In 2022 — as Los Angeles and much of the world cautiously stepped out of lockdown — the concept of work/life balance was being rewritten in real time. Before 2020, many of us already struggled with bringing work home and letting stress spill into our personal lives. But after two years of remote work, blurred boundaries, and a global health crisis, the line between work and life had nearly disappeared.

That year, when so many were still searching for equilibrium, one Los Angeles–based gym owner and former NFL player, Jonathon Amaya, decided to take action. Through his flagship STLA Gym, he began crafting a new model of fitness designed for a post-pandemic world — one that embraced technology, flexibility, and community in equal measure.

Rediscovering Balance in a Shifting World

Fitness has always been my anchor. As a former NCAA athlete turned Program Manager at one of the world’s largest tech companies — and a very active mom of three — my peace depends on movement. When the pandemic shut down gyms, I, like many others, struggled with the loss of structure and connection.

But as restrictions started to ease in early 2022, I reached out to Amaya with an idea. I offered my experience building tech and workflow systems to help STLA find its footing in this new landscape. Together, we explored ways to merge fitness and technology into something sustainable — not just for recovery, but for reinvention.

During the lockdown years, STLA had already experimented with virtual classes, Zoom sessions, and Instagram Live workouts to stay connected with members. Still, the physical community that defined the gym experience had faded. The question was no longer how to return to normal — but how to create something better.

The answer came in the form of STLA’s new hybrid gym model, a forward-thinking approach that redefined what fitness could look like in a changed world.

Why Hybrid Models Work — In Business and in Life

Amaya’s pivot wasn’t an isolated innovation. Around the same time, companies across industries were adopting hybrid models — blending remote and in-person work to meet evolving employee expectations.

Employers had learned that productivity didn’t depend on office walls, and employees had discovered a freedom they weren’t willing to give up. What started as a temporary measure during the pandemic quickly became a long-term transformation.

Tech giants like Apple, Netflix, and Facebook led the way early on, thanks to their ability to adapt through technology. And in hindsight, it’s clear that their agility came from their roots: tech enables flexibility. It allows connection without constraint, work without borders, and growth without physical limits.

That same logic — the marriage of innovation and adaptability — became the foundation for STLA’s next chapter.

STLA Gym’s Hybrid Fitness Revolution

In 2022, STLA Gym officially launched its hybrid, tech-powered business model, combining the best of digital and in-person training. The approach was simple but powerful: empower members to work out on their own terms, while maintaining the accountability, personalization, and community that STLA is known for.

At the heart of this transformation was the STLA App, designed to help clients:

• Train anytime, anywhere, with on-demand workouts and virtual coaching.

• Access the physical gym space safely and securely.

• Maintain the personal attention of a private trainer, even on the go.

The app became a seamless bridge between digital convenience and physical connection — a true reflection of the hybrid lifestyle so many people had adopted after 2020.

Tech Meets Training: A Collaborative Case Study

Before its public launch, Coach Amaya and I piloted the app in 2022 with a select group of loyal STLA members — many of whom also worked in tech. Together, we stress-tested every feature, gathering feedback and refining the user experience to ensure it delivered measurable results and intuitive functionality.

As part of that pilot, I rediscovered balance in a new way. Whether working from home, traveling, or juggling motherhood, I was never without my trainer. My customized fitness plan synced with my schedule, my nutrition plan connected me to STLA-approved meal partners, and the entire experience made health not just accessible, but integrated.

It felt like having a world-class training program that traveled with me — a perfect fit for a hybrid life that no longer fit inside old boundaries.

The Future of Fitness Is Hybrid

Looking back, 2022 marked a turning point not just for STLA, but for fitness as a whole. The pandemic had forced industries to adapt; STLA used that disruption as a springboard for innovation.

Today, STLA Gym stands as a model for the future — a space where technology and wellness intersect, offering balance, flexibility, and empowerment for a generation that demands all three.

In this new era, fitness isn’t just about physical strength. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and peace of mind — and STLA Gym is leading that charge.

About STLA Gym
STLA Gym, founded by former NFL player Jonathon Amaya, is a Los Angeles–based fitness hub offering elite-level training, customized wellness programs, and a hybrid, tech-enabled approach that empowers members to thrive anywhere.

