Meet Arien Ortega

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

Hi arien, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always seen risk as an adventure to prove yourself. I think most people think opening a business means freedom. But no one talks about having no boss, no schedule no limits just you and the crushing weight of figuring it out alone. The freedom I want isn’t free and I wasn’t ready for how hard it was going to be. I didn’t have a plan, no structure and quickly realized I was a terrible boss.

The risk is how much do you trust yourself and how much determination do you have to see your vision go through. Opening a business teaches you how to lead yourself and others. Becoming my own role model. I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Freedom doesn’t come from avoiding the work but loving the work I do.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Strength Performance isn’t just a gym—it’s a movement rooted in courage, perseverance, and legacy. What sets us apart isn’t just our equipment or facility, but our culture. We’ve built something rare: a space that blends high-level training with the comfort of a supportive, tight-knit fitness community. When you walk into Strength Performance, you feel like you belong—and that’s intentional.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come in a short amount of time. We started with 18 paying clients and a simple vision: provide serious training in a space that respects your goals. Fast forward to today, we’re serving over 90 loyal members and growing every month. In just over a year, we’ve nearly doubled our monthly revenue, all without losing what made us special in the first place.

But getting here wasn’t easy. Like most small business owners, we faced doubts, setbacks, and a steep learning curve—especially in the early months. Every challenge forced us to evolve—whether it was managing cash flow, improving customer experience, or building systems from the ground up. There were long days and late nights, but our commitment to our members and our mission kept us going.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned? Stay true to your values. Your gym doesn’t have to be for everyone. Ours is for people who take training seriously and value community. That clarity helps us attract the right members, trainers, and partners.

What we want the world to know is simple: Strength Performance isn’t just about lifting weights. It’s about lifting each other. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there’s a place for you here. We’re building something that lasts—something with legacy—and we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Walk around The Menil Collection—show them the Rothkos, the energy, and the quiet power of that place.
Training session at Strength Performance.
Catch golden hour at Buffalo Bayou Park.
Explore the Museum of Fine Arts.
Food? whatever fits are macronutrients for the day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
i wouldn’t be able to be where i am today if it wasnt for the support of every single client who has helped me accomplish this business. I especially want to give the biggest shout out to Bao Long Chu. My friend, My brother who believed in me from the day we met. Strength Performance gym is my creative work dedicated to every single person that has helped me ever.

Website: https://www.strengthperformance.fitness/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arienortega/