The BellaVita Fitness and Wellness “Behind the Scenes” Snapshot - The Idea Implementers

Check out our exclusive interview with the game-changing ladies behind the BellaVita brand. 
By: Jeff Turbett

Everybody who walks this breathtaking, God’s green earth, in one way or another, is searching for something to call their own. We are searching for that connection. Whether that be happiness, materialistic possessions, a significant other, a business, an idea; we are constantly searching. Some know from an early age what that is while others sort of learn as they go. Most of the time, it starts off as an idea. An idea is a powerful thing. One of the best ways to describe the nature of an idea is this:

“An idea is like a virus, resilient, highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it's almost impossible to eradicate. An idea that is fully formed - fully understood - that sticks; right in there somewhere.”  -Cobb, Inception


However great or insignificant that idea, it still just remains an idea until it is put into action. Some are lucky enough to be able to take those ideas, and craft them into dreams and then turn them into goals, ultimately enabling them to be put into motion and fulfilling those ideas, and in the process, in finding what they are searching for to call their own. 

For Izabella Steele and Carla Minaya, that was founding the fitness company, BellaVita Fitness and Wellness.  BellaVita is a full service wellness company that provides classes (Meditation, Yoga, Pilates, Toning), 1:1’s, workshops, and events with over 10,000+ active clients. Even more than just a wellness company, they are a community that develops and builds relationships, more than just the physical body - the mind and soul as well, for life. It's this community that makes their energetic classes such an up-lifting environment. A supportive, non-judgemental, FUN, community that truly puts the individual first. One could go on and on about how great BellaVita is, but sometimes it's better to hear it directly from the horse’s mouth. 

Today I was fortunate enough to be able to ask them a few questions about BellaVita. This, is the “Behind the Scenes” interview of BellaVita Fitness and Wellness.

Let's get started. Bella, when was the exact, light-bulb, moment you knew you wanted to start BellaVita, and Carla, when did you realize you wanted to join this amazing opportunity?

Izabella:  Being from Richmond (a suburb of Vancouver, Canada) I had big city dreams of NYC and to own a business. After I got my degree I was in a transition period when anything was possible, so I had an honest convo with myself about what I enjoy most. In 2012, the idea of “BellaVita” was born with our first location in 2013. I love everything BellaVita is. In 2016 Carla helped me take BellaVita to a new level. I am so grateful for our partnership. 
Carla:  I began teaching yoga at BellaVita and felt so welcome by Izabella and the incredible energy of the community. She and I worked on bigger projects together and found that we have great work synergy. Over four years later, we are still going strong!


How do you feel you distinguish yourself (the BellaVita brand) from other competitors?

I:  Our community and the energy is unmatched. 
C:  We are a judgment-free, safe community that has a variety of wellness services. We promote wellbeing from within and provide a place where people feel genuinely welcome. 


What habits helped make BellaVita Successful?

I:  Bringing the right people to our team is everything. BellaVita is based on our people and proper screening is key.
C:  Being organized - our streamlining processes helps eliminate bottlenecks and directs our goals. 


What motivates you each day, BESIDES, the typical I want to help others?

I:  I feel like there’s a theme with my answers [laughs]. For me it’s definitely our people. Besides wanting to help others improve, I’m excited to be around our community everyday. I get inspired and motivated to reach my own goals.
C:  My passion for BellaVita to have a global reach keeps me going. Anything is possible!


If you could travel back in time to day one of your startup and have fifteen minutes with your former self to communicate any lessons you've acquired with the intention of saving yourself mistakes and heart ache, what would you tell yourself?

I:  Have patience! Patience really is a virtue. I learned that business is about planting seeds to build foundation and watching them grow.
C:  I would tell myself to be more flexible, being an entrepreneur is a creative process!


What advice would you give to future entrepreneurs looking to start their own dream?

I:  Dreams and ideas are great but the key is action and implementation. Just do it! (isn’t that Nike?) [laughs] the key is to move and make it happen. 
C:  Be open-minded and always be willing to learn new things.


Open-minded and always willing to learn. That is something that can be used in all aspects of life. The world is a never ending timeline of constant change and having this sort of mentality, of being adaptable, is the perfect rebuttal to an ever ongoing world of adversity. But to echo what Izabella ended with, ideas and dreams are great, but one must put them into action. Implementation is key. And that’s exactly what both of these ladies did and continue to do on a daily basis to keep BellaVita alive and thriving. 

Their mission is to encourage a healthy lifestyle by providing all the tools necessary for complete wellness from the inside, out. Offering customized programs, they aim to meet their clients’ unique needs and goals for a healthier now. If you have been contemplating making a fitness journey change and want help, or are a fitness pro and just want a fresh perspective, be sure to check out their website at: www.bellavitaworld.com or shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Only time will tell what happens with the rest of the fitness world as we all continue to navigate through these tough and enduring times. Luckily, the team at BellaVita Fitness and Wellness have ideas - ideas that they put into motion.

-Jeff Turbett