"My partners Crystal Smith, Carrie Nowlen, Lacie Ellis, and I, as well as all of our dedicated mentors, instructors, and participants, put a lot of ourselves into this, and all of that good energy and love is what makes the OULA experience." Kali Lindner on OULA Fitness, Montana Magazine

In 2012 Crystal Smith formed OULA Fitness® to share Oula with people outside of Missoula, MT where it was born.  Smith, selected a core group of partners to serve as a well-rounded executive team.  Together we reimagined the brand and experience to include a global audience and appeal which meant moving away from Oula: Inspiring dance workout to an all encompassing logo and service mark that became OULA Fitness:  Dancemania for the Soul. Supported by a team of volunteer mentors we implemented the new branding, policies, procedures and training that created a platform to transform a local class into a national community and a workout into a lifestyle.  I am extremely proud of my contribution to this team, which led to opening OULA Studio (national headquarters and fully operational fitness studio) and drove overall 330% growth during 2012 and 2013.  In April of 2014 Smith sold OULA Fitness to the woman she made co-owner in the fall of 2013.

The lessons I learned during my time with the company will impact me for the rest of my life.  My decision to leave during the ownership transition in 2014, made me stronger, smarter and more resilient than I thought possible and has led me to a clear understanding of what truly fuels my soul.

Check out my Passion Projects