Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jacqueline Lobdell, Owner of Invert-U, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an entertainer and instructor. I am here to be of service to everyone. I am highly trained in acting, modeling, dancing, fitness, circus arts, and multiple equestrian disciplines. I am available for hire as an instructor and performer.
Tell us about yourself
At a Glance: I'm professionally trained and a working actor. I was born in Alaska and grew up in the Southwest and California. Acting has always been my passion, and I have dedicated my life to its pursuit. International travel and sport have provided me the opportunity to participate in a variety of arts programs/training in the US and Europe. In 2017, after completing my BA with an Acting Concentration, I moved to Los Angeles to further my career. I currently train at Brian Cutler’s Acting Studio in Los Angeles.
Growing Up: I began my acting career in school at the age of 3 with several leads. At age 6, and as a member of the Kings Players Community Theatre troupe in Hanford, CA, I turned to online school to be able to dedicate more time to my craft. In 2007, I was voted as Youth Spokesperson for a non-profit animal rescue group, Animal Agents. I recorded Public Service Announcements and appeared on television multiple times promoting animal welfare on behalf of the group. Additionally, I became the youth representative for a local community council. Working alongside adults, I was the spokesperson and ambassador for animals, youth, and wellness. I helped create the “You Matter” Movement and “Me Not Meth” Campaign in Kings County, CA.
Awards and Accomplishments: In 2009-2010, I was awarded, both locally and regionally, the “Outstanding Youth Woman Award” from Soroptimists International for my contribution to my community through volunteer work with multiple organizations. During the same time, I founded my international non-profit, “Outfit Africa.” In 2010 I was recruited by Central Fine and Performing Arts magnet school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There, I took a variety of performing arts classes and was selected for a lead role in a Competitive one-act play. I was elected as the Theater Spokesperson for SMAC, the Performing Arts Student Council. I was a member of the dance team and performed with them as well as the choir.
Also, in 2010, I was invited to be an Ambassador at the 2010 World Equestrian Games as an AVA Youth Representative for the discipline of Equestrian Vaulting. The following year as a senior in high school, I dually enrolled in Tulsa Community College (TCC) as a Theatre Arts student. I auditioned and was cast in multiple department shows. While attending school in Tulsa, I participated as an assistant director and lead actress at Spotlight Community Theatre. I became a Youth Spokesmodel at this time for “Taste the World'' Photography in Tulsa, OK.
During the summer of 2012, I was a part of the Pacific Coast Performing Arts (PCPA) Youth Program and production in Santa Maria, California. In addition to acting in plays, I have been a part of productions from the front of the house to the back, including crew and make-up, worked fly systems, concessions, and tech, and assisted with costuming and marketing for many performances and competitions.
In My Adult Life: I graduated (in three years) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Stage and Screen-Acting concentration from UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2016. While in Los Angeles, I worked with a variety of people in the industry which has resulted in multiple viral videos with Andy Gross and the Pole Sport Organization. I've spent my time in LA, establishing my acting career by working with directors, artists, and various production companies.
I'm currently an international athlete and United States Performance Ambassador. I'm also a working artist, actor, singer, dancer, and businesswoman. I have been coaching for over 10 years. As the sole owner, I built Invert-U from the ground up. I tackled marketing, business theory, construction, renovations, instructing, recruiting, management, retail, and much more. I proudly have grown my unique team and Invert-U into a chain of three-plus locations. Invert-U has accomplished years of success with a talented team of twenty-plus instructors, managers, and interns. Invert-U currently offers its services online, in-home, and in private training facilities.
Ultimately, I have created a space where all can feel comfortable exploring their bodies and enjoy themselves. Empowering both females and males, youth and adult, artist, athletic, or feminine sexy energy, I successfully created a tribe and Invert Team where individuals can escape from their hectic lives or find support, friendships, and mentorships. Creating Invert-U was a lifelong dream for me. After 21 years of training in Arts and Fitness, I finally opened up my first location in California. In 2020 I had 3 locations. Furthermore, I was able to partner with celebrities to create a series of Circus Productions in LA and on tour.
Most Recently: I have actively worked as an actor in Los Angeles for the last 6 years. I have experience in various commercial and theatrical work in film as well as voiceover, live streaming, hosting, and improv work. I look forward to continuing my career in acting here in Los Angeles. In 2022, Bellydance Burlesque was born as I mastered the skill of Belly Dancing. I also reached the top 30 live streamers on Pococha for several months in the world.
Currently: In 2023, I joined Cirque Ma’Ceo as an Aerialist and Equestrian trainer while continuing to do UGC and Modeling. I'm available for auditions and booking and seeking work as an Entertainer.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would lie within Invert-U. And Without A Net. Invert-U was a chain of Aerial and Pole studios in Los Angeles that I started at 21 years old, with a small investment of my personal savings of $10,000. Within a few months, it repaid its investors, including myself, and within a few years, it grew to 3 locations. It was a profitable success until closing during Covid. It also led to finding investors for "Without a Net'' a local and touring circus production.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The risk and responsibility of being in charge. This is why it's so important to build a close team that works well together to help disburse risk and responsibility.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build your team from the first day. Your business is stronger with a team. Your business will grow faster and be more successful. All alone, you will hit burnout, move slower, and accomplish less.
- Invest in what you believe in, and spend money on what you need. Do it right the first time, and you will make money back and save money on "upgrading" later.
- Make sure you enjoy what you are doing, or you won't stick with it, and it won't be worth the long run. So find something that works for you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jclobdell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.lobdell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jclobdell/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jclobdelltweets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lobdellentertainment/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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