Conversations with Mandy Medcalf

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Medcalf.

Hi Mandy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Mandy, a wife of 17 years, a mother to 4 awesome kids, and a professional Engineer at Kiewit Infrastructure! In early 2022 my husband returned from a 12-month long deployment to Africa with the Army. I wanted to do something for myself so without any experience at all I started taking pole dancing classes at a local studio. What was initially fun turned into a full passion. I realized I was not only gaining strength and skills, but confidence as well. I got certified to be an instructor in May 2024 and fell in love with teaching. I became the owner of Auria Aerial Fitness and we opened for business on August 1, 2025. Investing in the space and seeing our community grow has been so gratifying.

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 to where we are now has had it’s ups and downs. I have never owned a business before, so I am on a pretty steep learning curve. Everything seems to take twice as long as it should, but I am learning to be patient. Additionally, aerial fitness/arts can have a stigma associated with it. From the fitness aspect, we have to overcome the perception that it takes prior skill or that folks must be athletic to participate. Strength and skill come with consistency and time, just as any other endeavor. We must also balance that aerial skills are both fitness and an art. As a studio owner, I am trying to find what feels like a delicate balance between art and fitness.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our studio offers group classes, private lessons, and student parties for pole dance, lyra (aerial hoop), and other related dance and conditioning classes. The goal is to have each student feel like they learned something and leave empowered. We want students to feel like they can practice aerial skills and/or dance without judgment or fear. Our studio offers an escape from the everyday grind and struggles where each student can find something for themselves.

Pricing:

• 7 Days for $7 Unlimited Classes
• $99 Parties through 12/31/25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.auriaaerial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auria.aerial.fitness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578514083804

 

 

Image Credits
The Photo Ronin – Travis Dieringer