Meet Ivana Chen | Wellness Pop-up Founder

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

Hi Ivana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After attending my most recent wellness retreat abroad, I identified a significant gap in the connection and collaboration of physical and spiritual wellness among students, coaches, and communities in Houston. With my passion for fitness (growing up with background in ballet, cheer, and track), and an extensive network in the industry (after coaching at multiple indoor cycling studios and working at SoulCycle HQ), I aim to bring the revitalizing experiences of these retreats to Houston. Because there is already top tier fitness talent in Houston, what else else is needed is for someone to work behind the scenes in envisioning, coordinating, and executing the pop-up., Thus, with many mentors in the fitness space in Houston and abroad is what started this exciting and euphoric journey in being a wellness pop-up founder.

My wellness pop-up will focus on three key elements: connecting fitness talent and communities, driving innovation and creativity in fitness, and encouraging participants to embrace their inner child and have fun.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
After attending recent wellness retreats abroad, I identified a significant gap in the connection and collaboration of physical and spiritual wellness among students, coaches, and communities in Houston. With my passion for fitness and an extensive network in the industry, I aim to bring the revitalizing experiences of these retreats to Houston. My wellness pop-up will focus on three key elements: connecting fitness talent and communities, driving innovation and creativity in fitness, and encouraging participants to embrace their inner child and have fun.

Houston often gets overshadowed by trendy cities like NYC and LA, but I want to elevate our city’s status and showcase our top-tier fitness talent, studios, and community.

Our wellness pop-up will be a mixed-modality event designed for fitness enthusiasts in Houston, including instructors and active participants of all abilities. We’re planning a multi-day event featuring meditation, breathwork exercises, empowerment sessions, and various workouts like indoor cycling and HIIT/sculpt sessions. These experiences will encourage attendees to forge deeper relationships and connect with new people. There’s a unique power in being vulnerable after a challenging workout, fostering openness and acceptance among participants.

Crafting the brand and pop-up agenda has been the most challenging as we’re so excited to offer everything and all to the Houston fitness community! However, one biggest learning is knowing who is your customer for this experience. After going through multiple focus groups and understanding brand differentiation of the pop-up, it has been enriching to narrow and better define our brand and pop-up agenda for the target audience.

Currently, no studio in Houston offers an experience like this due to limitations in the existing fitness infrastructure. Our pop-up will unite diverse wellness talents and communities, focusing on building lasting connections while challenging the body, mind, and spirit—and rediscovering the joy of fun. We’re excited to share more about this venture as we move out of stealth mode!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Houston, you know my agenda is focused on movement and food! When it comes to meeting exciting people, I believe the best people can be found in a workout class. It’s always so heartwarming to meet new faces or deepen connections that start or end your day. Moreover, I love enjoying an iced latte and getting work done (my job is fairly remote) at any of my favorite coffee shops. When I need a break to get inspired or walk around – you can find me at an art gallery or strolling through Buffalo Bayou. We’re so lucky Houston has amazing hospitality groups that always serve top quality meals at reasonable prices – I love all the farm-to-table concepts in town and our sushi is always spot on. To end my day, I love to unwind with a soundbath meditation or candlelit yoga.

Here’s the itinerary:

Morning movement at my favorite studios:
– Cycling @ RYDE
– Pilates @ Solidcore
– Infrared Powersculpt @ Ritual One

Coffee at my favorite shops: Blendin Coffee, Tenfold coffee, Forth & Nomad, Vibrant

Food:
– Farm to Table @ Coltivare
– Italian @ Rosie Cannonball
– Sushi @ Kira

Hangouts:
– Slow walks at Buffalo Bayou
– Get inspired by strolling through Menil Collection
– Get creative at Ellio Fine Art

Evening mindfulness through the following classes:
– Sound meditation @ Unwind Studio
– Candlelit Yoga @ Black Swan Yoga

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wellness journey this past year was profoundly shaped by the community at RYDE Houston. The passionate instructors, supportive friends, and dedicated staff created a truly welcoming environment. Fitness has always been my passion given my background in indoor cycling coaching and corporate experience at SoulCycle, but it flourished even more after meeting León, one of my favorite instructors at RYDE. León not only reintroduced me to the fitness community when moving back to Houston last year but also continues to be a shining light of athleticism, mentorship, and humility. I’d like to recognize one of his sayings that always stays with me: “being a student of life”.

From building a community over coffee to starting a run club and achieving milestones like completing a half marathon together, these experiences with León and RYDE have inspired me to become a wellness pop-up founder. I am deeply grateful for the incredible people who have influenced my path.

Website: https://ivanachen.postcard.page/

Instagram: @_hi_ivana

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanachen

Image Credits
Fabzpm
Victor Menchaca