January 11 2013

Modern Mom – Amy Kletecka Weber

Nashville is on the map for producing super talents in the music {and food} industries, but now when I think of Nashville – it’s less acoustic guitar and more lululemon.

Amy, this month’s Modern Mom, probably has a little something to do with that. Now I’ve never been in the same room as Amy, but I have been practicing her passion at a local BarreAmped class lately. You can learn more about the class and Amy’s influence in our community here. But for now, simply take a moment and read on, because this lovely lady is one inspiring Modern Mom.

 

Meet Amy Kletecka Weber of Releve’ One Fitness Studios

 

What does a typical day in the life consist of? My two boys are the alarm clock in our home! They wake us up anywhere between 6:45-7:30A. Typically we are a bit pushed for time in the morning because I’m always trying to soak up as much sleep time as possible!

Once we’ve gotten ready and are out the door, the boys and I usually head to the studio. One of the best parts of my work is that I’m able to spend those come and go moments with my little guys and also take them to work with me! I’m so grateful that we’ve been able to create that lifestyle for us during their baby years…before they leave me and go to school!

Lunch is usually spent on a date with Camden (5) and Dash (3) at Whole Foods in Franklin or in the comfort of our home watching their favorite show or movie.

Their naptime is my work time, so I try to get caught up on emails, phone calls, and/or housework while they rest.

The later afternoon is spent getting ready to go to the studio, or running the boys to martial arts/gymnastics and then it’s home for dinner.

Bedtime with the boys is usually spent cuddling up with either a book or some soft cozy music like: Glen Hansard, The Cranberries, and Simon and Garfunkel. I like to expose them to all genres.

After they are asleep, I usually soak in an Epsom salt bath, drink some vino and snack on some Living Raw Truffles followed by maybe finalizing some work with my husband by my side. He’s a HUGE part of what keeps our business running and I could never do it without him. We are trying to get better about shutting down our computers by a certain time so we can just “be” before going to sleep.

Tell us about your work, the BarreAmped method, and the inspiration behind it? I fell in love with barre fitness in Los Angeles 2005 while pregnant with my first son. I was a hard-core cardio junkie and really into lifting weights prior. After pregnancy, I realized that a lot of my bulk muscle had turned soft. I knew I needed to back off the excessive weight lifting and really focus on working deeply within my muscles while elongating my body.

I met Suzanne Bowen, the creator of BarreAmped, two weeks after moving from LA to Franklin in 2006. She was in the process of developing the method and took me under her wing as her very first apprentice.

A little more than a year later, Suzanne opened her first fitness studio and I began teaching barre classes. Soon thereafter, the method was finalized and so began a wonderfully fast paced journey! Suzanne began traveling the country and teaching the method to other mind body fitness professionals and soon thereafter, I became a teacher trainer for the method as well!

I’m extremely proud of our brand…BarreAmped is one of the only barre methods that works in a neutral spine, hence protecting the joints while working deeply and posturally within the targeted muscle groups.

I’m a believer because I have watched women’s bodies transform! It’s changed my life more than I can ever articulate in words. I have met some of the most beautifully spirited and talented people just by getting to do what I love on a daily basis. I don’t take my gig for granted…ever!

This summer, my husband Jeremy and I purchased BarreAmped’s Flagship studio from the Bowens and now we are the proud owners of: Releve’ One Fitness Studios – Featuring BarreAmped!

It has been a whirlwind and a total dream come true! I’m so lucky to be able to do what I love and inspire and be inspired by others on a daily basis.

Aside of work and being a mom, what are some of the other things you’re passionate about? My entire family-near and far…they are everything to me! I have a heart for St. Jude…our studio raised $3,600 for them this year! I think adoption is amazing…one of my dreams is to go through the process someday and add to our family.

What is your favorite mom moment so far? There have been so so many – I could never pick just one… Lately it’s hearing my boys endlessly profess: “Mommy, I Love You”! It just comes out of their sweet little mouths for no reason…and several times each day! I grew up in a house where we said “I Love You” often and getting to instill this in my boys is like passing a torch of love and light!

If you could describe your family in three words, what would they be? Loving, Silly, and Active

How would you describe your personal style? Funky yet simple

Your favorite style icon? Gwen Stefani – AMAZING sense of style and sense of self! I think Drew Barrymore is pretty cool…My style is not bohemian like her, but I think she exudes such a fun spirit, and she’s an amazing business woman!

What’s one activity you love to do with your children? Dance Parties…We have them often!

What is one of your most popular go-to meals during the work week? I juice a lot…I have a lot of green lemonades for lunch which consist of raw celery, kale, spinach, green apple, lemon and a touch of ginger! Filling and beyond healthy. I snack on raw almonds, matcha green tea, and fruit and raw protein smoothies to keep me going. I also love Ezekiel bread wraps with turkey, spinach, tomatoes and avocado for lunch. I’m about 80-90% dairy free, so avocado is often my “cheese” on a sandwich. For dinner, our family enjoys fish tacos about once a week! I’m also a sucker a yummy pasta dish and for a great grass fed beef burger paired with sweet potato french fries!

Being a mother is a big job in itself. How do you balance between career and home life? Do you have advice for other moms? It’s an ongoing process! I’m constantly trying to check myself…Am I being a good businesswoman, friend, wife, and mother!? I try to not let my phone run me…but it happens! I have to force myself to put it down and walk away sometimes. Mostly, I’m able to tell by listening to what my boys are NOT saying…if they are acting out, I know it’s time take a good look at myself and to “be my best mommy”.

For the first time in four years, and because I have an amazing staff of wonderful hardworking teachers, I will now only be teaching one night per week!  My oldest son was reaching out to us a few weeks ago saying he wanted us to have more family dinners…Wish Granted! Balance is key for a family and it’s my job to make sure that we are always trying to strive for that. We won’t get these years back and I want to cherish them as best as I can.

Three things we’d find in your handbag right now? A myriad of lip-glosses, my beautiful new red Hobo wallet, my iPhone

Sunday is perfect for? Family time in the mornings… It’s the only morning each week we are together!

On date night, we’d find you where? Somewhere drinking wine, talking, and having a great meal! Typically Mexican food! We always intend to go to the movies but end up deciding to have good conversation instead.

Amy’s Favorite Things:

{ skin } Dermologica Special Cleansing Gel… it takes ALL of my mascara off!!

{ make-up } I have blonde eyelashes so I’m all about the old-school Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black combined with Chanel’s eyeliner in Marine. Nothing makes my eyes stand out more!

{ hair} Aveda Aveda Aveda! Oh and I’m obsessed with Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray

{ designer} Lululemon! …as if you’d have to ask! I’m so  honored to be a local ambassador for their amazing company…I live in their gear!

{ local spot } Whole Foods and Burger Up in Franklin, TN is one of our family’s favorites!