A little over a few years ago, I learned that Reese Kitchens was going to turn their then warehouse into commercial space. At the time, the So.Be.Fit. studio was across 54th street behind Mama Carolla's Italian Restaurant. The timing was perfect since I was looking for a bigger spot with the growth of trainers and classes. Since then, So.Be.Fit. has grown exponentially and been able to expand our offerings of health and wellness to this awesome neighborhood. To say that I have never regretted the decision to move where we are now would be a huge understatement!

In the past 4 years, the 54th and Monon shops and surrounding businesses on 54th have experienced extreme growth and have added so much to the local community and economy. Our landlords, Dave and Susie Reese, are very community involved and they not only want to give local small business owners a great opportunity to operate in their own neighborhood, but they also care a great deal about creating a positive and cohesive environment to this area.

You see, "fancy" may not be the word to describe our shops, or all of SoBro for that matter. But the area gives off such a laid back and upbeat feel that it drives people to our area. Everyone that owns a business (the far majority being female, might I add) has built their business from the ground up and all actively work in the daily operations. We all come and go all day, exchanging waves, hellos and often exchanging services.

In a given afternoon, you can catch BootCamp class at So.Be., grab flowers at Posh Petals for your wife or husband, run over to Nicole Taylor's for homemade pasta to cook for dinner, hit Zest for some baja tacos and then finish off painting a new coffee mug at Ceramic Dreams. And this is just one example. Our shops also offer an art gallery, framing shop, bridal boutique, a locally grown fruit and veggie market, etc. AND to boot it is literally steps from the lovely Monon Trail and Canterbury Park.

By the time you read this article, we would have completed our 10th annual 54th and Monon shops Art Fair, which is always a great time, featuring dozens of local (and non-local) artists, live music and free lemonade and hot dogs (hmm. . . .). This event is FREE and brings the community even closer.

Of course my articles are always about fitness and wellness. I did veer away from my usual topics a bit this time. . . but actually this article is still about wellness; because being happy about where you spend your time, where you work, shop, dine and reside are a huge factor in your happiness and ultimately your longevity. A big thank you to the Reese's and the 54th street community!