The Movement Has Begun

We’re excited to officially announce the launch of Pioneer Network — a bold new ecosystem for creators, innovators, and impact-driven leaders who are ready to move from ideas to action.

Born from years of hands-on community collaboration, production, and partnership building, Pioneer Network connects the dots between creativity, technology, and social impact. Whether you’re an independent filmmaker, entrepreneur, artist, or cultural curator — this is your space to build, grow, and scale together.

What Makes Pioneer Network Different

Pioneer Network isn’t just another membership platform — it’s a movement redefining how communities work, create, and lead.
Each member receives a custom digital ecosystem built to power their operations, audience engagement, and community growth. This system travels with you — meaning you own your data, your network, and your digital foundation.

Through collaborations with creative collectives like Sista Brunch, production spaces like The Recording Club, and partnerships spanning wellness, tech, and small business development, Pioneer Network merges innovation with intention.

Our mission is clear: to revolutionize the creative and entrepreneurial economy through connection, collaboration, and shared ownership.

Why Join

✅ Collaborative Projects
Work alongside fellow innovators through monthly virtual and in-person meetups focused on production, planning, and partnership.

Empowerment & Resources
Access funding tools, grant-writing teams, and collaborative scheduling systems designed to help you move from concept to completion.

Network of Spaces
Leverage our growing network of production studios, co-working hubs, and event venues available through our partners across California.

Professional Growth
Tap into mentorship circles, business development opportunities, and cross-promotional visibility through the Pioneer Network platform.

Innovative Partnership Frameworks
Simplify collaborations with pre-built frameworks, agreements, and MOUs that help protect your time, ideas, and energy.

Who Belongs Here

If you’re building, leading, or dreaming of something that serves your community — you belong in Pioneer Network.

We’re built for:

• Event Curators, Promoters, Producers, and Bookers

• Filmmakers, Podcasters, Marketers, and Content Creators

• Venue Owners, Co-Working Managers, and Shop Owners

• Independent Artists, Influencers, Musicians, Writers, and Actors

• Entrepreneurs in Tech, Wellness, Agriculture, Education, and Advocacy

Membership Investment

Your membership begins with a one-time ecosystem setup, where our team builds your fully branded digital infrastructure — including your community hub, communication tools, and engagement system.

Once your ecosystem is set up, you’ll have two options:

• Manage it yourself, maintaining full control and mobility of your system.

• Retain the Pioneer Network team to handle operations end-to-end — from audience engagement and event management to marketing and data tracking.

Each membership tier is priced according to the level of advancement services and support you choose.

Membership Perks

• Custom ecosystem setup to power your community and operations

• Access to collaborative projects and joint marketing opportunities

• Discounts across our co-working and studio network

• Exclusive invitations to networking mixers, creative workshops, and industry events

• Access to the Pioneer Network platform for ongoing collaboration

• Optional team management to oversee your full operations pipeline

What’s Coming

Entrepreneur + Creator Incubator Program – for business growth and creative acceleration
Food Near Me Farmers Markets – connecting community, culture, and commerce
Film Screening & Creative Showcase Series – where ideas meet audiences
Marketing and Business Scaling Workshops – designed for sustainable success

Ready to Build the Future?

Join Pioneer Network today and be part of the creative revolution that’s transforming how we work, collaborate, and create wealth together.

We’re not just pioneers — we’re builders of a new creative economy.

Let’s Create. Let’s Lead. Together.

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, a new trend is gaining momentum among small businesses. This trend revolves around leveraging social media not only as a platform for engagement but as a gateway to drive traffic to their own controlled environments, or owned "data spaces", better known as CRM - community resource management tools. CRM systems are more common now than ever, but not everyone understands how they should be using their CRM data, or how it can impact their business. With the right social media strategy and a stack of smart tech, even solopreneurs can 10x their engagement and revenue without hiring first.

The Shift Towards Owned Media

Small businesses are transforming their use of social media. Rather than solely focusing on building vast audiences across various platforms, they’re turning those platforms into springboards that propel audiences into spaces where they can manage interactions more closely. Whether it’s a dedicated website, a subscriber-based platform, or a community app, the focus is on drawing followers into these personalized spaces. Whether everyone knows what to do with their data or not, they all seem to understand the importance of owning it, which is a great first step!

