Profile: From Rappers and Rockstars... A Mega-Reform

Lisa Hirsch, Founder/Owner of The Studio MDR, started an illustrious career in the music industry in 1994 and built a big career - from Artist Relations at Universal Records to being a Product Manager at Virgin Records to traveling on a tour bus. After working a lot, learning a lot, and meeting a lot of interesting people, Lisa was burnt out. During this time she discovered the Lagree Method and developed a new passion. The decision was big, but she made the change and opened her own studio. Below, Lisa shares her advice on how to make a big change.

"If I could tell a new student or friend anything, it would be this: learn to be brave. Being brave is certainly not an easy thing. It is all about moving out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself with new experiences, just as I did when I decided to switch from one longtime career to another. It is about following your dreams at any stage of your life. Never let anyone tell you something is impossible because as I have learned, if you put your mind to it, you can achieve pretty much anything. We all have moments of despair – moments that make us feel like we just want to give up everything we worked for up until that point (and that is normal).Practice taking a breather in some way – whatever helps bring you back down to earth, relax, and re-focus. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a rewarding workout, or even a little retail therapy, everybody has their own coping mechanisms.

At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith and pray that the net will appear. If you are confident, focused, and determined - it will.

For those wanting to make a change, take some time and narrow down what you think that change needs to be. Before I decided to open the studio, I wrote a business plan to open a women's clothing retail shop! I even had a storefront picked out but something steered me more towards fitness. I really had no clue what I was doing when I opened The Studio (MDR). As the old adage goes: when it rains, it pours. I was diagnosed with epilepsy while trying to open the studio and I even had my driver’s license revoked. It was such a difficult time for me and I certainly wanted to give up at times, but despite those feelings, I put my game face on and showed up every day to get that studio open. When that time finally came, I was scared people wouldn't even show up, but THEY DID! They appeared in such large numbers that now, after only one year, we are expanding and doubling our space. I learn something new every day and I love it. I feel blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing community that came together to build something from nothing – one that is continuing to grow. Working hard, believing in yourself, and consistently showing up can make miracles happen. It is not easy to take the first step, but once you do, you move closer to those dreams of yours becoming a reality. So dare to dream. Believe in yourself. I already believe in you. Being brave can mean different things to different people. If you embrace an optimistic attitude, there are no wrongs – only rights. Face your fears and challenge them!" - Lisa