Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Butterfield-Richardson.
Fitness instructor and lifestyle blogger, Stephanie Butterfield-Richardson recently moved back from Australia to San Diego where she was born and raised. She has traveled to 25+ countries and found herself working and living overseas including Europe, East Asia and most recently Australia. Stephanie is first-generation born in America, her parents moved from Mexico for better opportunities.
Stephanie is the Lead Instructor at Pure Indoor Cycling Studio in Little Italy, San Diego. For Stephanie, Fitness is about showing up, releasing your inner magical badass and putting in the work. She first found her love for fitness playing competitive soccer, left a 9-5 job to pursue being a fitness instructor, decided to dip her toes in the world of design, took a year off to sail through Europe and East Asia, and then realized her heart and soul needed to be teaching fitness. Over the course of that period of time, she met her husband, moved across the world to Australia, gained true confidence in herself, and decided to help others do the same.
I credit my parents for my now fitness career. At a young age, I was put in sports- soccer, and tennis. I loved to be active. Growing up in San Diego, I played competitive soccer up until college. I then found a few Adult Indoor Soccer teams around the San Diego area and before I knew it, I was playing 3-5 times a week after work. I’ve always had a passion for moving and being active, so after an injury playing soccer, I decided I needed to find a less impact way to stay fit. Insert, Indoor Cycling. After a blow to my hamstring and knee, my doctor actually recommended I try out cycling. I found my love for cycling at a local studio and after a few months, I was approached to audition to become an Instructor. I ended up auditioning and not making it through. So, I decided to volunteer front desk service for free classes in order to work on becoming an instructor. A few months later, I auditioned again and made the final cut. Along with learning to instruct and taking 10 classes per week, I had a 9-5 job at a Family Law office. That’s when I realized that I wanted to pursue my dream of becoming a fitness instructor on a full-time level. I eventually left the law office and found myself working as a fitness instructor as well as a waitress on the side.
I eventually, became a full-time instructor and have never looked back since.
Recently, I had the opportunity of working for a boutique spin studio in Australia called Studio360Cycle. That is where I really grew as a fitness professional and on a personal level. I lived in Australia for a year and a half, and really credit my biggest growth period to it. I think that in order to grow, one must get uncomfortable and for me that was being in a different environment, living in a different country with a different culture and learning a lot about who I am. I also really trust the timing in my life. My current role as Lead Instructor at Pure Indoor Cycling Studio came to me at the best time. I have always loved teaching others, inspiring others through sharing my own story and struggles, and I now get to do that at Pure.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest advice for other women is to say yes. Say yes to opportunities that come your way. In order to get something different, you must do something different.
My biggest struggles were my fears-“What if I fail? What if I quit my job and my new venture doesn’t work out?” I learned early on that opportunities come your way for a reason. It’s a way of the universe telling you there is something more for you. Listen to your intuition and if something doesn’t feel right, it most likely isn’t for you. BUT if there is any part of you that is saying yes to it, go for it. The universe has a funny way of pulling you towards something that is meant to be for you.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a fitness instructor, lifestyle blogger and the Lead Instructor at Pure Indoor Cycling Studio. I run TheActiveBrunette_ on Instagram where I share health and fitness tips, life as a fitness instructor, motivation and life hacks. My classes, as well as my blog, are inspired by what I’m really going through in real life, by talking about real life shit and working out through what we are going through, I hope to inspire other women to find their magic. The classes I teach are very vibey- challenging, moving and a huge dance party. You can expect a class full of energy with a combination of moving words sprinkled with moments to grow. I emphasize that this is your time- It’s your time to release, reenergize and walk out feeling on top of the world. I teach as if I am the student- evolving, growing and getting stronger. If you’re in the San Diego area, track me down and join me in a sweat sesh!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I come from a long line of very strong and independent women- My mom, my aunts and my cousins all have inspired me to go after my dreams. They are all go-getters in their own way and have really paved the road for us to live a life we are really proud and passionate about. Since I can remember, they instilled ambition and passion within us. I credit them for showing me that being a woman is inspiring and we are here to leave the world a better place. Both the men and woman in my family have big dreams and ambitions- we have business owners in construction, restaurants, fashion designer, marketing manager, and a makeup artist. My family really made me motivated to do something bigger than myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://purestudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactivebrunette_/
Image Credit:
Amy Agnew Portraits
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
