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

Hi Kellie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My process was very much circumstantial. Prior to making the decision to start Drenched I worked for another fitness brand here in Atlanta. I invested close to two years of my time, thoughts and energy into someone else’s dream. At that time, I wholeheartedly believed that was my calling. Unfortunately, I was taken advantage of, promises were made and broken but more importantly I was not paid for my time. I felt angry, betrayed and I was devastated. I learn a lot of valuable lessons throughout that journey but the main two are this. 1. Never trust anything if it’s not in writing, and never give 100% of yourself to another person’s dream.

The Anger turned into determination and that’s how Drenched began.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My background and professional career are in Project Management. Fitness kind of fell in my lap. I believe what sets me apart from others is my ability to recognize an opportunity and execute it. My level of logistical details is very rare, and I understand the value in that skill set.

One thing that I am most proud of is the work that I do for the Atlanta Beltline Partnership. I have the honor of leading and managing the largest free fitness program in the Country. This role allows me to use my project management skillset and align it with my love for fitness and community building.

Nothing in life is ever easy and my career is no different, but I finally found something that I love doing and that makes the hard work and challenges worth it.

What I want people to know about my brand would be that its build on integrity and intention. What I want people to know about my story is that nothing was ever given or handed to me, I worked very hard to get to this point and I’ve only scratched the surface.

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?
This would be fun. Let’s see, Atlanta has so much to offer so this list is not in any given order but here are some places I would take a friend.

1. Atlanta Beltline
2. Ponce City Market
3. Chops
3. LifeTime Fitness Pool
4. Tesserae
5. Magic City
6. Kyma
7. Gypsy Kitchen
8. James Room
9. Piedmont Park
10. Hawks Game (Delta Club)
11. Chateau Elan
12. Four Seasons Brunch
13. St. Regis
14. Drenched Cycle Studio

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The list of people who supports me is extremely long. I am very blessed in that area. I would like to give a special shoutout to The Thompson Buckhead Hotel for giving Drenched Wellness the opportunity to provide fitness and wellness programming to their luxury property. I recognize the level of service that Hyatt provides, and I truly consider this opportunity a huge honor.

Website: drenchedcyclestudio.com

Instagram: funsize_kelz

Facebook: drenched cycle studio

Other: Business IG: drenchedcyclestudio

Image Credits
Trarell Torrence with Torrence Studio Jesse Mills with Brand Vista Outfront Media

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