Meet the Neighbors - Buddy and Carrie Lee - Natural State Fitness & NSF Cheer and Tumbling

What’s it like to be a business owner in the Land of Steel? Find out firsthand from Buddy and Carrie Lee, owners of Natural State Fitness, a 24/7 family fitness center, competitive cheerleading program, recreational tumbling and birthday party venue in Manila. Originally from different parts of Arkansas, the couple met in college and eventually settled in Mississippi County, where they’ve built a thriving fitness center and a strong connection with their neighbors. 

From Friday night football games to local pop-up markets, the Lees fully embrace everything their community has to offer. Keep reading to get to know Buddy and Carrie — their favorite local spots, their passion for fitness and what they love most about calling Mississippi County home.

Where are you from? 

Carrie: Buddy is originally from Blytheville and graduated from Gosnell High School in 2009. I am from Benton. We met in college at the University of Central Arkansas and moved back to Mississippi County after graduation to start our own businesses. 

Tell us about your business.

Buddy: We’ve been open in Manila for 10 years. We offer competitive cheerleading and recreational tumbling, host birthday parties every weekend and offer a 24-hour fitness center. I'm a personal trainer, and I'll start training clients at 4 a.m. We have people who have been coming to train consistently at 4 a.m. every single day for years!

Carrie: When we were looking at running our own business, Mississippi County offered more benefits for us, so it was an easy decision to move here. My degree is in early childhood education, and I was a teacher for five years. When we saw the need for more things for children to do in the community, it was a no-brainer that this was a full-time passion I could pursue, and it was something I was qualified and able to provide for kids in our community.

What do you do for fun in Mississippi County?

Mississippi County has a great spectator section for all sports. We love catching a local Friday night football game, followed by dinner with friends. 

Where do you like to eat in Mississippi County? 

One of our favorite lunch spots is Big Butts BBQ in Leachville. 

Favorite meal in Mississippi County? 

Fajitas and Margaritas at La Cascada in Manila.

What are some of your favorite things about this area? 

The people are one of the greatest attractions to the area. Friends become family, and the support for our youth is incredible to watch and be a part of.

What does a typical Saturday look like for you? 

When not traveling with our competition cheerleaders, Saturday is a super busy day at NSF — parties booked from open to close year-round. We’re usually nearby if we’re needed for the business. We also spend time running errands around Blytheville, catching local pop-up markets and spending time outside with our dogs. 

What’s something that might surprise people about Mississippi County? 

Mississippi County offers many opportunities to find work, a high-paying job and success in starting your own business. 

Hear more from Buddy and Carrie: https://www.landofsteel.com/video-testimonials/v/natural-state-fitness-and-tumbling