Meet Dakota Fox of Aradia Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dakota Fox.

Hi Dakota, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I am a former police officer turned entrepreneur. I am also a touring pole athlete, circus performer, mom, and plant enthusiast. My mother opened Aradia Fitness in 2007, and I bought the business from her in 2013. Juggling a law enforcement career, while running a business at the same time is basically having two full-time jobs. I wanted to empower and help people in both places, so I chose to focus on business full-time in 2016. In 2017, I became pregnant. Being physically fit and an active person, I aimed for a fit pregnancy and was able to teach classes until around 34/35 weeks. I stayed active and worked out until 39 weeks. I opened the second location of my business while I was in early labor. My daughter was born exactly the next day.

I took on a business partner in late 2018 to help after the baby came. At that time, we expanded the main location and opened an annex in January 2020. Early 2020, COVID happened and it was mandated that the business close for six months. We had to pivot, work different angle, and get creative to sustain the business. We ended up having to close the newest location due to the financial strains of COVID.

During lockdown, I discovered a new hobby: plants! My “COVID-19 hobby” turned into a new business venture. It was a plus, because I could do that at home with a toddler. It grew faster than anticipated in only six months, with pop-up markets, online stores, local commission, and potting workshops.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
COVID is by far the biggest business challenge that I have had to face to date. Things are constantly changing day-to-day; trying to adapt and make things work. There is such an emotional toll navigating COVID as a business owner.
It’s a challenge when having to balance business needs with safety, while remaining as a support system to clients and staff throughout the COVID chaos.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Aradia Fitness, Bounce n’ Burn, NC, and Foxxy’s Floras & Gifts?
Aradia Fitness specializes in small group movement and fitness classes that are unique and empowering. The class schedule features pole dancing, aerial yoga, Kangoo fitness, boot camps, aerial acrobatics, and more. Our goal is to provide a safe, empowering community for all persons to become strong, fit, and confident with Aradia Fitness.

Bounce n’ Burn is a subsidiary of Aradia Fitness. We are North Carolina’s only Kangoo Fitness company. Kangoo Fitness is a high-intensity, cardio class that features rebounding boots. It incorporates elements of cardio, strengthening, toning, and dance fitness. Rebound boots provide a surprisingly low-impact workout. They were originally designed as a physical therapy tool before being discovered by the fitness world.

Foxxy’s Floras & Gifts is a local pop-up plant shop, specifically in succulents, air plants, and rare/unique houseplants. We are often at pop-up markets throughout the spring and summer. We can also be found online, via Etsy. Our signature “Pot It Likes It’s Hot” workshops are “Sip & Plant” special events, available for private bookings. Workshop topics have included- “BYOP: Bring Your Own Planter,” “Living Art Arrangements,” “Terrarium Design,” and more.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
• Website: triangle.aradiafitness.com and linktr.ee/foxxysfloras
• Instagram: @aradiafitnessnc @bouncenburnnc @foxxysfloras @polefitfox

Image Credits
Focus Light Productions, Nieto Photography, and Dakota Fox