Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aerial Affinity. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Aerial , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Our purpose grew from wanting a fun, empowering way to move our bodies. Kris comes from a gymnastics background, and Teresa has always loved dance and trying new things, so when we discovered aerial, it immediately felt like the perfect mix of strength, creativity, and joy. The closest classes were in the Twin Cities, and we found ourselves wishing there was something like this in Southern Minnesota. Instead of continuing to drive for classes, we decided to create what we wished existed. In January 2017, we opened Aerial Affinity to bring that experience closer to home, a space where people can build strength, express themselves, and discover they’re capable of more than they imagined.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Aerial Affinity, we offer aerial fitness and movement classes that help people build strength, confidence, and body awareness in a supportive, welcoming environment. We teach silks, lyra, pole, and hammock, giving students a variety of ways to explore movement that is both challenging and fun. What makes our work special is watching people walk in unsure of what they can do and leave realizing they are capable of so much more than they imagined. Aerial challenges both the body and mindset in a way that feels playful and empowering rather than intimidating, and that transformation is incredibly meaningful to witness.
We’re passionate about creating a space where all bodies and experience levels feel welcome. Whether someone is looking for a new way to move, a creative outlet, or simply a place to belong, our goal is for them to feel supported from the moment they walk through the door.
We also love hosting private parties for kids and adults; birthdays, bachelorette parties, girls’ days, and team-building events. Beyond weekly classes, we host showcases and workshops that bring our community together and celebrate progress at every level. What we’re most proud of is the community that has grown here, people cheering each other on, trying new things, and discovering strength they didn’t know they had.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back at building Aerial Affinity, three things made the biggest impact on our journey:
1. Willingness to start before we felt ready
We didn’t have everything perfectly mapped out when we opened, but we had a clear vision and the courage to take the first step. Growth came from doing, learning, and adjusting along the way.
Advice: Don’t wait for perfect timing or perfect confidence. Start small, stay consistent, and let experience build your clarity.
2. Commitment to creating a supportive community
People return because they feel seen, encouraged, and safe to try something new. Focusing on connection, not just instruction, shaped everything about our space and culture.
Advice: Lead with people first. Skills can be taught, but how you make others feel is what builds trust and lasting impact.
3. Willingness to change with the times
Running a business requires flexibility. We adapted our business model as needed and navigated major challenges including the pandemic, by staying creative, resilient, and focused on serving our community in whatever ways were possible.
Advice: Expect change and plan to grow with it. Stay open-minded, be willing to pivot, and remember that adaptability is a strength, not a setback.
How would you describe your ideal client?
At Aerial Affinity, our ideal client is someone who is curious, open-minded, and willing to try something new, even if they feel a little nervous at first. They don’t need experience or a certain fitness level; they simply have a desire to move, learn, and challenge themselves in a supportive environment.
Many of our clients are looking for more than just a workout. They want to feel stronger, build confidence, connect with others, and experience movement in a way that feels empowering and fun. The people who thrive most in our space are those who are willing to be beginners, celebrate progress over perfection, and show up for themselves consistently.
If someone values encouragement, community, and discovering what their body is capable of, they tend to be a great fit here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aerialaffinity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerialaffinity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aerialaffinity
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
