Today we’d like to introduce you to Joana Vargas.
Hi Joana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am the youngest of four siblings, and I grew up in Costa Rica in a home where things were often tight. My mother was a single parent doing her best to support us, and while she always encouraged my love for movement, formal ballet lessons were not something our family could afford. Dance, however, found its way into my life anyway. I learned by watching, practicing on my own, and taking every opportunity that came my way.
As I got older, I began looking for spaces where I could learn and grow. I was fortunate to be welcomed into a choreography group at U.C.R (Universidad de Costa Rica), even though I was not enrolled there. Being allowed into that environment was a turning point.
From there, my path continued to unfold slowly. I was eventually accepted into the Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica, where I pursued formal training in contemporary dance and ballet. During my final year of college, I was selected through a casting process to participate in a small production, a short film in which I played a pole dancer. Through that experience, I was introduced to pole fitness for the first time.
What started as curiosity quickly became something much deeper. As I trained, I noticed changes in my strength and connection to my body within just a few months, changes that felt different from what I had experienced during years of formal dance training. That experience opened my eyes to a new way of moving and building confidence.
From that moment on, I chose to focus my training on pole fitness, not as a replacement for dance, but as a continuation of it. I was drawn to how empowering and accessible it could be, and I felt a strong desire to share that feeling with others. Helping people discover their own strength through pole fitness has since become a central part of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Some of the hardest challenges didn’t come from the business itself, but from life happening all at once. Motherhood, leaving a dangerous relationship, and trying to build stability at the same time tested me in ways I never imagined.
During the last trimester of my pregnancy, I was finishing my degree, trying to find the courage to leave a toxic relationship, and making the decision to open my own studio. I was scared, exhausted, and uncertain, but I knew I needed to create a safer future for my daughter and myself. Starting a business in the middle of that season felt overwhelming, and there were moments when simply getting through the day felt like an achievement.
I was incredibly fortunate to have my parents supporting me during that time. Their help, emotional, practical, and unconditional—carried me through moments when I felt I couldn’t do it alone. Once the studio became more stable, my personal life was still fragile, and I made the difficult decision to leave the relationship and move far away to protect my daughter and myself. It was painful, but necessary.
My mother was always by my side through all of it. She was my strength, my reassurance, and my constant reminder to keep going. Losing her to leukemia three years ago was one of the deepest losses of my life, and it changed me forever.
The road has been hard, and it has shaped me deeply. Every struggle has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of creating spaces that feel safe, supportive, and human, because I know firsthand how much those spaces matter.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers around movement as a tool for strength, healing, and connection. I specialize in pole fitness classes that are welcoming to all bodies and all levels, especially for women who may be struggling with low self-esteem or feeling disconnected from themselves. My background in dance shapes how I teach, but my focus is always on creating an experience that feels safe and empowering.
From the very beginning, my dream was to build safe spaces for women. The heart of my business has never been about money; it has always been about offering a place where women can step away from the noise of daily life, even if just for an hour, and reconnect with their strength. I wanted to create a space where everyone feels accepted as they are, encouraged to grow, and celebrated along the way.
What I’m most known for is the sense of community we’ve created in the studio. We cheer for each other, celebrate progress in all its forms, and move without judgment or comparison. Many women arrive feeling unsure or intimidated, and seeing them gradually gain confidence—both in their bodies and in themselves—is what makes this work truly meaningful to me. Even though my studio is a small business, it’s built on love, care, and empowerment.
What I’m most proud of is the environment we’ve built together. It’s not about perfection or performance, but about showing up, being supported, and leaving class feeling stronger and more connected than when you arrived. What sets my work apart is the intention behind it: everything I do is guided by empathy, lived experience, and a deep belief that women deserve spaces where they feel safe, powerful, and truly seen.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For me, mentorship and networking never came from formal programs or perfectly planned moments. What worked best was staying open, showing up consistently, and building genuine relationships over time. Many of the people who guided me weren’t mentors in the traditional sense, they were teachers, colleagues, students, or women who simply believed in me at the right moment.
I’ve learned that asking questions with humility and being willing to learn goes a long way. Instead of focusing on what someone can offer you, it’s more meaningful to focus on connection, respect, and shared values. Some of the most important opportunities in my life came from being present, doing my work with care, and letting relationships grow naturally.
My advice is to look for people who align with who you are and what you stand for, not just where you want to go. Trust takes time, and so does community. Be patient with the process, be kind to yourself, and don’t underestimate the power of simple conversations, sometimes one genuine connection can change everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.polefitcenterworld.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polefitcenterworld/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolefitcenterWorld
