UNC Hussman skills in motion

Before Lauren Mobley ’22 opened Studio 104, she was learning how to tell stories, build brands and connect with audiences as a student at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. Today, those same skills shape the fitness studio she founded in her hometown of Rolesville, North Carolina. 

A graduate of UNC Hussman’s advertising and public relations area of study, Mobley translated her academic experiences into one of her passions: wellness. For all four years at Carolina, Mobley was a member and choreographer of Carolina Vibe, a student-led dance team that kept her moving, creative and connected to others. 

“That kept me active — walking to class, dancing — and being social around people all the time,” she said. “Life after college was a really hard transition for me, and so I felt like it would really help me focus on my mental health and physical health to just take that leap and open the studio.” 

By December 2022, Mobley had left her first job as a marketing assistant at a real estate agency and earned her barre teaching certification in preparation for opening Studio 104. 

“There was a gap in the boutique group fitness market in Rolesville,” Mobley said. ” I grew up dancing, and I always wanted a local place to work out, and we just never really had that.” 

Strengthening skills at UNC Hussman 

While she was a student, Mobley was building professional skills that would later become essential to her business. During her senior year, Mobley took “MEJO 673: Advertising Campaigns” as her capstone class, in which her group partnered with a local small business to plan and execute campaigns based on research. 

“Just having that deep dive into a small business and focusing on the nitty gritty details like the budget was so realistic,” Mobley said. “That really helped me see how you should market a small business and all the techniques.” 

As an editorial assistant for the College of Arts and Sciences, she coordinated the College’s social calendar and wrote feature stories, strengthening her ability to tell engaging stories across platforms. 

She also served as a SECU Public Fellow, interning for the Washington Harbor District Alliance. In that role, she managed its social media accounts and boosted engagement across platforms.  

“I truly don’t think I could’ve started the business without my background from UNC Hussman. All of the advertising and public relations experiences started it for me,” Mobley said.   

‘Feel good movement’ as a brand philosophy 

Mobley leaned heavily on what she learned at UNC Hussman when she began shaping Studio 104’s visual identity and messaging.  

“What sets us apart is that we are creating this brand and lifestyle, and it’s because I have this advertising background,” she said. “People always compliment the branding of it because I keep it so consistent because that’s what I was taught at UNC Hussman.” 

Studio 104’s tagline, “feel good movement” emphasizes Mobley’s vision of wellness: consistency, sustainability and balance.  

“I really want to promote daily, sustainable movement that you won’t dread doing. I want people to look forward to coming to take classes and it being the best 45 minutes or hour of their day,” she said. “All our classes are programmed to be that daily movement that you need to feel good.” 

Mobley opened Studio 104 in May 2023, and the first year was full of experimentation to figure out what worked and what didn’t. 

“I said yes to everything,” she said. “More than half of it didn’t work out, but that’s what led me to having a more consistent and successful class schedule.” 

She learned to balance everything, from teaching and scheduling to finances and marketing. It’s taught her to prioritize the same balance she promotes and encourages her clients to live by.  

“As a business owner, it’s really important to make yourself take breaks,” she said. “You have to practice what you preach at the end of the day.” 

At the end of every class, Mobley closes with the phrase, “be proud of yourself.” It’s a simple reminder, but it reflects the definition of wellness that is consistently part of Studio 104’s brand and messaging. 

“Going back to the whole wellness thing — it’s being proud about taking the time out of your day to choose yourself,” she said. “When we give ourselves that time, we can show up better — not just in class, but in the world.”