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For the love of Pilates: Four Pilates studio owners share their stories, successes and struggles

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The journey from passion to profession is paved by hard work, dedication and perseverance. Transforming your passion for Pilates into a fulfilling career requires acquiring new knowledge and skills. This involves dedicating time to immersing yourself in relevant courses and workshops, as well as attending events like symposiums and tradeshows to refine your techniques and connect with peers and industry professionals in the mind-body community.

We had the opportunity to speak with four remarkable Pilates studio owners who have successfully navigated this journey. They shared their personal experiences, challenges and insights, offering invaluable advice for those aspiring to establish their own studio. Whether you're a prospective studio owner, a seasoned professional or simply passionate about Pilates, their stories provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for everyone.

Cholthicha Srivisal: Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer, Singapore and Bangkok

Studio owners share their stories, successes and struggles

Pursuing a passion like Pilates has been immensely rewarding.

Cholthicha Srivisal has always been interested in movement and became a ballet dancer to fulfill that dream. Following a back injury, she discovered Pilates and developed a deep passion for it, ultimately transforming it into a successful career. She is a Merrithew® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES® and owns Breathe Pilates, a Merrithew Licensed Training Center (LTC) in Singapore.

Q: What initially drew you to Pilates, and what inspired you to open your own studio?

A: I was a dancer during my university years in Boston and developed a herniated disc back condition. Seeking a way to rehabilitate and strengthen my body, I turned to Pilates. Its focus on core strength, flexibility and alignment seemed tailor-made to address the specific needs of my injury and support my ongoing dance practice. Through Pilates, I discovered a holistic approach to fitness that aided my recovery and enhanced my overall physical well-being. It provided valuable tools for injury prevention and improved my dance performance and everyday life.

I was inspired to open my Pilates studio during my transition to Singapore. Despite the demanding nature of my banking job, I remained dedicated to my Pilates practice, frequenting a boutique studio in the city. Recognizing my potential, the studio owner approached me and proposed training me as an instructor. It was then that I began to envision a bigger dream for myself. Observing the limited presence of Pilates studios in Singapore, I discerned a gap in the market and resolved to establish my own studio.

Q: What obstacles have you faced in managing your practice?

A: Managing my Pilates studio has been an enriching journey but hasn't been without its challenges. One significant obstacle I've faced is competition. As the fitness industry in Singapore continues to evolve, more Pilates studios and wellness centers have emerged, intensifying competition for clients and instructors alike. Navigating this competitive landscape while maintaining my studio's unique value proposition has required strategic planning and continuous innovation.

While pursuing a passion like Pilates has been immensely rewarding, the business side of running a studio can be complex and demanding. Teaming up with trusted partners like Merrithew, who share my vision and complement my skills, has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Breathe Pilates studio interior

Q: What do you consider your greatest success with your studio so far?

A: Reflecting on my journey with my Pilates studio, I consider our greatest success to be the positive impact we've had on the lives of our clients. Beyond the financial metrics or accolades, knowing that we've played a role in improving our community's health, well-being and confidence is incredibly fulfilling. Also, I take pride in the vibrant and supportive community we've built within our studio. Seeing our clients forge meaningful connections, support each other on their fitness journeys and find joy in their practice reinforces a sense of purpose behind what we do.

In addition to our profound impact on our clients' lives and the sense of community we've cultivated, I'm immensely proud of our role as an LTC for Merrithew. Being entrusted to train and certify new Pilates instructors is a responsibility we take very seriously, and it's been incredibly rewarding to see many aspiring instructors pursue successful careers in the fitness industry. Watching our students grow and develop their skills, not just as instructors but as ambassadors for the Pilates method, fills me with pride.

Jenny Carr: Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer, Utah

Jenny Carr instructing a student on the Stability Chair at IPTC

It has taken a village to build my Pilates studio.

Jenny Carr is a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer with extensive expertise in STOTT PILATES. Known for her dedication to the mind-body fitness industry, she is passionate about teaching and helping others achieve their fitness goals. Her commitment to excellence and engaging teaching style have made her a prominent figure in the Pilates community. Jenny is the owner of Intermountain Pilates Training Center (IPTC), the sole Merrithew LTC in Utah, USA.

Q: How did you get into Pilates, and what motivated you to make a career out of it?

A: I was a dancer in high school and was introduced to Pilates, which helped me with my strength, posture and dance skills. While I loved being a dancer, I loved teaching a lot more. I always loved seeing my students improve and stay healthy and strong. I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Exercise Physiology and then found Merrithew and the STOTT PILATES Education. Once I started my education with Merrithew, I knew I could make this a career. I kept working hard, getting my Full Certification and becoming a Matwork & Reformer Instructor Trainer. I got busy enough that opening a studio was the next natural step.

Q: What has been your most outstanding achievement with your studio to date?

A: My greatest success has been the relationships I have built. I have been in the same location for 17 years and have clients who have been with me through all the challenges, growth, heartache and joy. The community of Merrithew students has been amazing, and I feel supported by so many other studio owners, instructors and clients. It would be an understatement to say that I have had an entire “village” help me build the IPTC. While I am the owner of the studio, it has taken support from so many people to help me get to this point and build this business and community into what it is today.

Jenny instructing a Reformer class at IPTC

Q: What advice would you offer those considering opening their own studio?

