Rising Stars: Meet Alicia Calderwood of Cary NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Calderwood.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We are Pura Vida Studio located in the Stonecreek Shopping Center in Cary! We are a local aerial, yoga, and wellness studio for all ages and experience levels! We opened in 2019 and moved into our forever home that we built out in 2023. We have evolved in 6 beautiful years into something truly magical and it’s all because of our incredible staff and community!

Pura Vida is more than just a movement studio—it’s a vibrant community where beginners and seasoned practitioners alike come to explore, grow, and connect. Beyond our classes, we love curating unforgettable experiences that bring people together in unique and inspiring ways. From our annual kids’ aerial summer camps to in-depth teacher trainings, we create spaces for learning and play. We showcase aerial artistry on grand theater stages and in fun, unexpected gig settings. And for those who crave adventure, our aerial and yoga retreats transport you to breathtaking destinations around the world—like our current retreat in Thailand!

At Pura Vida, movement is more than just exercise—it’s an experience, a connection, and a way of life. We believe that movement is a celebration of self-expression, strength, and connection, which is why we create experiences that bring people together in a meaningful way. Whether you’re exploring aerial arts, yoga, or acrobatics, our inclusive space is designed to meet you where you are, challenge you to grow, and uplift you every step of the way. At Pura Vida, movement and community go hand in hand, making every class not just a workout, but a shared journey of discovery, confidence, and joy.

https://www.puravidastudionc.com

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At Pura Vida, our growth is a reflection of the incredible community we’ve built—one that thrives on movement, connection, and support. As a niche studio offering specialized classes, our biggest challenge is finding enough skilled teachers to match the demand of our expanding student base. We are committed to maintaining the high-quality, inclusive experience that makes Pura Vida special, and we’re always seeking passionate instructors who share our vision. Our growth is a testament to the need for spaces like ours, and we’re excited to continue evolving while staying true to our mission.

Because of this challenge, our class sizes remain small and intimate, ensuring that every student receives personalized attention with safety as the priority and a high-quality experience. Our offerings are carefully curated, focusing on what we can make accessible with the resources we have, which allows us to maintain a strong sense of community and intentionality in every class. This means that when you come to Pura Vida, you’re getting a truly unique and specialized experience—one where connection, growth, and support are at the heart of everything we do.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Yoga, aerial, wellness studio

What were you like growing up?
A little about me as the business owner. I was always captivated by movement and dance growing up but was in a rural town without much artistry or opportunity. Without the opportunity or financial means to take anything I was interested in as a child, it remained just a dream. At 16, I became estranged from my family and it was the best opportunities give to me. I had to navigate the world on my own, learning to survive and adapt far earlier than most which lead me out of my small town of Mount Pleasant NC all the way to the beautiful Raleigh, NC.

At 18, I made a New Year’s resolution to focus on my mental & physical health, which led me to aerial acrobatics and yoga. From that moment, everything changed. I realized how deeply movement could heal—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. It became my passion and my purpose, and I knew this was my way of creating a space where others could find strength, support, and community by teaching & owning a business. At 25 years old I opened Pura Vida and now I share that journey with others, proving that movement is more than just exercise—it’s a pathway to empowerment, connection, and transformation.

Pricing:

• New Client Yoga Special: $15 drop in or 10 days unlimited yoga for $30
• Intro to all things aerial trial class: $35
• Aerial fabric beginner series: $140 for 4 weeks
• Aerial bar beginner series: $120 for 4 weeks

Contact Info:

• Website: www.puravidastudionc.com
• Instagram: @puravidastudionc