Ivory Thierolf shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ivory, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
The day I felt most loved and acknowledged was in March, when I won Gold for Kansas City Favorite 2025 – Best Gymnastics Studio. There are more than 26 established gymnastics and dance facilities in the surrounding area, many of which have been operating for 15–20 years or more. Compared to these larger, long-standing businesses, my company is quite small in both size and scale.
I was genuinely surprised to be nominated, let alone place in the top three and ultimately win. Initially, my hesitation wasn’t about whether I deserved the recognition, but whether I even fit within the category. Receiving this award validated my skills, growth, and dedication, and confirmed that the community recognizes the quality of my work. It was powerful reassurance that the hard work and time I have invested are truly paying off.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Ivory Thierolf- Founder of Ivory’s Tumble & Cheer
Ivory’s Tumble & Cheer is a premier tumbling facility committed to helping individuals achieve their goals through personalized coaching. Our small class sizes ensure a tailored experience and focused development for each athlete.
What sets us apart is our results-driven approach. In our private sessions, we often accomplish in weeks or months what might take years elsewhere. Trusted by dance studios and competitive cheer teams to refine their athletes’ tumbling techniques, our instruction is highly respected by both athletes and parents. We take pride in our craft and are dedicated to expanding our services as we grow, bringing more opportunities and expert coaching to even more clients.
Story: In the previous interview, I shared my story and the path that led me to where I am today. However, it did not fully convey the extent to which God has been the foundation of that journey. The guidance I received and the failures I endured were essential in shaping my ability to learn, grow, and consistently replicate excellence. Every step of the process played a meaningful role in developing the discipline and perspective I carry forward today.
I am focused on continuing to grow the facility while developing more efficient and effective methods for training coaches—not only in teaching drills and skills, but in cultivating genuine passion and leadership that helps athletes build strong character and lasting confidence—so that, in the coming years, I can expand to multiple locations throughout the Kansas and Missouri area.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people break when trust, understanding, or genuine care begin to fade, and they are restored when those same elements are rebuilt with intention and consistency. Repair doesn’t happen overnight; it requires repeated choices to show up with honesty, humility, and commitment.
As a coach, it’s critical that my athletes know I am present and willing to meet them where they are physically, mentally, and emotionally. When trust is established, communication improves, expectations become clear, and athletes feel supported not just in their skills, but in their confidence and character development as well.
With fellow coaches, strong bonds are built through professionalism, accountability, and mutual respect. That means extending grace when mistakes happen while also modeling responsibility by owning and learning from my own.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Hey little chocolate drop,
you once said you’d have a gym with your name on it, something that was truly yours. What you didn’t know then was that the vision had already been approved long before you ever saw the blueprint.
Right now, you feel pressured, unprepared, and overwhelmed. You question, why me, as responsibility stacks higher and faster than you expected. But understand this: you were built for exactly what you’re carrying.
Today, you wear many titles—therapist, comedian, motivator, life coach—but on paper, you’re simply a business owner that clients, friends, and family trust. That trust wasn’t given by chance. You’ve always been different.
The wealth you imagined? You received it exactly as you defined it. You are fulfilled, driven, and free. You travel. You live richly in experiences, purpose, and impact.
To those who once tried to quiet your spirit or labeled you “too much” they were wrong. Your energy is not a flaw; it’s your advantage. It’s your superpower. And it has the power to change rooms, shift people, and bless everyone who crosses your path.
Ivory Samela, you don’t get to skip seasons, but you don’t waste them either. Every obstacle becomes a tool. Every challenge becomes training. You don’t just go through hard things, you grow through them, so you can later use them to guide others.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say I’m big on quality time and meaningful connections. I’m naturally organized, detail-oriented, and I like getting things right the first time, because repeating work isn’t my love language. I’m also a total love bug: warm, affectionate, and very people-oriented (I’m the type who makes friends easily and isn’t shy about a hug). To stay balanced, I make sure to recharge through travel and usually plan at least three getaways a year.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Customers would miss the individualized attention and care their child receives. I focus on truly understanding each athlete and tailoring my approach to their specific needs, which leads to noticeable progress. Beyond physical development, parents often see growth in confidence, mindset, and discipline, and that overall transformation is something families truly value.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ivorystumbleandcheer.com/
- Instagram: @Ivory_tumble_cheer
- Facebook: Ivory’s Tumble & Cheer
