Ann Phillips

What inspired you to start Hilo House, and how did your journey begin?

HiLo House has been open since August 2020 and I became the owner in July 2024. While I am not the original owner of the studio, HiLo House has been a big part of my journey from the moment I first stepped through the door. I came in as a guest in August 2021, and found the community I was looking for! At HiLo, it is more than just a workout. It is a place where inclusivity and personal growth meet, and where people come together to elevate their fitness and their lives. I knew I wanted to be a part of that.

Before owning HiLo, I spent 18 years in education—11 years as a Health/PE teacher and 7 years as a principal. While I loved working with students, teachers, and building strong communities, I realized in 2023 that it was time for a change. I wanted to step away from education and pursue my true passion for health and wellness, though I wasn’t sure exactly where it would take me. I had already started teaching at HiLo while still being a principal and once I left I started teaching more and gradually took on more responsibilities at the studio.

I am a true believer in signs and that everything happens for a reason so when the opportunity to buy the studio presented itself, I knew this was the next journey for me!

My passion for helping others crush their fitness goals, break down boundaries, and elevate their lifestyles is at the heart of what we do here at HiLo House. I’m proud to continue to build on the foundation that was created by Maura and to lead this incredible community where we empower each other to level up, both physically and mentally. It's more than just a fitness studio—it’s a place for growth, empowerment, and transformation. It is like a second home and I’m excited to keep it going and to keep growing and elevating the HiLo experience!

2. How would you describe the style and vibe of Hilo House?

Positive Vibes. Contagious Energy. Elevating Together.

HiLo House offers a welcoming environment where people of all fitness levels can come together to challenge themselves and elevate their well-being. The studio is designed to be a place of community, where members support each other in their individual fitness journeys. It’s a space that focuses not just on physical strength, but on mental and emotional well-being as well.

The atmosphere is motivating and energizing, with a focus on personal growth and empowerment. The workouts are designed to push boundaries, yet they are always adaptable to meet the needs of each individual. It’s a space where you feel encouraged to push your limits, all while feeling supported and uplifted by others.

Overall, the vibe at HiLo House is one of balance, where hard work meets mindfulness, and where fitness is approached as a holistic journey rather than just a destination. The environment is warm, positive, and community-driven, making it a space where people feel motivated to show up and be their best selves.

3. What has been the most rewarding part of running Hilo House?

The most rewarding part is seeing our guests’ growth and success. It is hard to put into words but there is nothing better than being a part of someone’s journey and seeing them get stronger, build their confidence, and continue to reach goals they set for themselves. The community at HiLo is like one big family, and the connections we share are truly special. It’s this sense of community and support that makes HiLo stand out among other fitness studios and gyms.

4. What advice would you give to others looking to create a unique space or brand?

The advice I would give to others looking to create a unique space or brand is to GO FOR IT! You need to take the chance, you need to take the leap, and there is never going to be a perfect time so you just need to go for it and embrace the uncertainty!

After you go for it, you need to stay locked in on your “why”! Create your mission/vision/purpose to really narrow down why you're doing what you're doing and let that guide everything. When your purpose is clear, it’s easier to create a unique space that feels authentic.

Authenticity is Key! Be true to who you are and what you believe in. Authenticity will help differentiate your brand from others and attract people who align with your values. Don't try to be everything to everyone—be true to your mission/vision and your people will find you.

It is also important to create a strong community & focus on experience. A unique brand isn’t just about the product or service—it’s about the people. Focus on building a community where individuals feel connected, supported, and empowered. A sense of belonging is incredibly powerful.

The experience is also important. People remember experiences and how others made them feel. Whether that’s in the design of your space, the way you communicate, or the interactions guests have with you and your team, make every part of the experience memorable.

Listen to Your Community! Your clients/guests are the ones who will shape your space, so listen to their feedback and adjust as needed. Create an open dialogue where their input is valued, and they’ll feel invested in your journey.

5. What does Ann do outside of Hilo?
Outside of HiLo, I love to spend time outdoors and traveling. When traveling, I love to find studios to visit that teach Lagree and Versa like we do at HiLo. My husband, Bill, is one of the University of Delaware Men’s Basketball coaches so I try to make as many of his games as possible. I am also a coach myself. I coach middle school volleyball and basketball at Ursuline Academy.

6. What are your goals for Hilo House in the next year?

In the next year, we aim to continue to grow our community at HiLo. We will continue to enhance our class offerings adding in new formats for both our Lagree and Versa classes as well as additional workshop opportunities around mindfulness and other holistic practices with awesome collaborators like Lindsay Beach from Coastal Alchemy. We will also continue to grow our partnerships with our other amazing local businesses like Paiya, kaffé KARMA., Bloom & Grow, and more.