Success Story: Haven Lagree LLC

A Military Spouse Brings the Lagree Method to the Santa Ynez Valley

Location: Southern California | Santa Barbara County | Buellton

Business Type: Lagree Fitness Studio

Small Business Center: Los Angeles Regional Veterans Business Outreach Center

Assistance Received: Access to Capital, Business Plan Development, and Start-Up Assistance

California State Assembly District: 37 

California State Senate District: 21 

Visit Haven Lagree LLC online

Grace Garver’s connection to the Lagree method goes back nearly ten years. As a military spouse in the Space Force community, she taught both Lagree and yoga in cities across the country, and along the way she discovered a strength in herself and the inspiration to start her own business. 

“I was inspired to start a Lagree fitness studio in California as I had previously taught Lagree in Montreal and Denver, after being lucky enough to find a studio next to my work at the time. I fell in love with the slow, controlled burn and how the method challenged both my body and mind. After moving to Lompoc, CA, the closest Lagree studio was over an hour away, so I made the leap to start my own business. I had always dreamed of starting something of my own one day, and with my previous experience and lack of Lagree studios in the area, the opportunity arose to finally start my own fitness studio,” Grace said. 

She envisioned a space built around determination and grit, fortitude and passion, where clients would be inspired to show up fully for themselves each day, bringing together Lagree intensity with the mindfulness of yoga. 

To turn that vision into a business, Grace connected with the Los Angeles Regional Veterans Business Outreach Center, known as the LA VBOC, which serves veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. 

“The LA VBOC was very helpful with reviewing my business plan and informing me of the requirements for a business loan. It was also great to get an outside perspective on whether the business plan and financial projections were feasible or not! LA VBOC helped guide me on the requirements that are needed to qualify for a business loan and assisted in reviewing my business plan. I also took advantage of the opportunity to go through the Boots to Business Reboot and Revenue Readiness follow-up course!” Grace said. 

The technical assistance complemented Grace’s focus on her launch and financing decisions by providing clarity instead of pressure. And the guidance on building a strong business structure helped ensure her LLC was in the best position to obtain capital. Grace took the initiative to secure a loan, with thanks to the veteran-centered perspective on her competitive advantage, business plan, financial projections, and potential lenders for comparison from the LA VBOC. 

Grace said she felt the one-on-one consultations were the most valuable part because they were tailored and practical to her scenario. She also appreciated the Boots to Business Reboot class and the Financial Strategies session for foundational education on loans and comparisons, with the Boots to Business Revenue Readiness program remaining available on her own schedule. The mix of advising and training respected her time as a go-getter military spouse and helped her understand next steps in California permits, entity strength, and capital readiness without feeling lost. 

Today, Haven Lagree LLC is open in Buellton, giving the Santa Ynez Valley a Lagree studio of its own. Grace has built the space she envisioned, where clients are inspired to show up fully for themselves each day. 

Visit Haven Lagree LLC online to learn more about their classes and studio in Buellton. 

And if you’re a veteran, service member, or military spouse in Southern California looking to start or grow a business, connect with the Los Angeles Regional Veterans Business Outreach Center to learn about their business plan and financing resources.

7/28/2026