We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Tello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The single thing that has created and evolved our brand story from a small dream to a 900 square foot space to 2 studios with 2500 square feet was being willing to let go of the dream. I was fighting so hard to keep my business during COVID, a loss of a partner and determined to stay in business. The day I made the decision to close and let it all go, magic happened. That day someone bought a year unlimited and my community lead for my ambassadorship for lululemon bought a few thousand dollars in gift certificates. I thought okay universe, one more month and then growth happened and it was only when I was willing to fail and let go.

What should our readers know about your business?
Wow there are so many things that are wonderful about BE. I am not into comparing and I know hands down what we focus on is the magic of our space, teachers and team. Our goal as a business is to have knowledgeable certified teachers that deliver safe, effective and dynamic classes to leave people feeling better when they leave instead of depleted and drained – life can already do that right?! We strive to create a wonderful experience for folks from the signature scent we have, a clean, organized esthetically pleasing studios, down to our lavender towels post class; our wonderful front desk team that helps guide that experience for each person that walks through our doors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OMG so many places! My current favs are Tenfold for coffee (I am a coffee girl so let me tell you hands down BEST coffee in HTX). As a New York transplant I am obsessed with Italian food and my favs are North for food, chill vibes and fresh Bolognese and a little date night at Sofia Trotteria. Mexican food is actually a hole in the wall (don’t let the outside fool you) spot named Mi Tierra, the chef is a former 5 star sushi chef and his take on Mexican is phenomenal, all of the flavors are amazing and its like eating from someones kitchen with the freshest ingredient’s and because its not in a bouchée area I know people do not know about it. It’s a must try and you will not be disappointed. To hang out in Houston I really love my walks at memorial park and take the diversion to walk around the lake if you are doing the 3 miles. The wildlife, trees and water is breathtaking, especially at sunrise. There is Vibrants second location that opened at Memorial and you can walk down to the Arboretum which is also gorgeous and a nice ending to have delicious coffee at Vibrant. I also love to hang with family at Top Golf or 300 for bowling…depends on how hot it is…;)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people in my journey that have helped shape me and mentor me. A few that come to mind are my husband, he has always been my cheerleader and reminds me I am strong when I feel weak or lost. I would have to thank my old boss for saying no to my business plan of running a yoga teacher training at the studio I loved and worked for for 7 years. When he said no I took a leap of faith in the strong pull that I had to share my training. I know there is nothing like it on the market and that our training in the best in Texas and rivals any training in the world. We have something dynamic, information dense and truly life changing. I like to call us the Harvard of Yoga teacher training schools……;)

Website: https://thestudiobe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestudio.be/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-studio-be-b8a5601ba

Twitter: @thestudiobehtx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestudiobe

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-studio-be-houston

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Uu2PI0AXXThut9Qw0AgMw

Image Credits
Billy Morquecho Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.