It was around this time ten years ago that my husband, Tom and I discovered that we were going to have a baby! It wasn’t a complete shock but as much as I was excited, I was also very surprised. Just three months earlier I had opened the doors to my brand new business, Pilates Defined and had been considering the studio my baby! I knew things were about to get interesting, but as any new mother I actually had very little idea of just how interesting.
When Pilates Defined opened on February 2, 2009 it was just myself and a single reformer. I taught only privates and a few mat classes to a few solo individuals. I quickly purchased two more reformers, the cadillac, ladder barrel, and three chairs. I knew there was potential for group classes, but again it was only me and I was already teaching literally, all day. And on Friday evenings Tom would join me and we cleaned from top to bottom. How on earth would I fit a baby into that mix?
I can’t actually tell you how exactly, but ten years later Pilates Defined is everything I ever wanted it to be.There is even more equipment and most importantly, a dedicated and talented staff that gives me time to be a mom and wife. Without them all that breathing I do in the studio would probably just be a joke! And I knew that when I eventually hired someone else to clean, things were going to be ok!
But aside from providing quality Pilates instruction and helping people to move their bodies with function and strength, I more than anything wanted to build a community.
I love that clients in classes have become friends and it makes me so happy to see them chatting with one another before and after class, asking about family members and genuinely caring about each other. I realize that this is special. One of my clients even referred to our community as a family. My heart felt full at the thought of this. Ten years ago I thought I didn’t want a big studio mostly for the fact that I wanted to be able to provide a higher level of personal service. Reflecting now, I have come to realize that the smaller size of our studio and classes has nurtured this family more than I ever thought possible. Nothing could make me happier.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my extended Pilates Defined family. In a world that seems to becoming more and more disconnected every day, I am so very grateful to have all of you to breathe and move alongside.
Also, a huge thank you to Hope at “a little imagination cakes” for her amazing anniversary cake she made for our party!
