Founder, iGnite

When Neissa Brown Springmann found herself spread too thin, juggling a personal training career with an indoor gymnastics business, she decided to refocus by combining her passion for people with the childlike spirit she felt was missing. Soon thereafter, iGnite was born. More than a weekly fitness class or typical training regime, iGnite is a strong, supportive female community that was built by the hands that embrace it. “We believe that creating a community and connecting with other people, sharing life experiences, while moving the body and being outside in an organic setting is the very best opportunity to experience physical, spiritual and mental growth,” she says. “When you’re in a gym, you’ve got mirrors surrounding you. You’re constantly staring at all your imperfections. So getting away from those mirrors, getting away from televisions and iPods and all those things we typically listen to and look at when we’re working out — [that’s how we] connect.” Brown Springmann has refreshingly pure intentions, an enormous heart and is genuinely interested in ensuring women sustain a holistically healthy lifestyle that works with their daily routine. As such, iGnite offers a myriad of weekly, interchangeable fitness classes, recipes, book recommendations and social events, all while encouraging positive relationships between women. “Fitness is a lifestyle, it continues on, and life is a journey,” Brown Springmann says. “In order to live a consistently healthy lifestyle, we need consistent support and we need a village to help us along the way."

What are you nostalgic for?
Sleeping in on a weekend.

What was the last city you lived in? I moved to New York City to become the next Katie Couric (when she was on The Today Show). I loved the way she was able to connect, communicate and have fun with the masses through television.

Whose wardrobe are you envious of?
Stacy London, the co-host on What Not to Wear.

What movie or television star was your childhood crush?
I loved Jordan Knight of the New Kids on the Block.

What book should every child read?
Oh the Places You Will Go by Dr. Seuss.

Where is your dream vacation?
Africa

Who would you take a cross country trip with?
My husband. He is a very easy traveler, and we enjoy the same things.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome?
Giving up control and delegating.

What is one thing people don’t generally know about you?
I turn into an introvert at night and during the weekends. I love sitting at home and being lazy and doing nothing.

Who is your fantasy dinner party guest?
Ellen DeGeneres. I love her! She seems super easy going and is hysterical!

What is your theme song?
“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.

What book has inspired you?
The Greatest Miracle in the World by Og Mandino.

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you try?
Television. I love the idea of being able to communicate to the masses.

Who are your favorite heroes in real life?
My mom, dad and stepmom. Despite my mom and dad’s divorce when I was very young, the three of them made my life and my sister’s life great. They made the best out of a bad situation and continue to be wonderful parents and role models. I am blessed!