About Cereza

Cereza Richeson is the founder and CEO of Motivate Studios, voted one of Los Angeles’ top fitness studios in 2015 by CBS News. A mom of three, wife, and serial entrepreneur, Cereza has been teaching Lagree Fitness for over fifteen years and is set to open her 11th location in Southern California this year.

Born in Key West to a Colombian father and American mother, Cereza's early years were split between Florida and Colombia before settling in the Midwest. And at 18, she moved to Los Angeles where her story truly began.

Skipping the conventional college path, Cereza embarked on a series of diverse jobs before tying the knot at 21 and embracing motherhood at 22. After battling setbacks with various entrepreneurial undertakings, Cereza ultimately found her calling. Despite lacking a sports or dance background, Cereza discovered her strength in Lagree Fitness, which she credits with revitalizing her physically and mentally after the birth of her third child. Her journey from novice to Master Trainer stands as a testament to her perseverance and the transformative power of fitness.

In 2015, Cereza took a leap of faith and invested every penny her family had at the time into Motivate Studios and its inaugural location in Glendale, CA. Determined to succeed, she taught every class herself while also juggling the accounting, marketing, and social media duties, gradually building her empire one sweat-soaked session at a time.

Having become a haven for fitness enthusiasts while also fostering a sense of community and empowerment, Motivate Studios has attracted a number of celebrity clients. And ardent fans of the Lagree Fitness method include Kim Kardashian, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Aniston, Meghan Markle, and Michelle Obama.

Today, as Motivate Studios continues to expand, Cereza remains committed to sharing her journey as a working mom and entrepreneur, hoping to inspire others to pursue their passions with the same tenacity that has helped to define her path.