Up bright and early, Breanne McLaughlin balances her baby in one hand and her phone in the other to answer bakery orders and coffee shop questions, while her husband, Robby McLaughlin, runs a workout class and ensures everything is in order at the Headstrong gym downtown. Together, the two run not one, but several thriving businesses—all while navigating life with a baby. For many, this seems like an impossible juggling act, but for Bre and Robby, it’s just another day in their jam-packed life.
The two met at a crossfit gym years ago and began dating in 2018. They then got married in 2021 on their property after buying a house together. Not too soon after, a new light came into their lives when they had their daughter, Charlie, in 2024.Â
Robby originally quit his Diablo security job some years back when he was injured, which led him to start a gym in his garage to begin training people. The home-gym quickly took off and grew into the Headstrong gym that we know and love today. It became an official business in 2016, allowing three locations to open up in San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and Nipomo. He owns and works as a trainer at Headstrong, so make sure to stop by and take a class! Robby also began Mission Headstrong, a nonprofit that was started about a year ago. It allows for those who are underprivileged to be granted access to the fitness community and focuses on those within the autism community, domestic violence survivors, disabled veterans, recently released incarcerated, etc. A much-needed program that is in the process of raising money to begin classes in the spring, Mission Headstrong offers opportunities to those who don’t normally have access. It grants this population the ability to train in private, intimate settings that work for them. Robby also became a co-partner for Arbor DVBE water tenders about three and a half years ago. Because he is a disabled veteran, he runs this business in order to get called first when resources are needed in times of crisis (wildfires, etc.).Â
Breanne began Seabreeze Cupcakes and Sweet Treats in 2011. Starting off by renting small spots and kitchens, the business eventually moved into the Cal Poly Creamery in 2018. The success continued to grow and now the bakery has its very own location in San Luis Obispo on Broad Street. Bre then opened a new coffee trailer with her husband called SLO Rooted, located in the parking lot of the Headstrong gym in San Luis Obispo. It opened in November of 2024 and has led her to start serving coffee in Seabreeze Cupcakes as well (coming soon). Stop by for a sweet treat and a coffee! If it convinces you, I will most likely be your barista if you’re looking to get something…
As if all these businesses aren’t enough for the two, they own four Air BNBs on their property in Atascadero. They started with one in 2021, and with help, have built three more since then. Bre designed the Air BNBs all with fun themes in mind: one is tiki themed, one is built from scratch in the shape of a pirate ship, and an older 1960’s boho style. The couple is also currently working on adding a slightly bigger and modern western tiny home.Â
Running a business can be incredibly difficult, time-consuming and stressful. Because Bre and Robby own several, they have been through the ups and downs. The most difficult part for Bre has been finding staff who genuinely care and want to work. “It’s been harder and harder to find good work ethic. To find someone who actually cares about what they’re doing, that wants to be part of your success—that’s good for your business,” she expressed. When asked the same question, Robby replied, “Everything about the entrepreneurship lifestyle is difficult. We don’t really have days off, because there’s constant little stressors we are trying to work out. We also experience lots of different personalities, so we have learned to work with people through a strong, positive front no matter what. I’m proud of us for being the kind of people that can keep moving through all the hard parts regardless.”Â
Despite all the difficulties, Robby and Bre wouldn’t have it any other way. Bre’s favorite part of running these businesses is calling the shots. She loves that they “get to make things up and do them the way we want to and we don’t have to report to anybody else. It’s ours.” Robby’s favorite part is “getting the community together and giving the opportunity to touch lives. It’s incredibly rewarding getting to help with someone’s healing process, getting them to goals they never thought they would achieve.”Â
Now, to make things even more hectic, Bre and Robby had their baby girl, Charlie, this year. Although it is very clear that Charlie is their light, she definitely created some more obstacles when it comes to running their businesses. Bre says that, “Since having Charlie, it’s been really hard. When they say it takes a community it absolutely does. It’s been a difficult juggle. My time and effort is less than what I was able to put in before, I’ve had to rely on Robby and family and friends, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The gym community is awesome because they all love her and want to take care of her, which helps us out a lot.” Robby adds, “We’ve just had to get a little more creative. Before Charlie, Bre would be at the bakery and Cal Poly during the day, so I wouldn’t get to see her until we got home at night. Now, we have a reason to see each other for a quick trade-off of Charlie. All of the members at the gym also love Charlie, so it’s never an issue if I’m with her during sessions.” How could you not love that face?
Having dealt with what they have during the process of starting up and running their businesses, I would say this couple is pretty qualified to give advice if you want to go a similar route. Bre’s biggest piece of advice is, “Don’t get discouraged. It’s hard. You’re not going to see immediate profit, so you have to stick to it and put in the time in order to see it get off the ground. If you believe in it and you are willing to work hard, you will get to see it grow.” Robby’s biggest piece of advice is, “Make sure that this is truly what you want to do. There’s going to be ten steps back to every one step forward. You will be successful if you have a goal, you just need to be prepared for some long nights, early mornings, and stressful decisions.”Â
SLO Rooted is their most recently opened business. The coffee trailer has now been up and running for almost two months, and has been feeling all the love from the members of Headstrong. Although it is open to everyone, the support from the Headstrong community has been huge. “The members have seen the trailer outside for a few years now and have been eager for it to open, so they’re really excited,” said Robby, “the community of all the businesses has been so important in helping the success of each other.”
A big reason why their businesses work is because Bre and Robby were made for each other. I asked how their relationship plays a role in their entrepreneur lifestyle.Â
“Having a partner who understands having a business is so important, and because we have multiple, it works out well. I don’t think the dynamic in other relationships would work if one person wasn’t accustomed to always being on go-mode. It takes a certain partner to be with that person because it’s understanding that they’re going to be working. I still get to see him and spend time with him because our work is sometimes intertwined, but it’s different for sure.”
Bre replied.
Robby said, “I think it’s wonderful. Right now, Bre is helping me at the gym on a Saturday night because she knows that it’s my business and it’s my passion. She understands that things just need to get done.”Â
The two are truly an inspiration. Managing a baby is one thing, but their other babies require just as much attention! To be a part of Bre’s journey with SLO Rooted has been an honor, and to now be a part of the Headstrong community is the best feeling ever. Being a barista at the coffee trailer has showed me that working actually can be fun when you have an awesome boss and are surrounded by awesome people. Bre and Robby are the best (and Charlie, of course) and deserve all of the success and more.Â