Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Vikre
Hi Eric, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up surrounded by entrepreneurs, I always knew deep down that I wanted to own my own business. The spirit of innovation and the thrill of creating something from scratch was part of my daily life. Despite this clear aspiration, I spent years exploring various business ideas without finding one that truly ignited my passion.
Then, in 2021, my life took an unexpected turn. I suffered a severe herniated disc in my L4-L5, leaving me immobilized and bedridden for an entire month. This ordeal was not just physically excruciating; it deeply affected my mental well-being. However, after a swift surgery, I walked out of the hospital with a profound new perspective on life and a determination to make every moment count.
As I embarked on my recovery journey, I sought out various gyms and studios to help my body heal and regain strength. I immersed myself in yoga, meditation, breathwork, mobility exercises, sauna sessions, and cold plunges. Each of these activities was crucial for my recovery, but they were scattered across different locations. One day, while hanging from a pull-up bar at the gym, a lightbulb went off in my head: why wasn’t there a single place that offered all these essential wellness services under one roof?
This idea excited me like no other. I started researching to see if such a concept existed in Austin, the surrounding Central Texas areas, or even in other cities. To my surprise, my search came up empty. Realizing I was onto something unique, I delved deeper into market research and connected with the community to understand their needs and desires.
And so, Centrd Studio was born. A year and a half of hard work, dedication, and countless hours later, we proudly opened our doors to the public. The response was overwhelming, filled with enthusiasm and excitement. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our vision come to life and to provide a space where people can find all their wellness needs met under one roof. Centrd Studio isn’t just a business; it’s a community and a sanctuary for holistic health and well-being.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The saying is true: “If owning a business were easy, everyone would do it.” Starting Centrd Studio was a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs, and it was far from easy. Initially, our venture was called Every Exhale, but our lawyers advised us to rebrand due to the existence of a larger company with a similar name and offerings. And so, Centrd Studio was born.
With our new identity in place, we embarked on the search for the perfect storefront, navigating one of the most competitive commercial markets in the country. After much perseverance, we found an ideal location. Securing the space felt like a victory, but it was just the beginning. The buildout phase awaited us, and in Austin, where construction is a constant, resources were scarce. We met with multiple contractors and faced exorbitant bids, but we pressed on. Months passed, filled with nothing but demolition and the agonizing wait for permit approvals. As time dragged on without significant progress, I felt a wave of defeat and hopelessness wash over me. Doubts crept in about pursuing this dream and the fear of jeopardizing my family’s future haunted me. I wondered if I had made a colossal mistake.
In those dark times, my wife was my rock. Her unwavering support and encouragement lifted my spirits. She helped me leverage my network, leading us to an exceptional contractor who shared our vision. Together with his team, they brought Centrd Studio to life, working tirelessly to complete the buildout as swiftly as possible.
Just when we thought we had overcome the biggest hurdles, the universe threw us one final challenge. During our very first week of operation, we experienced a flood. We had underestimated the capacity of our drainage system in the contrast therapy area, resulting in a literal flood on our second Saturday. This emergency forced us to temporarily close the studio. Once again, our amazing contractor and his team came to the rescue, replacing the undersized drains with much larger ones in just a week. What seemed like a disaster turned into a blessing in disguise, as we reopened stronger and better than ever before.
Looking back, every setback and every challenge only made us more resilient. The journey to create Centrd Studio was tough, but it was also incredibly rewarding. We learned, grew, and ultimately, we succeeded. And for that, I am immensely grateful to my wife, our fantastic contractor, and everyone who supported us along the way. Together, we turned a dream into a reality, and Centrd Studio stands as a testament to perseverance, love, and community.
We’ve been impressed with Centrd Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Welcome to Centrd Studio, your haven for wellness and community. Our sanctuary is a place where you can join others on a journey of self-improvement, embracing both time-honored traditions and cutting-edge techniques. We’ve created a safe, soothing, and inclusive environment where you can escape the daily hustle and connect with a supportive, like-minded community.
Centrd Studio is the perfect complement to your regular gym or yoga routine. We offer a wide array of classes including yoga, meditation, breathwork, and sound therapy, each designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Our facilities are thoughtfully equipped with communal saunas, cold plunges, red light therapy, and a unique soundbed experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our offerings to include holistic body and energy work such as reiki, chiropractic care, and massage therapy.
What makes Centrd truly special is our unwavering attention to detail. We handpick our equipment for its durability and effectiveness, ensuring that every aspect of your experience is top-notch. This meticulous care allows us to seamlessly integrate various modalities, creating unique, blended experiences that are exclusive to Centrd.
But our greatest pride and joy is the incredible community that has blossomed here. Our members fill Centrd Studio with joy and vitality, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. We are thrilled to see our wellness family grow and thrive, and we invite you to be a part of it.
In many ways, Centrd Studio is like a salmon swimming upstream. While many studios and gyms in Austin offer similar environments and services, we intentionally go against the grain, providing a distinct and unparalleled wellness experience. Join us at Centrd Studio, where every detail is designed with love and care to support your journey to wellness.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As we continue to expand and grow, we warmly invite the community to visit and experience our beautiful new space in town. We believe you’ll find it to be a unique and enriching addition to the neighborhood. To all the wonderful readers of this magazine, we have a special treat just for you: mention this interview to our friendly front desk associates, and you’ll receive a complimentary session in our luxurious sauna and invigorating cold plunge. It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our journey.
We are also eager to collaborate and host events that align with our vision of wellness and community engagement. If you’re interested in partnering with us or organizing an event in our space, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to building meaningful connections and creating memorable experiences together. Let’s come together to inspire and uplift our community!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centrdstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centrdstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centrdstudio
