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Tampa draws Elite Animation Academy

 
Gladys and Tom are co-founders of Elite Animation Academy, which will open a facility on Linebaugh Avenue.
Gladys and Tom are co-founders of Elite Animation Academy, which will open a facility on Linebaugh Avenue.
Published March 4, 2015

WESTCHASE — When Elite Animation Academy staged its 2014 summer camp in Orlando a number of attendees came from Tampa.

Now the founders look to grow that base by opening a second academy at 9634 W Linebaugh Ave. The facility will offer a variety of traditional and digital animation classes and camps taught by former Disney animators, Marvel artists and industry experts.

"We are very excited about coming to Tampa," co-founder Todd West said.

Registration is currently under way for summer camps, which run June 1 through Aug. 21. Campers age 10 and up can choose from a number of areas of study, including traditional animation, LEGO stop motion animation, 2D Flash/3D Maya animation and much more. Camp hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The $300 weekly fee includes all supplies. Early enrollment is encouraged, as camps fill up quickly.

Beginning in September, classes ranging from life drawing to digital sculpting will be offered for ages 10 through adult Monday through Saturday. The focus is on basic to intermediate levels to promote personal interest or provide the foundation for the pursuit of a career in animation, graphics or game design. Small class sizes provide an optimal learning environment.

Elite Animation Academy will host an open house May 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information or to register for camps, visit animationtampa.com or call (813) 321-3939.

Trainer targets working women

As a mother and business owner, Susan Hunter understands the intricate balance between work and home responsibilities.

She also knows that sometimes women just want to de-stress or workout without feeling like they are on stage or in the spotlight.

After three years of consulting as a private, in-home personal trainer, Hunter has opened her first studio, YourBodyChange, inside the Winthrop Town Centre. She caters her ACE certified personal training regimen to women 35 and older who are interested in a one-on-one holistic, mind-body approach to fitness, nutrition, wellness and weight management.

"I just wanted to provide an environment where women can come for a private session," said Hunter who moved to Florida after a 20-year career in human resources for companies in the United Kingdom. "It's their time."

YourBodyChange focuses on techniques such as balance, pushing, pulling, stability and coordination — as found in mat Pilates. There are very few machines or pieces of equipment inside the studio.

The studio is located at 6023 Winthrop Commerce Ave. in Riverview and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays are by appointment.

Call (813) 438-8313 for an initial health and fitness assessment.

Beach-vibe boutique opens in SoHo area

When Stephanie Rae's husband was relocated to Tampa in 2013, she decided it was time to fulfill her dream of owning her own boutique.

Today that dream will be realized as Bumble Tampa, a boutique with a beach-vibe offering clothing, handmade jewelry, natural bath products, decor pillows, gift sets and more opens just two blocks off of Bayshore Boulevard on South Howard Avenue.

"The original location was going to be downtown, but I fell in love with the SoHo building," Rae explained in her strong, Alabama accent.

She has even decorated based on the historic feel of the building that also houses Bella's Italian Restaurant and Sanaca Nail Salon.

"I kept the outside of the building in mind when decorating, keeping it shabby chic and relaxed."

Inside, Rae sells the Cape Cod based brand, BeachSimple Clothing Co., as well as Everly, Ark & Co., Sugarfina gourmet candy, Candelles Candles, Garance Dore greeting cards and stationery.

"The idea is shoppers can go into the store and get everything they need. If you're going to a party, you can get everything from your outfit, to a hostess gift."

Rae applies skills she has learned from working in several boutiques over the years, to her very own store.

"In retail, it's smart to have floor to ceiling inventory. So, there's inventory everywhere with room to walk around," she said. The grand opening extends through Saturday at 7 p.m. After that, the store, located at 1413 South Howard Ave., Suite 101, will be open Tuesday through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Times staff writer Arielle Waldman and correspondents Eric Vician and Karen Ring contributed to this report.