Boutique fitness owner loves pumping up others
September 28, 2021
By Katie Aldridge
Lindsey Deck is wife, mother, attorney and business owner — she’s the founder of Space Three, a boutique fitness studio located in downtown Dayton offering a variety of group fitness classes, including barre, TRX and dance cardio. Space Three prides themselves on being welcoming to every body, regardless of experience level.
Lindsey was a member of the first cohort of the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab, powered by Launch Dayton partner Downtown Dayton Partnership. We caught up with her to learn more about her experience and her entrepreneurial journey.
Launch Dayton: How did your company start?
Lindsey: Space Three was the result of a 10-year dream. When I was in law school I belonged to a wonderful little studio. It was my escape from the stressors of school, a place where I could reset and recharge. I loved the staff, the instructors, the classes, the students. I guess it really left an impact on me, and I always thought it would be cool to have a place of my own one day.
Why this industry, why this idea?
My husband can confirm that I’m fairly high strung. I get stressed out easily and exercise helps me cope with that. I always feel better after a sweat sesh. That coupled with the fact that I love being around people and helping individuals reach goals and do things they thought they couldn’t. That’s really inspiring to me. And as an owner and instructor, I get to do that daily.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
Maybe deep down, but I didn’t really put any energy behind it until a few years ago. I grew up with an entrepreneur father so I was able to watch him grow a successful business and thought it might be something I would do one day.
What identities do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
I definitely jumped in feet first, not knowing everything that would come with it. But it’s been a learning experience and I am loving it — even the hard days! I think my passion to help others and provide a safe space to decompress really drives me to keep going, despite the setbacks of being a brand new small business.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced in entrepreneurship?
A global pandemic! I did not see that one coming. It’s been a challenge getting back on our feet after our closure last year.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t give up. No matter what challenges come your way if it’s your passion you have to keep pushing. There will be bad days, hard days, but the good days make it so worth it.
How did you get connected to the Launch Dayton community?
I sat down with Audrey at Ghostlight a few years ago when I was first getting the business up and running. Since then, I have followed them on social media. They’re doing a lot of good for small business owners, offering opportunities like this one: a chance to share my story. I love talking about Space Three.
How was your experience with Retail Lab program?
Amazing! I learned so much about who I wanted to be as an entrepreneur, as a small business owner and as a collaborator. The people were amazing, and it was so fun to learn about all the new businesses popping up downtown. Our little city is mighty!
Connect with Lindsey & Space Three online and on Instagram @spacethreedayton.
Wonder if the Retail Lab might be a fit for you? Learn more here.