Membership Models: A New Revenue Stream

A key innovation facilitating this approach towards driving traffic towards owned data spaces is the membership model. Through memberships, a business can incentivize their social media followers to become paying members, typically for a nominal monthly fee—imagine offering exclusive content for just a dollar a month. This transition not only generates a steady stream of revenue but also fosters a stronger, more loyal community. If you happen to be a Jack of All Trades, an artist, filmmaker, or business owner with a significant following, this model is an exceptionally viable option. 

The Benefit of Exclusive Content

The exclusivity available in these owned spaces is unparalleled. Businesses can create content tailored for their most loyal fans, enhancing engagement by offering value that followers can’t find anywhere else. Moreover, this exclusive content isn't limited by any bandwidth issues, ensuring seamless delivery. 

Partnering with Corporations to Amplify Impact

An interesting aspect of this strategy is the potential for collaboration with larger corporations. Many corporations are eager to demonstrate social responsibility and connect with communities, yet they often lack the know-how to engage effectively. Herein lies an opportunity for small businesses. By offering their platforms as channels for corporate sponsorships, small businesses can effectively become bridges between corporations and the audiences they aim to support.

Olivia-Diane Joseph’s insights into this developing trend reveal a promising direction for small businesses. By turning the expansive reach of social media into focused, monetizable interactions within their own spaces, small businesses can not only sustain themselves but thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Key Takeaways

The evolving landscape of social media marketing is reshaping how small businesses engage with their audiences. Understanding and capitalizing on these shifts can unlock new revenue streams and enhance community connections. Embracing this new marketing direction isn't just an option—it's rapidly becoming a necessity in the digital age. 

Whether it’s driving traffic to owned data spaces, utilizing membership revenues, or collaborating with corporations, small businesses have a wealth of opportunities to leverage their social media presence like never before. With the right strategy, the possibilities are boundless.

Today’s brands aren’t just competing for customers — they’re competing for attention.
Billboards get ignored. Print ads get tossed. Digital ads get skipped.
The only marketing that truly breaks through is connection — real people, in real spaces, sharing real moments.

That’s where Pioneer Network stands apart.

We are a sponsorship marketing agency that places brands inside cultural experiences — not at the edges of them. Instead of logos in the background, we turn sponsors into part of the environment, the memory, and the community.

✅ We Put Your Brand in Front of the Right People

We don’t deliver random foot traffic or passive impressions.
We deliver targeted, engaged audiences based on culture, lifestyle, and community identity.

Whether it’s a concert, mixer, panel talk, workshop, or third-space activation, sponsors connect with guests who are present, responsive, and socially active — not just watching, but participating.

This isn’t accidental exposure.
It’s intentional visibility.

✅ We Don’t Just Place Logos — We Build Brand Moments

Most marketing agencies hang banners and call that a partnership.
We do real activation work:

• Photo-worthy branded moments

• Product integration & sampling

• Branded VIP lounges and seating areas

• On-stage acknowledgments and influencer engagement

• Interactive giveaways that bring the brand into the room

• Digital QR engagement and lead capture

Your brand becomes something guests experience, remember, and talk about — not something they walk past.

✅ Sponsors Get More Value for Less Spend

For less than the cost of a billboard or print campaign, sponsors receive:

✔ Live audience engagement
✔ Social media amplification & digital reach
✔ Long-tail content that keeps working for months

One billboard delivers passive impressions.
Our activations deliver real-world conversations, new customers, social media sharing, and content that can be used again and again.

✅ We Create Events People Remember — and Return To

Pioneer Network produces cultural experiences — concerts, screenings, mixers, pop-ups, and brand-based nights — that feel authentic, inclusive, and community-centered.

Our events consistently:

• Bring in new and diverse foot traffic

• Encourage guests to stay longer (and spend more)

• Create repeat attendance and brand loyalty

• Generate organic posts, reels, and social buzz

• Position sponsors as part of the transformation of a space

We don’t just host events — we build environments that feel alive.

✅ Post-Event Content: Your Brand Keeps Working

Unlike one-night sponsorships, our partnerships include professional media production.

