FACES. | LAKESHA KELLY
Lakesha Kelly | Founder | Lumara Wellness Club.
eightonethree: Being born and raised in Tampa, how has that shaped the way you create, and where does that influence show up in your brand today?
Lakesha Kelly: Being born and raised in Tampa exposed me to so many different cultures and types of people. It’s truly a melting pot, and that diversity shaped how I built Lumara. I wanted it to feel inclusive. A space where no matter your background, fitness level, or style, you feel welcome. I wanted people to walk in and feel like there’s a place for them and a community they can be part of. At the same time, I wanted to bring a sense of luxury to that inclusivity. Something elevated, but still accessible.
eightonethree: What parts of Tampa do you find yourself carrying with you the most?
Lakesha Kelly: Definitely the music and culture.I incorporate hip-hop, R&B, and different sounds into my classes, and that comes from growing up in Tampa and being around that energy. It also shows up in my style and how I curate experiences. It’s a blend of influences that reflect the city.
eightonethree: Can you tell us about Lumara Wellness Club and what makes it unique?
Lakesha Kelly: Lumara started from a personal place. Pilates really changed my life, especially dealing with my autoimmune condition. It was something that helped me stay consistent without putting stress on my body. When I started Lumara, my goal was simple. If I could help even one person feel the way I felt, it would be worth it. What makes Lumara unique is that it’s not just a workout. It’s an experience. We create community-driven events, different environments, and moments where people can connect, not just exercise. It’s about feeling good, being supported, and enjoying the process.
eightonethree: What inspired you to start Lumara while still working a full-time job?
Lakesha Kelly: Honestly, I didn’t know what it would become. I just decided to start and see what would happen. I wasn’t sure if people would show up, follow the page, or even care, but I went for it anyway. I couldn’t quit my job at the time, so I balanced both. I wore every hat. Social media, marketing, partnerships, everything. Over time, it grew because people believed in the mission.
eightonethree: What’s your current strategy for growing Lumara, and where is your primary focus right now?
Lakesha Kelly: Right now, our growth is driven by social media, word of mouth, and creating unique experiences. We focus on making each event feel different. Whether it’s a coffee shop class, something like “Toned & Tatted,” or other themed experiences. When people come to Lumara, they know they’re getting more than just Pilates. They’re getting an elevated experience. We’ve also just signed the lease for our very own boutique studio. We’re pouring so much love in the space to make it our home! Were excited to expand this community!
eightonethree: How do you balance building your brand with your day-to-day responsibilities?
Lakesha Kelly: It’s honestly a juggling act. What helps me most is time blocking, keeping a structured calendar, and having daily to-do lists. My kids come first, always. So I build everything else around that. I also rely heavily on support from my husband. It’s truly a team effort, both at home and in the business. It’s not perfect, but it’s about adjusting, prioritizing, and doing your best each day.
eightonethree: What challenges have you faced along the way, and what’s helped you push through them?
Lakesha Kelly: One of the biggest challenges has been trusting people. Sometimes people don’t have the same intentions you do, and I had to learn that the hard way. I’ve also learned to be more detailed and organized with vendors, communicate expectations clearly, and stay professional, even when working with friends or people I know. Another challenge has been being taken seriously, especially when people don’t immediately recognize me as the owner. What’s helped me push through is learning from those experiences, adapting, and staying focused on the bigger vision.
eightonethree: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Lumara as you continue to grow and expand, and what advice do you have for someone wanting to start in the wellness space.
Lakesha Kelly: My vision is to continue growing the Lumara community and creating spaces where people feel connected and supported. Expanding into new markets is exciting, but bringing something really special back to Tampa is important to me. That’s home, and I want to create something meaningful there. Right now, I’m also excited about creating our flagship studio. A safe space for mindful movement, recovery and genuine connection. My advice is just to start, even if you’re scared. Don’t worry about being perfect or how it looks. You have to put yourself out there. At the same time, do it with intention, do it with quality, and do it right. Because when people find you, that first impression