H\FC Office Tour: Bala with Natalie Holloway

Ever wondered what it’s like to build a fitness brand that seamlessly merges style and function? Home From College’s latest Office Tour takes you inside Bala, the movement-focused company redefining wellness accessories. And who better to show us around than co-founder and CEO Natalie Holloway, who, alongside her husband, Max Kislevitz, turned a simple idea into a cultural phenomenon.

From a co-working hub built from the ground up to an in-house studio ready for content creation, Bala’s Los Angeles headquarters is anything but ordinary - and we’re taking you behind the scenes!

The Bala Story: From Idea to Iconic Brand

Bala started as a simple idea during a yoga class while Natalie and Maximilian were on sabbatical in Asia. They saw an opportunity to redesign outdated wrist and ankle weights, creating their first product - Bala Bangles sleek, stylish, and versatile weights. After launching with a Kickstarter campaign, they officially debuted in Bala 2018. Their big break came in 2020 when they landed a deal with Mark Cuban and Maria Sharapova on Shark Tank.

Since then, Bala has expanded its product line beyond Bangles to include Bala Bars, Bala Beams, and more, all while maintaining a strong focus on aesthetics, versatility, and movement. Along the way, Bala has collaborated with some of the most recognizable brands to blend fitness with fashion, including Kate Spade New York, New Balance, SCHUTZ, and more! 

A Workspace Built for Creativity and Collaboration

Bala’s Los Angeles headquarters is a direct reflection of the brand - modern, dynamic, and built with intention. When Natalie and Maximilian first acquired the space, it had nothing but dirt floors. Today, it’s a thriving hub designed to fuel creativity and collaboration.

Some standout features include:

🏡 Co-Working Space – Embracing a post-pandemic work culture, Bala shares its space with other brands, fostering innovation and community.

📸 In-House Studio – With a fully equipped studio, the team can create content on demand, keeping their digital presence fresh and engaging.

🔨 From the Ground Up – What started as an empty shell has been transformed into a sleek, modern workspace.

💪 Life-Sized Bala Bangles & Bala Bars – A nod to their NYC pop-up, the office features oversized versions of their iconic products, reinforcing Bala’s playful brand identity.

Insert Natalie Vid

Meet Natalie Holloway: The Mind Behind Bala

Natalie’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t linear, but every experience shaped her success.

🎓 University of Texas Graduate – Majored in government without a clear career direction.

🏛 First Internship: Texas Capitol – Natalie secured her first internship in politics but realized politics wasn’t her passion.

📢 Advertising Career at PMG Studios – After graduating, Natalie worked at PMG Studio,s where she developed branding and marketing skills that later fueled Bala’s success.

💬 Her Advice to Her Younger Self: “Keep hustling. I moved around a lot and felt self-conscious about it, but now I see how every experience added up.”

Why This Office Tour Matters

Bala’s journey is proof that bold ideas, persistence, and adaptability can create something extraordinary. From a napkin sketch to a Shark Tank deal to an iconic movement brand, Natalie has built more than a company - she’s built a movement.

For the next generation of talent looking to:
✅ Build something from the ground up
✅ Merge business with creativity
✅ Take an unconventional career path

👉 Bala is living proof that great things happen when you take risks and believe in your vision.

🎥 Watch the full Office Tour with Natalie Holloway now on @homefromcollege socials!