Showdown Finalist Turns Personal Journey into Business Concept

Stacie Humphries, a Boiling Springs native, is one of only 17 entrepreneurs from across North Carolina selected to participate in the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown, powered by Wells Fargo Foundation. It is a statewide entrepreneurship initiative launched through the North Carolina Community College System’s 58 community colleges’ Small Business Centers.

Humphries, Cleveland Community College’s Small Business Center finalist, is developing a business concept rooted in her own life experience: a welcoming fitness studio designed to support parents, caregivers and community members through group exercise, connection and accessible wellness opportunities.

Her passion for Pilates grew out of a deeply personal journey. After the birth of her first child, while her husband was serving in the Army and they were living in Texas, far from their family support system, Humphries experienced postpartum depression. Unknown to her, she was also suffering from diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy and often requires specific rehabilitation.

As someone who had been active for much of her life, she tried to rebuild her strength through traditional workouts, but nothing seemed to address the core issues she was experiencing. Years later, during her third pregnancy, the diastasis recti was finally diagnosed. From her research, Humphries discovered Pilates as a safe, intentional way to heal and reconnect with her body.

“Through Pilates I was able to heal my core and connect with my body in an entirely new way,” she said. “I felt called to share that testimony with others, mothers specifically.”

Humphries earned yoga and Pilates certifications through the International Sports Sciences Association and began teaching “mommy and me” classes at The Play Place in Shelby. As she grew more confident in her teaching style, she expanded to the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA. What began as one class a week quickly grew into multiple classes and an additional location at the Dover YMCA as demand increased.

Today, Humphries continues teaching yoga and Pilates regularly at the YMCAs and in the Boiling Springs town park. Her goal is to create spaces where people feel comfortable moving their bodies, regardless of where they are in their fitness journey.

“I’m beyond thankful that people trust me to guide them through a workout,” she said. “I truly feel like I’m walking in God’s purpose when I’m able to provide a fun, safe place for people to move their bodies and exist freely.”

Her path to the Startup Showdown began through a community connection. After being invited to teach Pilates at the Boiling Springs town park, Humphries learned about free business startup support available through Cleveland Community College’s Small Business Center. She scheduled an appointment with Stephen Lancaster, the Small Business Center director, who has a satellite office at the Boiling Springs Town Hall.

At the time, opening her own studio was not something Humphries had seriously considered. As a mother of three who had spent much of the last seven years at home with her children, she said the idea felt exciting but far away. Still, she decided one hour of business guidance could not hurt.

Soon after, Lancaster encouraged her to apply for the SBCN Startup Showdown, a statewide competition for new business ideas. Applicants were required to submit a short pitch video, letters of recommendation and meet eligibility requirements for new ventures.

Although she was initially hesitant, Humphries decided to apply.

“I knew I would be going up against people who already own multiple businesses,” she said. “But I try my best to listen to God, and the way everything was lining up felt like a calling.”

After being selected as a finalist, she is now participating in the competition’s business training process, which includes online seminars, business planning support, mentorship and connections with other entrepreneurs from across the state.

Her business concept brings together several needs she understands personally: fitness, encouragement, community and childcare. Humphries envisions a studio offering Pilates, yoga and a variety of group exercise classes, with childcare available for parents and caregivers who want to focus on their health without worrying about who will watch their children.

She also hopes to create a space where children can learn the importance of movement from an early age, while parents gain peace of mind and support.

“My most important goal is providing a space where people can come together and sweat it out without wondering who will watch their children or worrying they don’t know what to do to get a workout in,” she said.

For Humphries, the opportunity also brings her story full circle with Cleveland Community College. As a high school student, she took classes through CCC and graduated in 2014 with an early childhood education certificate, which she later used while working in childcare settings.

Now, CCC’s Small Business Center is helping her take the next step as an entrepreneur.

“I would like my community to know how deeply I care,” Humphries said. “I care about your injured shoulder and your postpartum baby blues. I care if you don’t feel comfortable in your own skin. I care if you feel alone.”

Through the SBCN Startup Showdown, finalists will continue developing their business plans and pitches. Those who advance will present their concepts in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch event, with winners receiving startup funding to help bring their ideas to life.

Regardless of the final outcome, Humphries said she is grateful for the experience, the education and the support she has received.

“The town hall and my business mentor Stephen have been so supportive of this journey and have helped me every step of the way so far,” she said. “It feels so nice to have people rooting for you, and I’m so grateful.”