Summer Griffith

Founder, Drip Drop Fitness

Turnbull Award Winner: The Turnbull Award was introduced for the first time at the 2020 ceremony to recognize the lifetime achievements of Marjorie Turnbull, a 2020 Pinnacle recipient. The Turnbull Award recognizes an “up and coming” young woman 40 years of age or younger who is more than on her way to encompassing what it means to be a Pinnacle recipient.

When Summer Griffith, a New York City native, came to Tallahassee, she decided to make things happen. After earning a bachelor’s degree and starting an MBA program at Florida State University, she took a leap and signed a lease on a commercial space—at 23 years old and living in a sorority house.

With no prior fitness or dance experience, she started Drip Drop Fitness, an inclusive, energetic studio offering fitness classes that don’t feel like exercise. In seven years in business, Drip Drop Fitness has been named the city’s Best Specialty Fitness Studio for four consecutive years and also is among the Seminole 100, which recognizes the fastest-growing FSU alumni-owned businesses. Access Tallahassee named Griffith a Future 5 in 2021, and FSU named her one of 7 Under 30 in 2020. Griffith lives in Tallahassee with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband with whom she’s expecting her first child this spring.

Describe a defining moment in your career.

I have a few defining moments, like when we sold out our first class and when we had our first-ever waitlist. Having a member tell me how Drip Drop Fitness saved their life—that they were depressed and suicidal but coming to class brought joy to their life and saved them.

Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision.

Every day seems like a crossroad when you’re an entrepreneur. I rely on my gut, experiences, and faith to help me navigate tough situations—and COVID-19 was one of the most challenging times for the way it affected service industries. I was constantly faced with hard decisions and hurdles to jump just to keep my business open.

Who has served as a mentor, and how did they impact your path?

This may be an unconventional answer, but my therapist—who is neither a friend nor mentor—served as a constant neutral helping me through my career journey. Having someone to talk to through all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship is key.

What lessons have you learned that have improved your professional life? I must remind myself every day: You can’t make everyone happy. Saying “no” can be a challenge, but I’ve learned its okay to decline requests, even if it disappoints others.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers?

Surround yourself with a strong support system that believes in you and encourages you, and always stay true to your values. You can’t go wrong if you’re doing what you love and living authentically. Don’t shy away from swimming against the current. Starting a business is challenging and not a typical journey. It can be isolating at times but keep on swimming.

Videography by Boo Media.