By Melissa Rajesh, President and Head Coach of Maui Tumblers
Some of my fondest memories as a child were learning gymnastics. It taught me so much about myself. The courage to try something new, to believe in myself even when I was scared, and to persevere when things got tough and didn’t always go as planned.
Back then, I didn’t know it was teaching me all of these things. All I knew was that it was fun to flip and fly through the air, move my body in different ways, and dress up in cute leotards. I didn’t think it would lead me anywhere. No one told me I could live my life doing what I love. I was told to go to school, get a job, and work hard.
I eventually grew out of gymnastics, went off to college, and worked many jobs along the way. Although I wasn’t a gymnast anymore, I never forgot the feeling of being strong, confident, and connected to myself.
After college and a few professions that left me feeling restless and unfulfilled, I made the move to Maui. I told myself, “This is a brand new start, I can be and do anything I want.”
Maui Tumblers mobile gymnastics was founded in 2004 with two goals: to give as many children the opportunity to experience gymnastics as possible, and to do something I truly loved that filled my days with fun and joy.
Owning a business isn’t always fun. It takes dedication, perseverance, and hard work. As Maui Tumblers grew, most of the time, my job had nothing to do with gymnastics anymore. But what made it all worthwhile and continues to drive me are the thousands of children’s lives we’ve enriched through gymnastics, the smiles and laughter, and witnessing their confidence grow every time they master a skill.
Mahalo to every parent, child, school and coach who made this dream a reality.
To learn more about Maui Tumblers, visit mauitumblers.com.
