Meet Donnella Andraos | Co-owner & Boxing Coach

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

Hi Donnella, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I AM Movement is a woman-owned business founded and operated by a mother/daughter duo. Unlike most gyms, I AM Movement caters to adults with special needs and the elderly. Socialization and fitness for these groups aren’t often thought about unless they apply to yourself or a loved one. But think about it…older adults are pretty much limited to activities at the senior center. Children with special needs, like autism for example, age-out of programs as they enter adulthood. That’s why we created I AM Movement. We use fitness and friendship to create a community. Our goal is to empower and inspire people so they can be their own hero and live fuller lives longer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I AM Movement is a truly rewarding experience because we’re helping others and making a difference in our community. We offer various boxing programs including: one with a focus on balance, a class for neurodivergent adults, and another for people with Parkinson’s and/or a-typical Parkinson’s. We’re getting ready to roll out our dance programs that will include Zumba, Zumba Gold for seniors, and Zumba Gold Seated.

There are so many things we’re proud of in regards to our business. The sense of accomplishment for our members is one example. We’ve taught people how to box, jump rope, hula hoop, avoid falls, recover from falls, skip, improve their balance…to name a few. Every win is celebrated by the group, no matter how small. The sense of camaraderie among our members warms the heart. The team spirit is contagious.

Envisioning a business is one thing, but it takes determination, perseverance, and an abundance of sweat equity to bring it to fruition. Funding is another factor. COVID was a challenge for many businesses, but it really hit us hard. How? I AM Movement was scheduled to open the week the lockdown took effect in March 2020. We had already invested a significant amount of money and time prepping for the launch. We had to decide if we should continue or give up. While we were contemplating our situation, people with Parkinson’s disease kept reaching out. They were desperate for fitness classes because intense targeted exercise that challenges PD symptoms helps slow their progression. Boxing does just that. It’s a cognitive and physical workout that improves stamina, hand/eye coordination, balance, strength, and reflexes. So we decided to find a way to pivot our business model because I AM Movement was essential. On July 13, 2020 we offered our first virtual class. That said, I would say the lesson we’ve learned so far is don’t give up. Find a viable workaround and act on it. Think out of the box and be creative. That’s how I AM Movement came to be. Our mission is to use fitness and friendship to create a community for adults with special needs and the elderly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many fun things to do in California. My itinerary for someone that’s never visited before would include:

– Laguna Beach to check out the Pageant of the Master and Sawdust Festival.
– Seaplane to Catalina Island for zip-lining and hiking.
– Spelunking at Moaning Caverns (roadtrip to NoCal)
– Wine tasting in Temecula
– Skydiving in Perris
– Concerts at Belly Up in Solano Beach and the Hollywood Bowl
– Checkout some speakeasies like The Blind Rabbit and the Pie Society
– Whitewater rafting on the Kern
– Mexican food at Avila’s El Ranchito

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When my daughter/business partner Timorei and I decided to make our dream a reality, we drafted our business plan. Both being creative souls, we thought it wise to have our concept vetted before diving in. After all, starting a business is both a time and financial investment. Plus, even a gambler doesn’t want to lose money. So we reached out to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and set up an appointment. What a resource! After the screening process, we were invited to join the program. We had a mentor who coached us and gave us advice every step of the way. She even paired us with a property management broker who helped us find a place to rent. Not an easy task when you have a boxing ring. Our mentor also helped us DIY our LLC so we didn’t have to pay huge fees, reviewed our lease, and directed us to various COVID resources. Once things opened up, she referred us to the SBDC Digital Marketing Lab where we were schooled in social media marketing. All the SBDC help was at no cost. If we have a question, the SBDC is only a call/email away. The Small Business Development Center gave us the confidence we needed to move forward and keep plugging away. Contacting them was the next best decision we made after deciding we wanted to work for ourselves.

Website: www.iam-movement.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-movement/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/iammovementirvine

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iammovement8940

Image Credits
Donnella’s husband/Timorei’s dad