Photos by Salud Portland on Instagram. Q&A as told to CEI by Salud owner, Dorienne Lewin, in her own words.

Tell us a little bit about your business.

My name is Dorienne Lewin, and I started this business 6 years ago. I have a dance background, and I teach Pilates, trampoline, and barre. When I moved here, I was looking for a studio that people could do everything at, but everything was very much just a yoga studio or spin studio.

So, I opened a 1400 square foot space on Casco Street in 2019. It had probably 3 or 4 instructors and 40 classes per week. And after three years, I decided to take a leap and expand to 3600 sq ft at 275 Marginal Way. And within three years it was doing so well that I had to expand again. So, I went from 3 to 5 instructors to 30 instructors, and 120 classes a week. I was worried that I wouldn’t have as many instructors as I needed, so we started doing our own Pilates, bar, and trampoline certifications. Currently we have 16 people in our certification class for Pilates. And then I took another leap and expanded to 15,000 square feet.

I had this vision, and I know what I want. My vision, you know, is a little bit of all part of me. I have the chandeliers that you see are kind of like shooting stars. I love plants. I went to Quebec City and fell in love with jellyfish. All throughout the space the artwork is done by my mom.

I created a community. Working out and moving our bodies is not just physical health, it’s mental health. It’s community. People walk in, and they’re going to move. People make friends (so much so that they got to each other’s weddings after Salud!) I wanted to make it a space where people can come and be together and for their body to feel good. Part of the fitness is that it’s just fun. A lot of people say it’s like you’re having fun while working out. It isn’t so mundane. The music and the trampolines and the palates, it’s fun. It’s a great time.

Salud is my happy place. Every corner is everything I’ve thought about. And I think that comes across. Because I’m feeling positive about it, then the instructor is positive, and the students feel positive. And I couldn’t do this alone. So, I appreciate everyone that’s helped me.

What are you most proud of when it comes to Salud?

That I trust my gut. I believe in myself. As a female business owner, I will say that we have to push the limits. I just trust myself and I’m proud of the community coming into it and allowing themselves to be themselves here. The affirmation and the stories that I get from people about how much Salud has helped them in so many ways is inspiring.

What challenges have you faced?

To go from 1400 sq ft to 36 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft is definitely a big jump. The finances weren’t easy, but we figured it out. Also learning along the way and having to understand architects and contractors and city. I was ready to open within a couple of days, but the city came back and said I need 4 more bathrooms because I don’t have 8. It’s more that I’ve learned how to be a business owner as I go.

What is your relationship like with CEI?  When did we become part of your journey?

When I first opened, it was really small. I just did what I could. I went to CEI for the Wicked Fast loan and that was Wicked Fast! And then when I opened the second and third time I did the same thing. I went back and said this is what I’m doing. And when I asked what I needed, they said we can’t do all of that, but we are here to help so let’s wrap in the people that can help.

What are your long-term goals?

I could see Salud opening at another location. I don’t necessarily want to. I really think that there’s something about the authenticity of it currently, so we’ll see. But I do continue to expand and have many more classes where I am and keep training people. And just have a space that is welcoming for everyone.

What is it about Maine that makes it a great place to run a small business in?

Short answer is lots of things. You see the people around and people talk about Salud and it’s a nice feeling. I think being in Maine and Portland allows you to do that.

What is your favorite thing about being a business owner?

Just as I’m inspired by other people around me, I feel it’s nice to be inspiring as well. I feel that it’s nice to be able to be authentic and myself and do that while I’m learning, while also creating spaces for other people.

What are your takeaways from starting a small business? What is your advice for others?

Just keep trusting yourself. There were many times that I didn’t know if I was going to have a place or the finances. And I just kept moving forward and kept allowing the doors to open and keep walking through. And I definitely think that if you feel like you have a vision, then go for it!