FACES of Nashville: Rebecca Hinton

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PinRebecca Hinton is the founder and owner of b.fab.fitness®, a fitness community where people come together not only to dance, sweat, and burn calories, but also to support, encourage and motivate one another. The combination of hip hop, pop, and Latin music paired with fresh and funky choreography creates a party-like atmosphere within an intense, hour-long cardiovascular workout. Rebecca strives to create a true community of support with each and every b.fab.fitness class.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Rockville Centre, NY, so I like to say that I’m from New York. We moved when I was a year old to Carmel, Indiana, and then onto Vancouver, Washington, for my father’s job. Before I started first grade we moved to Lafayette, Indiana.
My family stayed there until I graduated from high school. At that time, I moved to Nashville to go to Vanderbilt and my family moved to Philadelphia.

When and why did you move to Nashville?

I went to Vanderbilt and always felt at home in Nashville, so I hoped to live here some day. In 2005, my husband took a job with AO Smith in Human Resources. We moved here from New Orleans a week after Hurricane Katrina, which was a huge blessing. We love living in Nashville! It has all the amenities of a larger city and it is a great place to raise our son, Brandon.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have been given?

Do what you love and give it your very best.

ASH 3958 — Rebecca obviously loves her job!

How did life lead you into b.fab.fitness?

It all started in December of 2008, I took a leap of faith and decided to leave the YMCA to start my own business. I had previously taught Zumba several times a week at the Y and the Franklin Athletic Club, and some of my classes had grown very large — sometimes up to 100 people. I’d been approached with a few opportunities, and those enabled me to better define my vision for myself. In the beginning it was called “Zumba with Rebecca.” I was the only instructor, and all classes were held at DC Dance Factory in Cool Springs. Later in 2009, a few of my most dedicated students were interested in becoming instructors, and so the grooming process began, and the team started to come together.

At that point, it was clear that a new name and re-branding would be in order, not only because some of the classes were not “with Rebecca,” but they were not “Zumba®” either. Over time, classes were tailored more and more to what our clients wanted, and the focus became more hip hop and mainstream than Latin. I actually came up with the tagline before I had a name: “be fit, be funky, be fabulous.” My nickname has always been “B,” and I wanted to find a way to incorporate that, too, but I kept coming back to “b.fit.” I have to credit my friend Brian Williamson, who called me one day and said, “What about b.fab.fitness? It brings your tagline full circle and the initials are BFF!” That is how b.fab.fitness was born in 2010.

ASH 3968 — Shaking it up at b.fab.fitness!

Your classes through Metro Parks at Coleman Parks Community Center are so affordable (just $3 per class!). How did this partnership start?

Toward the end of 2010, we were invited to join forces with Metro Parks at this center. Our classes there have been tremendously successful and have allowed us to reach several hundred more people each week. That partnership has resulted in many more wonderful relationships and great success stories. Our National Dance Day class in July brought 200 people to the gymnasium at Coleman Park!

Do you have plans to expand b.fab.fitness in Nashville or beyond?

In 2011 I received two federal trademarks that I applied for earlier in the year. We now have our own brand of dance fitness called b.fab.funk®, and b.fab.fitness® is trademarked, as well. I am always open to listening when opportunities come my way! Classes at DC Dance Factory and Coleman are thriving, thanks to my amazing team of instructors and the continued support of our b.fab.community. This keeps me so busy that I am not actively pursuing expansion.

To be honest, I am somewhat intrigued by the possibility of taking b.fab beyond Nashville, especially now that the trademarks are in place. I think it may involve more time and travel than my schedule allows right now, but it is something I would love to see happen at some point. I would also love to do a DVD, so perhaps that would be a way to bring b.fab to to a broader audience in the future. I am very excited to see what 2012 will bring!

Finish this sentence: The best thing about owning my own company is…

Knowing that 10, 20, or 50 years from now, I can look back and know that I created something that added value to people’s lives. It has all been worthwhile if there are more people in the world who have found a form of exercise they enjoy, have higher self-esteem, or just have great friendships and a better support system.

ASH 3822 — Rebecca with some of her b.fab-u-lous crew.

Do you have an irrational fears?

This is kind of strange, but I have an irrational fear of stomach viruses and vomiting. I go to great lengths to avoid both! It’s almost comical.

What books can be found on your bedside table?

Right now, Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath, and The Noticer by Andy Andrews.

Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?

It ‘s hard to beat an evening with great friends, great conversation, and great food (that I don’t have to cook)!

Next movie you want to see?

I’m looking forward to seeing The Hunger Games, but hoping I can read the book first!

Favorite place to have a massage?

It has been a few months, but my instructors gave my husband and me a massage package at Escape Day Spa! It was fabulous!

What is your “must-have” purchase for spring 2012?

A flirty dress that can go dressy or casual. And a fun hat from Francesca’s.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Nashville?

City House has become one of our new favorites. We love Mexican food, too, so Cantina Laredo is right up there!

Favorite vacation spot?

Our favorite family vacation spot is La Jolla, California, just north of San Diego. We rent a house there each summer, and it is by far our most relaxing and enjoyable time together all year.

Every few years, my husband and I plan a getaway for ourselves. Our most recent were the Amalfi Coast in Italy and Marbella, Spain. We loved them both equally and are looking forward to planning our next adventure this year!

Name three things you can’t live without (excluding friends, family and God).

Our pugs, Bailey and Charley
iPhone
MAC lip gloss

Be sure to check out b.fab.fitness: click here.

For more behind-the-scenes photos from FACES photographer Ashley Hylbert, click here!

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