Keisha Wright and Alli Sommers, owners of The Well Fitness Studio and Sommers Beauty Bar, located on Manhattan Ave.
Meet Keisha Wright, owner of The Well Fitness Studio, and Alli Sommers, owner of Sommers Beauty Bar. Both are located at 815 N. Manhattan Ave.; Sommers Beauty Bar is located right inside The Well! With celebrating the new year and embracing our own wellness goals, we couldn’t think of two people better suited for our January Spotlight!
What does wellness mean to you?
Keisha: Healing. I think any body has the ability to heal, any body is worth healing, so anything you do to promote healing and self care; mentally, physically, financially. It’s all of those things that align to help you take care of yourself, your WELLth.
Alli: I completely agree! That’s why we work so well together. I think skin, wellness, beauty, it all goes together, and we have the same type of clientele looking to take care of themselves inside and out.
If you could choose only one thing to maintain personal wellness, what would it be?
Keisha: It’s so easy for me, getting my lashes done by Alli! I’m not even trying to plug, it’s just one of those things that makes me feel better. You look awake, even when your body is tired on the inside, it’s something I can do to look and feel better.
Alli: For me it’s exercising. Exercising mentally makes me feel good. Classes and beach runs, it just makes me feel better.
Why did you choose Downtown Manhattan Beach as the location for your business?
Alli: I ended up moving here with my husband and fell in love with the South Bay! I worked at a corporate company in Manhattan Beach and eventually decided to open up my own business down by the beach. I just love the community!
Keisha: I came here unintentionally, but the universe kind of aligned. I was managing this space under a different yoga studio, and one day the previous owner came in and offered it to me, and I said yes! There’s just something about Downtown!
What is the craziest fitness or beauty trend that you’ve tried?
Keisha: The craziest thing I’ve ever tried is called intenSati. You would say mantras as you are doing plyometrics and cardio. You do feel silly but if you commit to it you do get something out of it. “I am rising up in 2013” was one of the mantras we would say, so I guess it worked!
Alli: I went to Joshua Tree and did this sound bath at Integratron. It’s this big dome in the middle of the desert and we had a group of around 25 people, and you just lay on this mat and there’s the guru holding the sound bath and sound healing.
How do you suggest setting personal wellness goals?
Keisha: I think group goals are always easier to hold yourself accountable. But I think the best way is to give yourself short term, more tangible goals. Instead of saying “I’m going to go to the gym”, make it “from January 1st – January 31st I’m going to go to the gym five times”.
Alli: With skincare, I help people reach their skincare goals by looking at what results they want to achieve. We set up a program with facials and at home care to help reach those goals, whether it’s treating acne or reducing wrinkles.
What is your favorite spot to get healthy “food as fuel” Downtown?
Alli: I like Sunlife Organics. I’m always in a hurry so I love smoothies, and Paradise Bowls!
Keisha: …and Homie! Because, Kelly. But the food is healthy and tasty, and the vibe is there is great.
If you had only 30 seconds, how would you describe your business?
Alli: Relaxing! One word.
Keisha: A balanced hug of taking care and healing. Some days you need to lie down and cry, some days you need to sweat it out, and we’re that place for both. We just want people to come in and feel better than they did before.
What is your personal wellness focus for 2020?
Keisha: This year is about acceptance for me. I can still serve my students without needing to look or feel a certain way.
Alli: For me, it’s taking care of myself mentally and physically. Last year I felt like I was taking care of everybody else, so now I need to take care of myself.
We couldn’t agree more! A huge thank you to Keisha and Alli for inviting us into their space and allowing us to put faces and stories to these amazing businesses they own. Sommers Beauty Bar just celebrated their 4th Anniversary, and The Well Fitness Studio celebrates their 2nd Anniversary on 4/1. Make sure to come by each location and say hello to Keisha and Alli. You can visit their websites below to sign up for classes and services!