Sponsors receive:

• Cinematic recap videos

• Branded social clips and reels

• Photo assets and testimonials

• Highlight reels featuring brand placement

• Digital content for campaigns and advertising

• Long-form storytelling pieces if requested

A single event becomes weeks — even months — of usable marketing content.

That’s long-tail ROI.

✅ Why Sponsors Choose Pioneer Network

Because we offer what modern marketing demands:

• Cultural relevance

• Community engagement

• Digital visibility

• Targeted audiences

• Real relationships

• Real returns

When guests leave our events, they associate your brand with music, culture, creativity, inspiration, celebration, and community.

You’re not a sponsor — you’re a part of the story.

✅ The Experience IS the Advertisement

When people talk about the night, your brand is in the conversation.
When they share photos and videos, your logo is in the frame.
When they return, they return to a space that your sponsorship helped shape.

That’s what Pioneer Network delivers.

Not just impressions.
Not just visibility.
Impact.

What Is a Third Space—and Why Third-Space Activations Are the Future of Community Inclusion

And Why Pioneer Network Does It Better

We live in a world that’s constantly online, constantly scrolling, and constantly disconnected. For all the digital connection we have, many people feel more isolated than ever. That’s why real-world spaces—places where people can gather, meet, laugh, learn, listen, and feel seen—have become more valuable than ever before.

These are called third spaces.

✅ What Is a Third Space?

A third space is any place where people gather outside of their home (first space) and work (second space).
It’s the “in-between” space where real community happens.

Examples include:

• Cafés and lounges

• Bookstores and libraries

• Cigar lounges and wine bars

• Retail shops or creative studios

• Performance venues, art galleries, community centers

• Barber shops, salons, parks, cultural hubs

• Anywhere people feel welcome to just be

A true third space feels like this:

✔ Safe
✔ Welcoming
✔ Social
✔ Creative
✔ Inclusive

It’s not about a transaction—it’s about connection.

✅ What Is a Third-Space Activation?

A third-space activation is when a venue intentionally transforms into a cultural experience—something worth showing up for.

Instead of just being a bar, a cigar lounge, a café, or a venue, the space becomes a destination.
Something is happening there.

Examples Pioneer Network already produces:

• Screenings + filmmaker talkbacks

• Live music and acoustic nights

• Community mixers and curated networking

• Guided meditations and wellness events

• Spoken word, jazz, comedy, or art showcases

• Pop-ups, brand activations, and sponsor nights

• Educational panels and curated workshops

A well-designed activation achieves three things:

1. Brings new people in the door

2. Gives guests a reason to stay longer

3. Makes them want to come back with a friend next time

It creates loyalty.
It builds culture.
It grows community.

✅ Why Third-Space Activations Are the Future

The world is shifting. Traditional marketing isn’t enough. Ads get skipped, scrolled past, or ignored. But authentic experiences? People show up for those.

Here’s why activations are the future of community inclusion:

✨ Because connection is a human need.
People want to feel part of something—not just customers, but contributors.

✨ Because not all communities have access to artistic, creative, or cultural spaces.
Third-space activations create welcoming environments for everyone—no gatekeeping, no exclusivity.

✨ Because brands need culture more than consumers need brands.
A venue becomes relevant when people talk about it, share it, and remember the moments inside it.

✨ Because experiences create belonging.
When people feel seen and welcomed, they return—and they bring others.

The future isn’t just “going out.”
The future is community-centered social spaces.

✅ How Pioneer Network Does It Better

Anyone can host a DJ or throw a flyer on Instagram. That’s not activation—that’s just an event.

Pioneer Network has a different formula:

1. We curate the right experience for the right space.

We don’t throw random events.
We build experiences that fit the DNA of the venue and the audience it wants.

2. We handle the entire process.

Creative planning
Talent curation
Production
Filming
Marketing
Post-event content

From concept to completion, Pioneer Network manages everything.

3. We make the night live beyond the room.

We capture video, interviews, highlights, and cinematic content.
When the event ends, the marketing begins.
Your venue becomes shareable, memorable, and discoverable.

4. We create reasons to return.

Our programming is consistent—not one-off.
Guests know:
“There’s always something happening there.”

That consistency builds community.

