Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Tigh.
Hi Brooke, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, I’m Brooke!
People sometimes think they have me figured out at first glance.
I get it! The lashes, the top knot, the athleisure…
But, are first impressions sometimes a tad misleading?
Could a confident, outspoken, fun gal also be…cool or (gasp!) nice?
Dry humor, big (dark) heart, extremely self-aware. I care deeply, I love to laugh, and I should worry more, but I don’t!
When I say I pour my heart into what I do, I mean it. Whether I’m leading a group fitness class, caring for pups or kiddos, or stepping in behind the scenes when things get chaotic, I’m all in. I’ve been known as the one who gets sh*! done, and honestly, I take a lot of pride in that. From teaching and choreographing to dog walking and vacation planning, or simply making sure the vibe feels right, I care deeply about creating spaces that feel intentional, supported, and fun.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from San Diego State University (yes, from back before the days of ChatGPT)! I love storytelling, writing, reading, and all things grammar, spelling and punctuation! I studied hard in college (I had a Nokia flip phone and Rocket Dogs. IYKYK). I worked my way through school waiting tables, bartending, dancing, and cranking out papers until sunrise. My first “real job” after college was at DC Shoes, what a fun company to work for! I’ve been a tv and film extra, worked countless trade shows, dipped into the corporate world (briefly… and nope, not for me), held a real estate license, became a notary, worked in retail, and spent over two decades in the restaurant and bar industry. You can imagine, that taught me how to hustle, multitask, communicate, and smile through chaos. That energy shows up in every part of my life.
Everything shifted the day I walked into my first barre class. I was instantly hooked. It combined everything I loved about movement: discipline, grace, sweat, music, and a strong sense of community. I became a certified instructor in 2010, quickly stepped into a master teacher trainer role, and from 2013 to 2017, I owned and operated my own barre studio. That chapter not only deepened my love for teaching, but also taught me how to lead with intention, cultivate a supportive space, and juggle a zillion tasks at once: owner, mentor, manager, retail queen, motivator.
Yoga has also been a meaningful part of my journey. I earned my 200-hour certification in 2011 and have taught throughout San Diego County ever since. I’ve had the privilege of co-facilitating three yoga retreats in Bali with my best friend. These trips were soulful, unforgettable experiences that reminded me just how powerful movement and connection can be when we step outside our everyday rhythm.
Travel lights me up. Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a big international trip, I love to explore! Palm Springs, Europe, Bali, Bend, the Central Coast, and Mexico are some of my staples. I try to stay present, laugh a lot, move my body, and make good memories wherever I land.
When I’m home, you’ll usually find me snuggling my handsome boyfriend, crafting something, tending to my succulents, catching live music, snuggling a dog, bingeing Netflix, or taking a good nap. I believe in resting as hard as you hustle. And if that rest includes wine in a coffee mug? Perfect.
Even when life gets messy, I show up. To the studio, to the mat, to the show, and to the people I love. Movement has always been my way forward. It’s how I process, how I connect, how I celebrate. Whether I’m dancing on a stage, planning a class, or just letting loose, movement keeps me grounded and happy.
Life’s thrown its curveballs, but I’ve worked hard to shape a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and uniquely mine. I’m grateful for the lessons, the pivots, and the people who helped me along the way. I have to thank Sean, my partner in life, laughter, and yes, laundry. He literally does my laundry for me! He makes me laugh daily, puts up with all my quirks, and still loves me through the chaos. He thinks my family is funny, weird, and wonderful (accurate). In one of our first Bumble chats, he told me he wasn’t into traveling…nearly four years later, he still says yes to (almost) every adventure. I’m beyond grateful for his steady support, sense of humor, unwavering love, and the way he’s always there when it counts (even when it means sorting my delicates).
I’ve built a life that’s hands-on, high energy, and full of intention. It’s not always tidy, but it’s real, it’s joyful, and it’s mine. You can be smart and pretty, strong and soft, humble and magnetic. You don’t have to fit into a box; you just have to be yourself…and that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Not exactly, but definitely meaningful. I’ve had a really beautiful life, filled with love, opportunity, and amazing experiences, and I’m deeply grateful for all of it. But, nothing has ever just landed in my lap. I’ve worked incredibly hard for everything I’ve built: always juggling multiple jobs, pouring energy into my passions, and showing up even when I was exhausted.
There were no silver spoons in my story. I didn’t grow up with wealth, but I was lucky to never go without. My parents gave me a strong foundation and the kind of support that made me feel like I could do anything. Moving from Fresno to San Diego was one of the best choices I’ve ever made, and I’ve had an amazing community around me along the way.
College was wild! Late nights, early mornings, and plenty of moments where I wasn’t sure how I was going to keep it all together. But it taught me grit, time management, and confirmed (once and for all) that I am truly terrible at math. More than anything, it showed me how to push through, stay creative under pressure, and juggle a million things without completely losing my mind (or my sense of humor).
