“2020 kicked off the newest half-decade, full of desire to get reconnected with God, purchase a larger home, share the relaxing effect of assisted stretching in our communities, and joining my child’s PTA.” Kamari Aykes DeBarbieri

I met Kamari at a really interesting networking event at Kean University a few weeks ago. She and I bonded over an affection for the Summit/Short Hills area where her businesses Kika Stretch Studios of Summit and Short Hills are located. The studios specialize in “Power Stretching” which focuses on passive mobility and range-of-motion and the recovery aspect of exercise- rather than exercise itself. This sounded like real self-care for people who already spend way too much time online or sitting- and even those who exercise, but do so without careful preparation and cool down.

Kamari-Before we start talking about business- what are three things you’d like the people reading this to know about you?

1. I spent many years working as a biomedical researcher & technologist.   2. I’ve slowly fallen in love with NJ’s museums – getting married in one was so much fun! 3. I would love to tour North America by train; as my grandfather did in his younger days.

What’s the best thing about working outside the house for you? And, conversely, what’s the worst?

Best thing about working away from my house is the extra sense of accomplishment, engagement with neighbors, & fresh air! Worst thing is the worry I left an important task incomplete. Huge reason why I switched back to physical planners for 2020.

I like to ask everyone- what’s your WHY? What takes you away from home and family to do what you do?

Investing a bit of extra time away, for these first couple of years of business, gives me hope to have additional flexibility later. Fortunately, I have an amazing staff of coaches who make it easier. Also, my “little” will drop in some days with her dad to meet me for lunch, or story time at the local library.

In five years, what does this career path look like? Or is it another?

A “five year” plan is how I’ve mapped out the highest-priority goals in my adult life. 2020 kicked off the newest half-decade, full of desire to get reconnected with God, purchase a larger home, share the relaxing effect of assisted stretching in our communities, and joining my child’s PTA.

If anyone wants to reach out for more information from you and Kika Stretch- how would they do that?

Visit our website, kikastretchstudios.com, call/text 973-671-8593, and please follow us on social media – on Instagram at kika_stretch_summit or kika_stretch_shorthills a as well as on Facebook  – we share fun stories from our KIKA assisted stretching around town!