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

Hi Gabrielle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I have always been a little bit of a workaholic and lived a little by the work hard play hard motto. The problem with that is that it causes burnout. As I have gotten older, I have realized that life is too short and most of it isn’t worth it. I am a little more of a homebody these days and I enjoy taking care of myself in different ways. I get a massage every other week and on the off week I get stretched. I purchased a hot tub, and yes, I do use it religiously. I take epsom salt baths with candles and white noise, usually rainfall or waves. I travel, but I have always done that. I just do it more comfortably now. But most of all, I say NO.

FOMO is a real thing and I think sometimes we can get caught up in missing out, not just in having fun but in losing a dollar. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that it is better to pay someone to do the things you are not great at. The value of your time is the most important thing. Time is finite and you cannot get it back so you need to spend it wisely. Freeing up your time allows you to do the things you need to do to run your business, life or family, but most of all to take care of yourself. Because after all, if you don’t have your health, what do you have?

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At the moment I own two businesses, Pilates Tempe, a Pilates and fitness studio and Destination Fitcations. I am most excited about starting up my Fitcations again after travel was shut down by COVID. The travel and health and fitness industry have started booming! I am so excited to start hosting these luxury experiences again to be able to show people the world in a way that they have never seen while still living healthy and being active. These are not weight loss retreats or boot camps, they are travel experiences with a little fitness dabbled in. Good food, great excursions. wine and drinks, and all the free time to enjoy yourself as well.

I am really proud of where I am today because I purchased Pilates Tempe in November of 2019 and was shut down 6 months later. As of today, business is booming and we are busier than we have ever been in 15 years! All the hard work and tears were worth it. Owning a business is not easy or for the faint of heart. There are many ups and downs, but if you are passionate about it and not afraid to take risks, the rewards can be tremendous. My whole purpose for Pilates Tempe, Destinations Fitcations, and really what I believe is that we are on a journey and health is a part of that. Our health being part of that journey, why not take it with us while we travel. We shouldn’t live in extremes, we should be able to have the things we want when we want and take that with us wherever we are.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people that have been a part of my journey. I am forever grateful in my journey for Bob Mathews who was my first mentor and used to own his own gym. He has since retired but I learned alot of what I know about my craft and in my field from him. I could name a few of my clients that have been a part of my story for many years, some of whom I have had for over 10 years and they have always supported me. But there are two people that have encouraged me, believed in me, and pushed me to jump. Steve and Felecia Rozansky are close friends that started as referral partners, turned into clients and then friends. I have learned a great deal about business from them and I am not sure if I would have made some of the choices I had without their guidance and encouragement. They have been my number one fans.

Website: https://www.destinationfitcations.com/

Instagram: @destinationfitcations

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0SM5sIdqM77s3lvQDT9eg

Image Credits
Jayme Kelter Casey Olsen

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal 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.