Heather's Journey
Additional Information
Heather’s before and after photos are pretty amazing, aren’t they? Her hoop journey began in 2010 when she sought out fun ways to connect with her then pre-teen daughter, Hannah. Hannah was a natural at hooping and was eager to teach Heather everything she knew. The duo looked forward to exploring new hoop moves together, and they grew closer as a result.
In addition to bonding with her daughter, Heather started to notice other positive changes taking place. Her transformation was slow and steady at first, and she didn’t fully realize how much of an impact hooping would soon have on her health, happiness, well-being and even her bank account!
Heather’s life was changing in a major way…
“Hula hooping was offering me much more than I could have ever imagined. I worked through an addiction, financial hardship, stress, stress, and more stress… Through hooping, I found my true self (and a much leaner version at that)!
I spread the “Hoopiness” for about 3 years anywhere, anyhow. If people wanted to know more about my newfound passion, I could’t wait to share information with them. As I became more serious about my practice, I knew deep down that hooping was to be my new life path. It became my form of meditation, or flow, and this “mindful movement practice” was transcending into all areas of my life.
So, I set my intentions, and I learned as much as I could about hoop fitness and the emerging art form known as hoop dance. I was fortunate to discover that Abby Albaum from Hoola Monsters was also based in Florida and was offering a hoop dance teacher training program. So, I eagerly signed up for Hoola-Fit in April of 2013.
That weekend training was so powerful, and it far exceeded my expectations. I came home and on the Monday following my certification, I proudly launched my sweet little business: Peace, Love, & Hoopiness Hoop Fitness LLC.
I now reach more than 60 people a week. I have 10 active classes running and continue to be inspired by and through this “hula hoop.” My 90-pound weight loss was really just a side effect of the real work that was happening on the inside.”
I have since obtained Master Hoola-Fit Trainer and ACE Group Fitness Certification & ACE Senior Fitness Specialist.
– Heather Leopold Kirkendall
Heather’s inspirational story of weight loss, family connection and business success is nothing short of spectacular. She’s pretty modest about her 90 lb. weight loss and successful hoop biz, so we’re going to take the liberty of bragging for her…
Heather’s weekly classes are all packed with eager Hula Hooper's, and that’s no coincidence. She’s an incredible instructor and community builder who is living proof that you can turn your passion into a thriving, heart-centered business. She’s created a lucrative hoop dance company that inspires people to live happier, healthier lives, and Heather’s warm, caring nature shines through in every class that she teaches.
-Abby Lee
