Our story: What one year means

2020 was a rough year for all. It was also the year I transferred my personal savings into a business bank account to open The Movement Loft.

I have always believed, and still do, that movement has the power to heal, to build, to unify. With a vision for creating an inclusive space, built around movement and community, I launched into one of the hardest and most rewarding journeys.

Two weeks after opening the doors, the world went through one of the largest shifts we’ve seen in our time. We closed.

While 40% of small businesses are woman-owned, only 5.8% of small businesses are Hispanic-owned. I fall into a small cross-section of business ownership. I am also a solo-preneur, with no partners in the business.

As a brand-new, self funded business the odds have been stacked against us, and still are. We’re small. We’re boutique. We’re grassroots.

We aren’t corporate backed. No cult following. Just heart and soul, and sweat and tears and stories of perseverance, and love. Lots and lots of love.

When I think that I don’t know what to do, I channel my grandparents. My grandfather, who came from Mexico with a 5th grade education, fed his family of nine by operating his general store in South Texas, motivating them all to pursue higher education and beyond. My grandmother, a strong-willed and fearless woman who created economy for herself through community events. This is entrepreneurship in my eyes.

One year in business is a special milestone. I see our small community growing. I see the results and hear the testimonials from our loyalists. I jump at every opportunity to hire and expand opportunities to others - working artists, movement instructors, creators.

Now I’ll let my next goal be public.

To continue to grow our Movement Loft community, to provide a space for people to learn about their bodies and move, and to provide more opportunity to others to do what they love.

With the launch of Hello Moon Apothecary, we’re making self care accessible. The apothecary is filled with affordable items that are handmade or sourced from woman-owned businesses, and give back.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the community, and welcome to everyone who has yet to come.

THANK YOU to Alex, Allie, Ana (who moved to ATX but was part of the inception), Christina, Dana, Heather, Kate, Makayla for being amazing, flexible and resilient humans. My family and friends, who haven’t always known what I’m doing but have loved and supported me nonetheless.

In love and light - Ellen