She’s the body, face and business head behind cult dance-based fitness brand Body By Simone, and this little pocket-rocket has taken the health and fitness world by storm in New York and Los Angeles.
From a Broadway stint to inspiring and changing lives everyday through her two studios on opposite coasts of the United States, Simone shares her journey as part of our Gumnut Mafia series of Aussies taking the US by storm.
You have studios in New York and LA – Where did the US dream all begin for you?
I have been living in the states for over 7 years now. My initial dream was to perform on Broadway. Once I had ticked that box I begun searching for a new dream. I accidentally fell into fitness and the rest is history!
Has it been all tinsel and glamour setting up a business over there? What’s it really like to live and work in NY/LA?
It has been nothing but hard work, sweat and tears! However extremely rewarding to see your dream become reality. What I love most about America is the positive attitude. They believe you can do anything you set your mind to!
Tell us more about Body By Simone?
BBS is dance based fitness. I created it to make exercise joyous and fun. Sharing dance with a wider community. The question I always get asked is “how do you get a dancers body?” and my response. “you dance!”
Who wears/uses/engages with your brand in America? Who’s your typical consumer?
I have a lot of celebrities and also everyday women.
Tell us about your Aussie support crew in the US and what role they play for you…
My Australian support crew really are my family. It’s funny but everywhere I have lived, I always tend to gravitate towards Aussies. We just get each other.
What advice would you have for other Aussie’s looking to make the move to the US?
Have a plan and a dream and just go do it! Don’t let anyone tell you you cant do anything.
Does the Australian government offer much in the way of support for Aussies looking to set up businesses in the US? What was your experience with this…
I have no idea. I did it all on my own and the help of an angel investor.
Do you prefer LA or New York? What are the differences?
I cant compare, they both have a piece of my heart and offer completely different things. LA one can have a better lifestyle. NYC is a melting pot of different cultures and experiences!
What are your top five health & fitness tips?
- Get 8 hours sleep a night. Sleep is the time your body heals and keeps you looking young.
- Hydrate hydrate hydrate. Water or coconut water is so beneficial for clear skin and flushing out toxins from the body.
- Mirror minutes. Take 5 minutes a day to look at yourself in the mirror and say something positive about your body. Affirmations and self love are the key to allowing yourself to be the best possible you.
- Get at least 10 minutes a day of cardio in. As we are getting older it is so important to take care of our heart health. 10 minutes sprints have been proven now to be more beneficial than a 35 minute jog
- Cut out or limit your alcohol intake. Not only are you drinking your calories but you also end up making bad choices of food once you have had a drink.
What do you miss about Australia?
My mum! Tim Tams, and the laid back attitude.
Have you ‘made it’ in NY/LA? What does ‘making it’ there actually mean to you…
I think making it, means to me that I have two successful studios running on both coasts, I have written a book and have online videos and my brand is constantly growing. I love what I do and have managed to change lives and inspire along the way.
Are you an Aussie ‘making it’ in LA? We’d love to hear from you…please email Managing Editor Yvette Le Grew yvette@thecarousel.com and tell us your story.