5. We focus on inclusion.

Our events intentionally spotlight:

• Emerging artists

• Underrepresented voices

• Local businesses

• Real community members

No velvet ropes.
No exclusivity.
Just culturally-rich, welcoming spaces.

✅ When a Third Space Becomes Culture

A venue is a building.
A third-space activation is a heartbeat.

When people feel safe, inspired, entertained, and connected—they stay.
They spend.
They return.
They bring their friends.
And your business becomes part of their life, not just a place they visited once.

That is the power of third-space activation.

And that is what Pioneer Network delivers.

Modern Shoppers Want Experiences—Not Just Transactions

Why Pioneer Network Gives People a Reason To Show Up, Stay Longer, and Come Back With Friends

There was a time when a business could simply open its doors, offer a product, and watch customers flow in. That era is gone.

Today’s shoppers don’t just want to buy something—they want to feel something. They want connection, surprise, culture, and a sense of belonging. Retailers, restaurants, lounges, and entertainment venues are competing not just for purchases, but for presence, attention, and loyalty.

In 2025, attention is the most valuable currency in the world, and brands only earn it when they give people a reason to care. That’s why Pioneer Network creates experiences—not just events—that transform everyday spaces into cultural magnets.

It’s Not About the Sale—It’s About the Moment

Think about the places people return to again and again:

• The coffee shop that hosts a live acoustic night

• The lounge that curates spoken word and jazz

• The venue that offers panel talks, film screenings, and community mixers

• The retail shop that brings in creators, artists, and local talent

People don’t come just for what’s sold there.

They come because of how those spaces make them feel.

When you create meaningful experiences inside a physical location, you build something money can’t buy:

✅ Memory
✅ Emotion
✅ Connection
✅ Culture

And culture is what makes a customer a regular.

How Pioneer Network Makes It Happen

Pioneer Network produces, films, and markets live experiences—concerts, mixers, screenings, panel talks, workshops, cigar lounge activations, brand pop-ups, and more—designed to bring new audiences into a space and make them feel part of a community.

But our real strategy goes deeper:

• We give people a reason to show up.
  Not a passive event—an experience worth getting dressed, driving, and posting about.

• We give people a reason to stay longer.
  When the environment is curated, people order another drink, stay for another song, meet someone new, and settle in.

• We give people a reason to come back.
  The energy, the people, the music, the visuals, the storytelling—it turns into a place they want to return to.

• We give people a reason to bring friends next time.
  Because nothing spreads faster than an experience worth sharing.

This is what modern business needs:
consistency, culture, and community.

Experiences Drive Revenue

There’s a direct correlation between live events and financial impact:

• Guests stay longer → higher food and beverage sales

• New audiences discover the venue → brand growth

• Social media content → digital reach and online visibility

• Word-of-mouth → organic, authentic marketing

• Repeat visitors → long-term revenue, not one-time traffic

Modern shoppers don’t just want to purchase—they want to participate.

The Power of Post-Event Content

What makes Pioneer Network unique is that we don’t just produce the event. We capture it, edit it, and turn it into cinematic content that continues to work long after the doors close.

• Clips for social media

• Artist highlights

• Brand & sponsor features

• Recap videos

• Testimonials

• Streaming-ready footage

The event becomes a marketing asset that keeps growing, keeps circulating, and keeps bringing attention back to the venue or brand.

In other words: the night becomes an advertisement.

Why This Matters Now

Most businesses are fighting to stand out.
But the businesses that win are the ones that create environments where people feel part of something.

Anyone can sell a product.
Anyone can open a bar.
Anyone can host a DJ.

But not everyone can create an experience that people talk about days later.

That’s the difference between traffic and community.
Between customers and fans.
Between a sale and a relationship.

This Is Where Pioneer Network Thrives

We bring culture.
We bring storytelling.
We bring memorable moments that make people say:

“Yo, you have to come with me next time.”

That sentence is the most powerful marketing tool on Earth.

Experiences Become Culture

The businesses that embrace community-driven events today will become the cultural hubs of tomorrow.

And Pioneer Network makes that easy—through production, filming, marketing, and partnerships that turn ordinary spaces into must-attend destinations.

Because in today’s world, people aren’t loyal to brands.

They’re loyal to experiences.