Meet Tonya Alonzo | Owner barre3 Colorado Springs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tonya Alonzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tonya, what role has risk played in your life or career?
This past year I decided to leave a corporate career in leadership after 15 years in the financial industry to purchase a barre3 fitness studio. Not only was I a client of the studio but needed this for balance and mental health. Over the last couple of years on hard days taking an hour for myself had become more important to me than I ever realized. When the opportunity came to me I realized that it was time for a change, a scary change as the financial support would not be there for my family but I would be. I could be an example for my kids that money and career don’t have to be all they ever know. As a parent through the pandemic not being able to support how I needed to because work took over it was hard on all of us. I took the risk, the risk to put my family, myself, and community first. I’ve worked hard to build my career, I focused on my education, supported my family, and somewhere lost myself. It was my time and time to share with others that risks can be good and that I have prepared for this my entire life. My business is mine, my efforts are mine. All of the strength I find as a woman, a wife, a parent, a friend, a small business owner is mine. I feel empowered everyday because I took the chance on me to benefit my family and the amazing community that surrounds me and am looking forward to the future I build with my family not just for them.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is a fitness studio that focuses on strength training, cardio, and mindfulness. The biggest separator for the business is the mindfulness and inclusive community environment you can find her along with the support of the community. It is what drew me here as a client and why I took the risk to purchase. It wasn’t always easy. I was divorced with two kids trying to finish college but still had to be the main support. I remarried and had two more children. So four children, leadership career, finishing my Undergrad and Master’s Degree while balancing a leadership career had lots of challenges. I learned not to take things for granted, especially myself. I have to invest in me and give me time to give others what they need. I learned that helping a non-profit would be one of the most rewarding things I would do and a pivotal part of how I could have courage to walk away from titles and money. I learned that time is important for kids and being a good example is all I ever wanted to do. Until now they were watching me work hard and watching the struggle but know the outcome is worth it. I needed this.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I moved here 20 years ago Garden of the Gods was and will always be my most favorite place to take anyone. We are definitely going there! There are so many great spots to eat. We are going to eat at Paravicini’s Italian Bistro, Abby’s Irish Pub for fish n’ chips, and Atmosphere Gastro Pub for tuna tartare. If there is a game in Denver we are definitely going, especially if the Broncos are playing. We have been season ticket holders for 12 years. Depending on time of year we are headed up Pikes Peak to grab a donut. I am big concert goer as well so always checking Red Rocks Amphitheatre for shows. I have taken lots of friends there and there is nothing like it. Downtown Colorado Springs or shopping in Denver at 16th Street is always an option too.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Non-Profit work I did for Inside Out Youth Services helped me realize that there is life outside of Corporate America and although I did not realize it that work I did with my heart really helped me to see that I want to do more and have time for more. My husband who supports all of my ideas no matter how risky and wild they are he keeps me grounded and takes care of anything I need. He helped support the family while I completed my Undergrad and Master’s Degrees and continues to be the foundation of the family while I have traveled and taken on big titles and roles outside the home. My kids who inspire me to be better and teach them about inclusion and acceptance in this world and that they can do anything they want but have to learn to break through barriers. My parents who are risk adverse but are always cheering for me no matter what.

Website: https://barre3.com/studio-locations/colorado-springs

Instagram: barre3coloradosprings