Working in fitness and service industries is incredibly rewarding, but it can also take a serious toll, especially when your body is your livelihood. If I am injured or sick, I cannot teach, and no class means no paycheck. That reality will humble you real quick. Over time, I have learned the importance of listening to my body and finding a rhythm that works for me. Balancing rest with momentum is not always easy, but it is essential. The behind the scenes is not always glamorous. Think sweaty clothes, sore muscles, and a lot of dry shampoo. But, I love what I do, and I am proud of how hard I work. Prioritizing recovery has made me a better instructor, a more grounded leader, and a healthier, more present human.
Building my fitness studio from the ground up was a dream come true, and stepping away from it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Letting go of something I poured so much love, energy, and identity into was incredibly difficult. I have deep respect for boutique studio owners; it is a demanding and often underappreciated role. Keeping a space like that running takes far more than most people realize. During those years, I did things I didn’t even know I was capable of! I learned so much about leadership, service, business, and myself. I gained lifelong friends and meaningful connections, and, heartbreakingly, I also lost a few along the way. But through it all, I showed up, I gave it everything I had, and I carry that experience with so much pride, perspective, and love.
One of the hardest things I have ever gone through was losing my soulmate dog, Piper, in 2019. She was my ride or die, my shadow, everybody’s favorite doodle, and my emotional support animal (even though I never did the paperwork). When she passed, it absolutely broke my heart, and I have not felt ready to have another dog of my own since. But, in an unexpected way, that loss led me to one of my favorite side gigs: taking care of other people’s dogs. It fills a little part of that Piper sized hole in my heart, brings so much joy and fur into my life, and keeps my love for animals going strong. Plus, I get all the snuggles and slobbery kisses without the vet bills!
It has not always been easy, but it has been mine, and it has been full of lessons, laughter, and a whole lot of character building. I am proud of the life I have created, grateful for the people who have cheered me on, and honestly a little impressed that I still manage to show up with a smile and a full water bottle! I have danced and cried through the highs and through the lows. It might look unconventional to some, but to me, it feels just right. I bring warmth, a sense of humor, and just enough sparkle to remind people that hard work can still feel good. Whatever comes next, I am here for it, as long as it includes movement, love, and a good nap. Now, if you will excuse me, I have dogs to walk and glitter to sweep up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a creative at heart, through and through. I teach, I coach, I perform…and more!
I am a fitness instructor, choreographer, performer, writer, and lifelong animal lover. I teach barre, yoga, and aqua fitness at Bay Club Carmel Valley, and coach at Basecamp Fitness Encinitas. I have been with Bella Lux Entertainment as a performer and choreographer for over seven years. I have been dancing since I was three. I grew up training in ballet, jazz, and cheerleading (go BHS Knights!) and eventually performed with pro teams like the San Diego Stingrays, the San Diego Sockers, and Fire and Ice USA. I even got to dance on Soul Train (pinky swear) and was featured on MTV’s Beach House in Mission Beach, with none other than Sisqó (and his six pack).
I move with purpose and help others do the same. I dog nanny, copy edit, manage homes, assist busy humans, and try to make people laugh along the way! My days rarely look the same, and I love it that way. I bring energy, care, and the hope that I can make someone’s day a little lighter. Creativity, movement, storytelling, and connection: this is the work I am made for. I am a left-handed Pisces, which basically means I was destined to live outside the box. I show up with joy, presence, and authenticity.
I am proud to be part of communities that celebrate and support movement professionals, including the Vuori V1 Community Program, the PrAna Pro Program, and the Lululemon Sweat Collective. Sure, wearing the latest activewear without paying full price is a fun perk, but more importantly, these programs recognize the value of this work and the people it serves. They are a reminder that what I do has meaning, and that the wellness industry is stronger when we support one another.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend energy, empathy, and reliability. I can lead from the front of the room or quietly support from behind the scenes. With more than 20 years of experience in customer service, I know how to read a room, adapt in real time, and make people feel comfortable, no matter what the situation. I have been told that I help people feel seen, supported, and safe to be themselves.
I am honest to a fault, and am totally fine with being underestimated at first glance.
Call it creative.
Call it chaotic.
Call it curated by a left-handed Pisces who always shows up.
Glitter optional, but likely.
Effective? Definitely.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success looks like showing up fully for the people I care about, staying creative, staying curious, and making room for lightness, even in the middle of the hustle.
It’s being the friend people want to travel with.
It’s being the person others trust to care for their dog like they’re my own.
It’s being the kind of girlfriend who can hold it down, lighten the mood, plan the trip, make him laugh, and still keep things spicy. Balance, baby.
To me, success means feeling supported, having fun, and being surrounded by people I love.
It means a healthy body, a clear mind, and the freedom to use my passport at any time!
I am not someone with a five or ten-year plan. I don’t have a retirement portfolio. Is no plan the best plan? Sometimes, who knows?! My path may not be traditional, but it has been full of meaning, movement, connection, and a whole lot of laughter. And honestly, that feels like success to me. It is being able to say, “this is who I am, take it or leave it,” and actually live that way.
Success is knowing that I have made someone feel seen, supported, or inspired. If I can do that, laugh at the end of the day, then I am exactly where I need to be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooketigh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooke.tigh/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-tigh-1314121a/
Image Credits
Studio Carré Photographie
Romi Rossel Media
Belly Up Tavern
Bella Lux Entertainment
