Meet Olivia Kingston | Madhouse Dance Owner

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

Hi Olivia, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Madhouse is a space where women can come together in an encouraging, uplifting, fun environment to really let loose, get in touch with their bodies, and feel like a badass. We celebrate all women, and our goal is to make women feel confident in their skin and fierce in their attitude. Our classes encourage women to really move the way they want to move without worrying about what others think, all while getting an incredible workout. The result is more empowered women feeling confident, strong, and sexy. Who doesn’t want more of that in the world?

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?
Madhouse started out of a pure love of dance and a lack of outlets to express that love. With no formal dance experience, I felt intimidated to enter traditional dance studios, afraid that I would be behind and look silly compared to others. I loved dancing more than anything, but it wasn’t a regular part of my life because I couldn’t find a space that suited my needs. I simply wanted to get a great workout in, shake it out to awesome music, and have a blast. A space that was focused on letting loose and having fun, rather than on performance. I decided to create that space myself.

I am most proud of the effect that Madhouse has had on the physical and mental health of our members. Our classes make women feel strong, confident, and empowered. Coming to Madhouse gives them fun workout that they can actually get excited about, and it’s a total stress reliever. Many women have recovered from abusive relationships, found a supportive community, boosted their confidence, and overall gotten stronger both physically and mentally.

I got to where I am from the support of family and friends. It was not easy, it required lots of time and dedication, but it was organic and happened naturally. I learned to trust my gut and take big leaps of faith when things felt right. Taking risks is what got me where I am. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that hiring the right people, especially in a service business like fitness, is the absolute key to success. Prioritizing my instructors’ happiness and my relationships with them has been integral to their enthusiasm for their work and consequently the success of the business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we’d start out with one of my dance cardio classes in the morning. Then, I would take them for a bike ride around Mission Bay, or a paddle board session on the bay. Day time needs to be spent by the water, of course! Then I would take them to Little Italy for a delicious dinner at Civico 1845.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could not have built my business without my incredible local friends who started taking my outdoor fitness classes from day 1! I was teaching the classes for free in exchange for honest feedback so that I could improve, and my friends delivered! They came every weekend to support, offer input on what they liked and didn’t like, and made me feel like I really had something special. They boosted my confidence in my abilities and gave me the courage to really go for it. Shoutout Layla, Victoria, Sophie, Mariah, Gio, Molly, Delaney, all my day ones! As well as the incredible instructors who have now hopped on board and are helping me carry out my vision. This business is all about people and I could not do it without them. Kira, Marcie, Emma, Jess, McShane, I appreciate you guys so much.

Website: www.madhousedance.com

Instagram: @livkingy @madhousedance

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-kingston-bb739810b/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/madhouse-dance-san-diego-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDg1zu50jVsLx05uB09bjVQ