive- getting to ride along Peachtree Street? Yes, please!
The Beltline

And for my mountain biking friends there is no shortage of options just outside the city including:
Big Creek Park, Sope Creek, Old Rope Mill Park, Blankets Creek and beyond

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s all about community at Balanced Kids Atlanta! We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our amazing families who entrust us with their kids’ bike-riding journey. Their enthusiasm and word-of-mouth support have helped us grow more than anything else. I also would love to recognize our local parks and recreation departments that have given this very unique program proposal a chance. We are so thankful that they share our passion for getting more kids on bikes! A heartfelt thank you goes to our friends and family when they graciously spread the word on what we do at Balanced Kids Atlanta. My kiddos, Oliver and Charlie are my greatest inspiration. And the final shoutout goes to my husband, George, who came up with the idea to teach kids how to ride and who is ALWAYS my biggest supporter.

Website: https://www.balancedkidsatlanta.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedkidsatlanta/

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.