Nundiah Danielle Edwards jokingly calls herself the “accidental CEO.”
Edwards is the founder of two unique Brooklyn spaces — The New Body Project, the borough’s only women-exclusive boot camp studio, and Atrium82, a micro-wedding venue in Park Slope.
The New Body Project has carved out a niche in the fitness and wellness industry. More than just Brooklyn’s first women-only boot camp, it has become a community where women support each other’s growth.
But Edwards did not always consider herself an entrepreneur.
“ Understand that failure is a part of growth,” she told Brooklyn Paper. “I have failed so many times, but I have come so very far.”
Her journey began more than 10 years ago when Edwards struggled to balance her corporate career with raising two young children and working relentlessly long hours, making it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The tipping point came when she was laid off. She admitted that during her unemployment, her fitness level declined significantly.
Hoping to find a healthier lifestyle and a way to spend more time with her children, Edwards applied to work at a women-focused fitness studio. She found herself in a work environment where she excelled, but more importantly, she became a part of an uplifting and supportive community.
When the fitness studio abruptly shut down, women connected to the studio fundraised for Edwards to open her own space. They raised $3,000 and pushed Edwards to pursue her dream career.
“They saw something in me that I didn’t necessarily see in myself. It’s not just about the $3,000 they gave me,” Edwards said. “Which, at the time — still to this day — is not a lot of money.”
“It was also the emotional encouragement, the belief in my vision and in me personally that led the charge, and the sheer commitment to seeing me succeed.”
Edwards is selective about who joins the collective. Every potential client meets with her for a personal consultation to discuss their fitness needs and confirm their commitment to the group.
“ When the women in the community came together to support me, it felt like almost my obligation — being a woman, being a mom, not knowing proper workouts — there needed to be a space for us,“ she said. “They took care of me, so it’s only fair that I help build the community that built me.”
The studio was successful until the pandemic hit, forcing Edwards to shut down her classes.
During this time, she recalls the stoplight at St. Mark’s Avenue, which always seemed to take a long time to turn green during her usual car rides. While she regularly found herself waiting for the light to change, she repeatedly noticed a brownstone with large front windows and a for-rent sign.
Edwards calls her latest leap of faith her “pandemic pivot,” explaining that Atrium82 was “born out of necessity.”
Embarking on a new entrepreneurial endeavor, Edwards decided to sell the house she purchased at 23 to open Atrium82 — a micro-wedding venue tailored for couples seeking an affordable and intimate gathering for their nuptials.
She calls the 550-square-foot space “small but mighty.” It can hold around 40 people.
Edwards is right on the mark for the latest wedding shift. According to Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report, searches for “close-knit nuptials” have surged. Searches for “court weddings” rose by 150%, “civil ceremonies” increased by 210%, and searches for “small backyard wedding reception” grew by 300%.
The light-filled venue offers couples a space that bridges the gap between a scaled-down courthouse wedding and a large 100-person-plus event.
Atrium82 and The New Body Project now operate in the same building.
“We can have a class at 8, a yoga class at 9, a pilates class at 10, and a wedding at 12:30. It happens just about every weekend,“ said Edwards.
Today, Edwards does not see a limit to her business’ growth. After three years of managing Atrium82, she is excited to expand her micro-wedding offerings. She hopes to have 100 clients at The New Body Project by the end of this year.
“ I’m a child of immigrants,” she said. “I’ve faced the struggle, and I would say my children also give me that drive — the drive to say that I’m not going to give up, that I’m going to continue to push.”
Atrium82 and The New Body Project are located at 82 6th Ave. in Park Slope. Visit The New Body Project and Atrium82 websites to learn more about upcoming fitness classes and venue options.