A: Be patient! Every good thing takes time. A sign on my wall says, “Let go for dear life.” I lose sight of the big picture when I hold onto something. Every time I “loosen my grip,” things run smoother, more doors open and the right people show up at the right time.

Find your people who are rooting for your success and keep them close. You will need good people next to you every step of the way. The relationships you build will make you the money you need to stay in business and thrive. Collaborate and partner with people or businesses that share your values. I have been lucky to be a Merrithew LTC since 2008. It is an amazing company, and the people I have worked with over the years have been kind, respectful and willing to work through every challenge I have encountered.

Deborah Degano: Merrithew Instructor Trainer, Berlin

Deborah Degano instructing a student on the Reformer at Berliner Pilates

Don't do it just because it is trendy or for money.

Deborah Degano is a Merrithew Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES. She discovered Pilates while studying dance in Milan, where she graduated as a professional dancer in contemporary and theatre dance in 2002. She opened Berliner Pilates in 2010, which became Berlin’s first Merrithew Host Training Center (HTC) in 2019. In September 2023, she expanded by opening a second studio.

Q: What attracted you to Pilates, and what inspired you to open your own studio?

A: I started Pilates during my dance years in Milan. Some of my dance colleagues attended courses to become Pilates Instructors, which sparked my interest and eventually led to my regular practice of Pilates. What I love about Pilates is that it offers people a beautiful movement experience, while providing physical and mental benefits.

I opened my first studio in 2010, a couple of years after moving to Berlin, to create a space where I could help people through mindful movement, reflecting my own personality and taste. At that time, there were not many studios in the city. Most instructors taught at their homes or visited clients at their homes. In 2023, I opened my second studio, which offers group classes and personal training. Like the first studio, it is a Merrithew HTC.

Q: What challenges have you encountered while managing your practice?

A: Running a Pilates studio is time-consuming and demands a lot of energy. When I opened my first studio, my biggest obstacle was the lack of awareness about Pilates in Berlin. Berliner Pilates was one of the first studios exclusively dedicated to Pilates in the German capital and the only one in its neighborhood.

Berliner Pilates studio interior

Mimika Photography for Berliner Pilates, Wedding

Q: What do you consider your greatest success with your studio so far?

A: I'm most proud of witnessing the progress and life-changing experiences of Pilates enthusiasts whom my wonderful team of instructors and I help daily in both studios. I’ve had the privilege of training so many instructors, and seeing them get certified and achieve their goals of becoming excellent Pilates instructors makes everything more special.

Q: What advice would you give to individuals looking to open their own studio?

A: My biggest advice for those considering opening their own studio is to do it because you love Pilates and are willing to commit your time and effort. Be diligent in your research, learn from other studios and choose a good and accessible location. Don't do it just because it is trendy or for money.

Patricia Liao and Anita Tang: Merrithew Instructor Trainer & Lead Instructor Trainer, Shanghai

Patricia Liao instructing at Orange Room

Let go of opportunities that don’t align with your core values.

– Patricia Liao

Patricia Liao is a Merrithew Instructor Trainer, and Anita Tang is a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer, both specializing in STOTT PILATES. Together, they co-own The Orange Room, the first Merrithew HTC in China. They share a passion for promoting Pilates education across China, which drives their commitment to enriching their community.

Q: What sparked each of your interests in Pilates, and how did you decide to open your studio?

A: Anita and I moved to Shanghai as expatriates 30 years ago. We met at our children's school. Due to significant life changes, both Anita’s and my physical and mental health gradually declined. During those years, I started practicing yoga to relieve sciatic nerve pain, while Anita did so to manage work stress. Although yoga alleviated my sciatic nerve pain, the pain returned as I increased the duration of my practice. I realized I needed to continue learning and seeking solutions, which led me to Pilates and to the establishment of The Orange Room.

Anita Tang instructing a student at the Orange Room

Q: What do you consider to be your studio’s greatest achievement?

A: The Orange Room became Merrithew's first Host Center in China in 2012. At the time, few people knew about Pilates, making student recruitment very challenging. Despite facing difficulties, we did not give up. Instead, we continued to promote and maintain the Merrithew standard. We both value quality and never compromise on standards for commercial gain. This unique corporate culture stands out in the ever-changing Chinese market. Over time, it has gained recognition from a broad customer base, establishing a solid foundation for us.

Q: What guidance would you offer to aspiring studio owners?

A: Proficient professional skills are essential to avoid being surpassed by prevailing trends. It is crucial to cultivate a fitting customer base with patience, as this process requires time and cannot be hurried. Stay true to your core values, and don’t be afraid to let go of people or opportunities that don’t align with them. Though doubtful or even painful at times, these experiences are part of the learning curve that will establish a better grounding for confident and appropriate decisions in the future.

Merrithew: The shared path in the journeys

What truly sets these remarkable studio owners apart is their shared partnership with Merrithew. Their stories underscore the profound impact a strategic partnership with a renowned Pilates brand like Merrithew can have, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. This collaboration became the cornerstone of their successes, enabling them to harness the power of our state-of-the-art equipment and top-tier education programs.

With Merrithew’s guidance and resources, these entrepreneurs successfully launched their businesses and maintained the highest standard of instruction in their Pilates studios.

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