To celebrate Black Business Month, Capital B Atlanta is profiling innovative entrepreneurs during the month of August.
Having built a cult following for her weekly sold-out cycling sessions where participants moved and grooved to trap music while pedaling their hearts out, Clarisse “Risse” Frazier knew she was onto something special.
And now, the 45-year-old mother and former teacher has her own gym. Shock Fitness Studio in South Fulton opened last year to rave reviews.
“Shock Fitness Studio was born out of my passion for fitness, community, and helping others discover their own strength — both physically and mentally,” Frazier told Capital B Atlanta. “After working with various fitness companies, I felt what was missing was a strong focus on building wellness through community engagement. We are the answer.”
And she knew her South Fulton community was the perfect place to launch a studio kitted out with high-quality workout equipment and a robust lineup of virtual and in-person classes and personal training options.
“Atlanta — and especially South Fulton — has a rich culture, a strong sense of community, and a growing appreciation for health and wellness,” Frazier said. “The city embraces Black-owned and women-led businesses, making it the perfect place to launch and grow Shock Fitness Studio and the Shocked by Risse brand.”
Her bet has paid off. Voted Best New Business in the South Fulton 2024 Impact Awards, Shock Fitness has a loyal following of members wanting to look and feel their best.
“We focus on creating a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to reach their goals,” Frazier said. “In addition to local engagement, global reach is an essential part of the mission to support our community through quality fitness options.”
Here, Frazier shares how she took her experience in education and built a thriving business. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Capital B Atlanta: What was your background prior to launching your business?
Clarisse “Risse” Frazier: Before Shock Fitness, I was already deeply involved in fitness as a trainer and instructor, but my journey wasn’t linear. I initially didn’t plan to teach spin, but it became one of my most popular classes and helped drive the growth of the studio. As a professional educator of over 22 years, my love of learning was transferred from the classroom to the gym floor.
Where did you get the funding to launch your business?
We combined personal investment, strategic budgeting, and community support to bring our vision to life.
Who is your business role model?
My role model is any entrepreneur who combines business success with genuine community impact. I especially admire Black women leaders who break barriers while creating spaces where others can thrive.
What have been some of your biggest successes since launching Shock Fitness?
Growing a loyal community through our signature and spin classes and traveling the world to train instructors and bring vitality to small-business fitness studios. Additionally, setting an Atlanta record for the most bikes at a fitness event via Fit Fest ATL in the summer of 2025. Expanding our class offerings to meet the diverse needs of our members while coaching new and upcoming fitness professionals.
What was one of your biggest challenges?
One of the biggest challenges was stepping outside my comfort zone to teach spin classes in a space where it was not seen for its potential. I overcame it by embracing each opportunity to showcase our classes, leaning into my personality and teaching style, and believing in the value of what this can offer the world. Now, spin is one of the most loved offerings at our studio and globally.
What’s your advice to other Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta?
Build genuine connections within your community, stay true to your vision, and don’t be afraid to step into spaces you didn’t originally plan for. You might discover your greatest strengths there. Trust God in everything you do and allow him to direct your path.
What are some of your company goals for the future?
We want to grow our membership base, expand our community programs, and secure more partnerships that allow us to positively impact South Fulton’s health and wellness culture.
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