Fitness and Performance Studio for Brazilian Martial Arts
Jessica Carla de Lima-Moran and her husband, Sean, had spent 18 years building their business, teaching the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira to students in Northeast Los Angeles. This art form is a fusion of dance, martial arts, acrobatics, functional fitness and traditional music that incorporates cultural history as inspiration for movement.
After leasing space within a community gym, the Moran’s decided to take on the building’s lease. The neighborhood had been developing rapidly; this decision seemed like a smart business move. However, two weeks after signing the lease, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all California businesses.
Despite the building being shuttered and classes postponed/canceled, the Northeast L.A. community came to the Moran’s with supportive ideas and a commitment to attend classes whenever and wherever possible. Many children and families participate in Capoeira classes and missed the experience during social isolation.
With help from a PPP loan, the Moran’s and their team at CounterBalance L.A. began Zoom classes within six weeks of closing, then moved ahead with limited-participant outdoor classes to bring their community back together again.
The Moran’s credit the simple application process, hands-on service from CRF and the convenience of using a technology-driven platform for securing their PPP loan. The entire process took just 2-3 weeks and provided CounterBalance L.A. with much-needed capital for re-opening and welcoming families back to the gym.
