Today we’d like to introduce you to Daneeka Holt.
Hi Daneeka, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Over the years, I’ve realized my career’s North Star was never about becoming the best at events, sales, management, or fitness. It’s always been about creating exceptional hospitality and meaningful experiences that leave a lasting ripple effect on people’s lives. Whether my team or I were welcoming a group for a winery tasting at a Tuscan Castle, coordinating a wedding, giving a tour of our gym, or coaching a private training client, the goal has always been the same: to help people know they belong and can grow from wherever they are, even if it feels like they are starting over again.
Growing up in a military family taught me the value of adaptability and finding a sense of home wherever life takes you. That foundation led me to earn a degree in Hospitality & Tourism and pursue a career in event management: from college and youth programs to weddings, and eventually serving as Senior Event Coordinator at Castello di Amorosa Winery in Napa Valley.
I moved to Austin to bridge my hospitality and events background with my passion for fitness and wellness. That journey led me to Korrect Fitness, formally Onnit Gym and now known as KRCT. I began as a customer service associate to managing the café, retail, and front-of-house back-of-house teams and operations. This all led to expanding my role in building partnerships, leading the community experiences, and supporting the company’s growth the past 5 years. Many of the responsibilities I learned on the job, and they shaped me into the leader I am today, someone that gets things done.
The most rewarding part of my work is playing a part in the professional development of my team, the journey of my training or wedding clients, and seeing the joy of our members training progress to achieve a goal or seeing our Experience Team (KX Team) catch up with a member in our Cafe and Retail lounge. I’ve always believed hospitality isn’t about a place, it’s about the people.
The exciting part of my career is creating experiences in unexpected places, much like the authentic Tuscan castle winery in the middle of California that I had worked at. KRCT is no exception. It’s a one-of-a-kind functional fitness facility where world-class coaching (the more unconventional the better) and thoughtfully curated spaces make fitness the backdrop for meaningful and lasting impact. It’s a place that supports locals, celebrates milestones, gives back through philanthropy, encourages lifelong learning, and helps people discover passions they never knew they had. My hope is that every interaction plants the seed for something greater and inspires every individual to create that same impact in someone else’s life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely ebbed and flowed. I was reflecting the other day on how much my life has evolved since moving to Austin. I would not have this beautiful existence or be who I am today without every lesson – and every blessing – that brought me here.
Growing up, I often felt like I floated between different groups rather than belonging to just one. That experience shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time, but it taught me how to connect with all kinds of people and find common ground wherever I was.
2020 became a defining chapter in my life. Like so many in hospitality and events, the pandemic brought everything to a halt. At the same time, I was grieving the loss of family while navigating the Napa Valley wildfires and mandatory evacuations, including at the winery where I worked. With events paused, I pivoted to support other departments across the business wherever I was needed. That experience taught me adaptability and reinforced that the strongest teams are built by people who step up for one another.
That season gave me the space to reflect on the life. I realized I wanted to combine my hospitality background with my passion for health and wellness – also to be closer to family after everything I’ld been through. So, I packed up and moved to Austin July 2021.
Once I joined KRCT, the learning never stopped. I was entrusted with responsibilities I’d never imagined, from rebuilding the gym’s signature and experiential events to being a “jill of all trades” supporting the operations of our rapidly growing facility. Much of it I learned on the job, asking questions, making mistakes, and growing through every challenge.
Looking back, those experiences became my greatest education. They taught me that leadership isn’t about having every answer; it’s about taking ownership, staying calm when things get difficult, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Today, I have the privilege of learning from incredible professionals across the fitness and events industries and continuing to create experiences that bring people together. I measure my success as a leader by the relationships that are formed and the community that keeps coming back because they know they’ve found a place where they can belong, no matter the length of time they spend with us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work at the intersection of hospitality, fitness, and community building and specialize in event production. As Experience Manager, I oversee community programming, marketing, partnerships and operations in tandem with our COO that connect members with local entrepreneurs, creatives, and wellness professionals across Austin.
Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of growing the KRCT experiences, including our Sweat Fest, Hyrox Race Simulations, female socials, multi-day summits, clinics and certifications, charity events, and wellness festivals (to name a few). Our events challenge people physically while giving them an opportunity to connect with one another as well as local and globally-known brands.
What I’m most proud of is watching people grow, the member who overcomes that initial intimidation and eventually feels at home. I completely relate because when I first started training at the gym, I remember coaching myself to “just keep up with the coaches, that’s all you have to do.” Seeing someone go from feeling uncertain to becoming a confident member, competitor, ambassador, or even a leader in the community is incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just plan events. I intentionally design experiences that create belonging and I’ve worked in many diverse settings. My background allows me to think beyond logistics and focus on how people feel from the moment they arrive to long after they leave. My hope is that every event leaves people more connected to themselves and to others, its what Austin has done for me.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in a military family, I learned early how important community could be when life was constantly changing. I realized that belonging isn’t something you simply find, it’s something you help create.
I was also fortunate to spend time with my Samoan family, whose values continue to shape me today. They taught me to lead with faith and that true wealth isn’t measured by what you have, it’s measured by the way you care for others and live each day. One phrase I carry with me is “Fa’a Malosi,” which means “be strong.” It’s my personal mantra: to be bold and brave, persevere with faith, serve others with humility, and keep showing up, no matter what season of life I am in.
As a kid, I loved being creative. You could usually find me reading, playing with makeup, roller blading or swimming, choreographing little plays with my siblings, or helping in the kitchen. I was always day dreaming or finding ways to bring ideas to life. At the same time, I loved being part of a team and cheering on our “underdogs.” I spent years swimming competitively alongside my teammates and participated in my high school’s band and drumline programs. These experiences taught me discipline and the value of contributing to something bigger than yourself.
I still approach my work with that same youthful curiosity and creativity, guided by the values I learned growing up. Looking back, it’s no surprise that I found my way into hospitality and fitness. I am so grateful for where I am and where I am going. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story!
Pricing:
- Private Personal Training – Custom programming and coaching. Pricing available upon request.
- Wedding Coordination & Event Planning – Custom packages based on event needs.
- Community Event Consulting & Partnerships – Available for select brands and organizations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.korrectfitness.com/events
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daneekarene/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daneekarene/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daneekaholt/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwkLWqk42s0
