Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Benson.
Hi Jessie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always loved all things fitness. I became a group fitness instructor when I was a freshman in college. After college I was working at a PR firm in Hampden and had a strong desire to travel. I went on a solo backpacking trip around South America and SouthEast Asia. While in Indonesia I discovered stand up paddleboarding and was instantly hooked! After coming back to Baltimore I was determined to find a way to introduce paddleboard fitness classes to all the people who would attend my spin, bootcamp and pilates classes around the city. That is when FloYo was born! I created a paddleboard yoga and fitness brand and partnered with paddleboard businesses around town to use their boards for the classes. After a few years of traveling around town teaching I decided to open my own paddleboard business and operate a “floating fitness studio” in Baltimore. B’More SUP opened in 2014. We first had just one location on Bear Creek but now operate in 3 locations in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have definitely had my fair share of obstacles (difficult marina owners, having to move locations multiple times, run-ins with other paddle businesses, etc), but overall things have always aligned. I truly believe that if you are doing what you are meant to do and following what you are passionate about doors will open and things will work out.
We’ve been impressed with B’More SUP, 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?
B’More SUP is Baltimore’s premier paddleboard destination. Our main focus is growing the sport of SUP and getting more people active and on the water in Baltimore. We were the 1st company to offer SUP tours on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and continue to get hundreds of people on the water in Baltimore every year.
We are passionate about combining our love of the water with our love of the city. By creating a SUP community here in Baltimore we encourage our neighbors to stand up for a clean harbor and commit to doing our part to help keep the Chesapeake Bay clean.
We have an incredible community of paddlers- everyone from recreational paddlers to serious SUP racers. This community is open to everyone!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
You do not need to have it all figured out. As a perfectionist I wanted my website and booking system to be perfect, my social media to be top notch, but I realized that something is better than nothing. We all start somewhere so jsut get your idea out there and grow with your business and with your community!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.baltimoresup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmoresup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BmoreSUP/
