Red Flags and Lockouts: My Almost-Landlord Horror Story

🚨 Red Flags, Lockouts & Lessons: How I Walked Away From “The Perfect” Studio Space — And Why You Might Need To, Too

The first time I saw it, I swear my heart skipped a beat.

Two historic brick buildings, built in 1900, standing side by side like sisters. Each had its own loft — one for Lumina, my radiant, light feminine energy sanctuary, and the other for Lustra, my sultry, bold, unapologetically powerful room.

From the street, I could smell fresh espresso and buttery croissants drifting from the French restaurant next door. On the other side, the rhythmic clank of weights from a traditional personal training gym mixed with the crisp, green scent of wheatgrass from the juice and vitamin shop.

It wasn’t just a location — it was a story. A corner where strength, sensuality, and community could live side by side. I could see women arriving in heels, in sneakers, in yoga pants, stepping through my doors into a world where they would remember how radiant and powerful they really are.

It felt like fate.

The First Meeting: My Gut Speaks Softly

I drove the 30 minutes from my house with excitement buzzing through my veins.
When I met the landlord, his handshake was firm, but his energy was… rushed. Too eager.

Not the warm, collaborative eagerness of someone who’s building a relationship — more the kind that feels like “sign now before you think too much.”

My gut stirred. But I brushed it off. This building was too perfect, wasn’t it?

The Second Meeting: The Wife’s Warning

The second time, I met his wife. She smiled, but her words landed differently:

“Make sure you read the special stipulations. We don’t know you, and we have to protect ourselves.”

It was said casually, but it felt like a caution flag waving in the wind.

Six Visits in Two Weeks

Over the next two weeks, I visited six times. I wanted to see it in the morning light, at dusk, on busy days, on quiet ones.

And every time, I felt a tug-of-war between my dream and my intuition.

Then Came the Red Flags 🚩

When the lease arrived, the excitement dimmed.

• Lockout clause: They could lock me out for any reason, not just unpaid rent.

• No maintenance clause: They wouldn’t be responsible for fixing anything.

• Pressure tactics: “Someone else wants it, you need to hurry.”

• Pushiness: Late-night texts, constant follow-ups.

• City hall trip: In person, I was told they’d had four tenants in two years, while nearby buildings had stable, long-term businesses. The advice was clear — “Do not sign without a third-party inspection.”

The Inspection Day Drama

Thursday: electricity was on.
Monday — the day of the inspection — it was off.

When I said the county and city both advised me to get a third-party inspection first, he shot back:

“If you wanna walk…”

I smiled, steady and calm.
“Yes, I think that’s best.”

That’s when his mask dropped:

“What a fing waste of time. Thanks for wasting my fing time.”

Click.

Standing on the Sidewalk, Processing

The sun hit the brick just right, casting warm light on the building that could have been mine. My chest tightened.

I was bummed. The French café. The perfect neighbors. The lofts. The history. The vibe.

But underneath, something deeper: Pride.

Pride that I had:

• Revised the lease to protect myself.

• Asked for clarification instead of rushing to sign.

• Listened to my intuition when the deal felt off.

• Walked away, even though it hurt.

Brooke Castillo calls this being a badass. That day, I earned the title.

What This Taught Me — And Can Teach You

1️⃣ Your Gut Is a Board Member

If something feels off in the handshake, it will feel worse in the contract.

2️⃣ Urgency Is a Manipulation Tool

When someone pushes you to “hurry before it’s gone,” pause. The right deal can stand the test of a little time.

3️⃣ Always Do Your Homework

Visit in person. At different times. Ask about tenant history. Walk into city hall if you have to.

4️⃣ Get It In Writing — Every Time

If it’s not in the contract, it doesn’t exist.

5️⃣ Be Willing to Walk

The right opportunity will never require you to betray your values or ignore your instincts.

Journal Prompts for You 🖋️

• Where in my life am I ignoring my gut because I want something to work?

• What “special stipulations” in my life need a closer look?

• Where can I slow down and protect my future self by making a smarter decision today?

Why This Wasn’t a Loss — It Was a Win

Sure, I lost that space. But I gained proof that I’m building LuminaFit on more than beautiful aesthetics — I’m building it on integrity, trust, and discernment.

And in just a short time, LuminaFit will have a home that’s aligned, safe, and worthy of the women who walk through its doors.

When you step into LuminaFit, you’ll feel it:

✨ The Lumina Room — bathed in blush pink light, soft velvet textures, and the gentle scent of lavender. A sanctuary for flow, renewal, and self-love.

🔥 The Lustra Room — rich burgundy tones, animal prints, the pulse of deep beats, and movement that awakens your fire.

This is more than fitness.
It’s a revolution in how women feel about their bodies, their energy, and their power.

And it will stand on a foundation I can trust — because I had the courage to walk away from one I couldn’t.

💫 Follow the journey: LuminaFit.com