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More Than a Gym…It’s a Family.
When families walk through the doors of Let It Shine, they're joining something that started with one family's dream.
In 1983, Tim and Janie Richards opened Let It Shine with every step of their journey built on faith, family, and a commitment to serving others. Tim and Janie have always believed that the success of Let It Shine is a blessing from God, and they continue to give Him all the glory for guiding and sustaining this ministry through the years.
1983 → 28 athletes → Dream of 400 athletes→
Today: 5,000+ athletes monthly →
Second Generation Leadership → Third Generation Growing.
Today, Let It Shine continues as a true family business. Tim's son, Tanner Richards, now leads the organization, carrying forward the same values and vision that have defined Let It Shine from the beginning. Tanner's journey began as a gymnast at Let It Shine, where he trained and competed alongside his brother and sister. Those experiences shaped not only his love for the sport but also his commitment to the mission and culture that have defined Let It Shine for generations.
For Tanner, the greatest blessing has been watching his family grow alongside the business his parents built. From his own days competing in gymnastics to now seeing one daughter continue the family's gymnastics journey as a Let It Shine athlete and another daughter inspire the next generation as a Let It Shine coach, Tanner is proud to carry forward the legacy his parents started. As the third generation becomes part of the story, the Richards family's commitment to helping children grow in confidence, character, and ability continues to shine through everything Let It Shine does.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide exceptional gymnastics programs in a state-of-the-art facility instructed by staff who emulate the life of Christ. We want our members to have fun and develop their minds, bodies, and souls in the safest manner possible all for the glory of God. We acknowledge that we are not perfect, but we pursue excellence by seeking continuous improvements in every aspect of our business.
OUR GOALS
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To honor, glorify and remain accountable to God in all we do
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To offer quality family programs in a Christian environment
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To give respect, honor, and praise to our customers and fellow staff
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To provide exceptional service with a knowledgeable staff
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To demonstrate God’s love by accepting, strengthening, and challenging our students & members
Serving Families Since 1983
Since opening its doors in a single 6,000-square-foot warehouse in South Franklin, Let It Shine has grown into one of the premier children's activity centers in the region. Today, Let It Shine spans two adjacent facilities totaling nearly 57,000 square feet and serves thousands of families each month through nearly 20 programs. These include Recreational and Competitive Gymnastics, Trampoline & Tumbling, Ninjastics, Adaptive Gymnastics, Homeschool classes, Parent + Child classes, and much more. Beyond weekly classes, Let It Shine offers Birthday Parties, Parents' Night Out, Field Trips, and proudly hosts one of the largest summer day camps in the Southeast.
For more than four decades, Let It Shine has built a tradition of excellence both inside and outside the gym. The program has produced more state, regional, national, and world champions in Gymnastics, Trampoline, Power Tumbling, and Cheerleading than any other club in Tennessee. More than 50 athletes have gone on to earn collegiate scholarships in Gymnastics, Acrobatics, Cheerleading, and Track & Field.
While these accomplishments are something to celebrate, Let It Shine's greatest success is measured by the lives it has impacted. Having welcomed more than 150,000 children through its doors, the gym has become a place where confidence is built, character is developed, and lifelong friendships are formed. The passion, dedication, and genuine care demonstrated by the coaches and staff create an environment where every child is encouraged to grow, persevere, and discover what they are capable of.
The Story Behind the Name
Tim competed on the Lipscomb University Men’s Competitive Gymnastics Team from 1976–1980, earning a spot at Nationals all four years and advancing to the finals in 1978 and 1979. In 1978, Tim was honored as an All-American on both rings and vault.
While these accomplishments were meaningful milestones in his gymnastics career, Tim’s most treasured moment from his collegiate years came when he surrendered his life to the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His renewed faith and commitment to living out Matthew 5:16 - “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” - have remained a guiding principle throughout his life and continue to be a cornerstone of his legacy.
Tim is a member of the class of 2023 inductees into USA Gymnastics Region 8 Hall of Fame. He remains forever grateful for the sport of gymnastics, to USAG for the incredible honor of recognition, to the coaches and professional influences that impacted him the most - Chick Cicio, John Lacurdo, Bruce Davis, Tom Cook, and Bill Sands - and his family for their love and support. Above all, Tim is humbled by the Lord’s grace and thankful for God’s goodness in his life.
A Legacy of Dedicated Coaches
One of the greatest blessings of Let It Shine has been the incredible people who have chosen to make it their home. Many of our staff members have dedicated 10, 20, 25, and even 40+ years to serving children and families. Their passion, loyalty, and commitment have helped shape generations of athletes and created the welcoming, family atmosphere that Let It Shine is known for today. We believe that consistency matters, and our long-tenured team reflects the relationships, care, and excellence that families can expect every time they walk through our doors.
Many of our team members first walked through our doors as young gymnasts themselves. Years later, they returned as coaches, mentors, and leaders, pouring into the next generation of athletes. Their stories are a testament to the lasting impact and family culture that make Let It Shine so special
