Get to know Tiana!

It’s time to get to know another instructor and we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Mayo!
 
Born and raised right here in San Jose, Tiana comes from an athletic family as her four siblings all had “skills” at one sport or another. 
 
“I was known as the black sheep,” Tiana says half-jokingly, “My brothers and sisters are all-star athletes across disciplines like volleyball, basketball and even MMA!”  As she recounts their accomplishments she laughs at her lack of prowess on a court or a field.

She may not be the feature player on a sports team, but this business-minded mom (Her son is a vibrant 3-year-old named Tua) is a true leader off the field.  As she completes her final year at San Jose State University, her business background has served her well as she works with developmentally disabled people in the Bay area alongside her mom, grandmother and aunt.

After having Tua, Tiana became more mindful not only of succeeding but also of her health and well-being.  She began to truly think about what she was putting into her body and was determined to treat “herself” better.  Tiana had gotten involved in group fitness and Pilates and had become interested in teaching. “I was over 200 pounds and I knew I needed a change,” She states, “and then I found barre and I truly fell in love.”

Along with being an amazing mom and possessing acute business talents, Tiana is an accomplished dancer.  From ballet to Polynesian dancing, rhythm is in her heart.  That has played well and has been a part of the reason she is such a shining light at labarre studios.
 
“I love labarre, out of all of the studios I have been to it is the best.  I love the community within… the camaraderie between the instructors and service providers that Lisa [Alberino] has built is amazing.  I have never felt so warm and welcomed.  I also love the things that are provided at labarre.  If I wasn’t an instructor I would be a member!”

The reverence of labarre is a direct reflection on the leadership starting at the top. “I admire her (Lisa Alberino, founder and owner), she is just gold.  Her energy and abilities are terrific… she is so rounded in everything she does.”
 
So, you now know what Tiana is about… can we say the same thing about her classes?  When asked what one of her sessions would be like for a first-time student Tiana perked up with some immediate honesty.

“I am always nervous before any class.  The reason why is that I know I have the capability to transform someone and I have felt those changes in my life, I try to bring that same intensity and determination.  I tell students that their best is enough. I want them to leave stronger and more determined than when they came through those doors.  I am definitely high energy”

When she is not on the instructor floor you can find Tiana somewhere out and about!  “I love being with Tua.  We do everything from basketball to surfing, he loves the water! 

We have a sweet tooth, too!  We love to go out and have fun and try new foods.”
Sometimes though, busy moms like Tiana need a break. “Above and beyond I love being a mom, but when I have some time for me, I love documentaries and TED talks, reading, but mostly I love to choreograph, dances, barre routines…. Just about anything.”

Come see her in action at labarre!