“Kendra Scott’s WEL Institute is an amazing program where students can learn from experienced female entrepreneurs, and network with like-minded individuals who have similar goals. It is a program where students with different majors come together with the same principle of entrepreneurial leadership to exchange ideas. I am thrilled about the opportunity of having female mentors and look forward to passing my knowledge to the future leaders of the WEL Institute. I am excited to participate in this program and I look forward to the workshops and events.”
Ingrid Villarreal ’23
Ingrid Villarreal, Becca Friday, and Isabella Villarreal
Introducing Sweat x Serve, a group-fitness platform that offers live virtual exercise classes taught by certified instructors. Founders Ingrid Villarreal, Isabella Villarreal, and Becca Friday set out to make a difference in the Austin community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
About Sweat X Serve
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect Austin, we wanted to make a positive impact on our community during these difficult times. As pre-healthcare professional students, we understood the severity of COVID-19 and the importance of quarantining and social distancing. We also recognized the turbulence it has caused on all aspects of the Austin community. Prior to the pandemic, group fitness classes provided for us a supportive environment.
Exercise has allowed us to destress and move our bodies after a long day of classes. In addition, we are all certified, fitness instructors. The beauty of group fitness is that it brings together a diverse group of individuals to practice self-care. Because of COVID-19, we no longer could continue teaching our weekly classes. However, after we came together to brainstorm, we decided we could use our teaching skills while also helping out during this crisis.
We then launched Sweat X Serve, a group-fitness platform that offers live virtual exercise classes taught by certified instructors. Our program offers a variety of class types, including Yoga Sculpt, Barre, and Pilates. While we continue to teach weekly classes, our program is not singularly limited to our teaching; our main component is our ability to connect our instructors with participants, all to raise funds for COVID-19 relief. We have partnered with many corporations to host private classes. These classes have allowed friends and colleagues to virtually reunite.
Every class is donation-based. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where all individuals can participate to do something good for both themselves and their community. Sweat X Serve donates 100% of proceeds to the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. We are proud to be able to support essential healthcare workers during this pandemic.
HiPR is eternally grateful to its advisors and the University of Texas at Austin’s vast startup ecosystem for the support and encouragement.
Sweat X Serve
Website:
Industry:
Fitness
Mission:
Sweat to support COVID crisis.
Year Founded:
2020
