Personalized Individual Movement Experiences

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Rost, founder of ARC Pilates, located in Cochrane, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am the founder and CEO of ARC Pilates (an online and in-person studio). I help move you to live your best life. I am an Advanced Classically trained teacher who is passionate about sharing how Pilates changed my life, and I know it can change yours too!

I am the creator and founder of Pilates Fest North, the first Pilates event of its kind in Canada. My mission is to bring teachers from all backgrounds together to learn, share and move. I am also a sought-after international educator. My goal is to help guide you on your movement journey on all things connection, community, and collaboration.

Tell us about yourself

I worked as an Administrator in Disability Management in a Spine Clinic for 15+ years. Then my world changed, I am the mom of four, and my oldest child was diagnosed with a rare disease. My body felt broken, worn out, and tired. I found Pilates, and it truly saved me. I thought about all the people who could benefit from this practice and made the change. I left my job and pursued my passion for Pilates. This is where ARC Pilates was born.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been bringing Pilates to the people and putting Pilates Canada on the international stage. I have been able to build a community around Pilates. I quickly learned that even though people come for the workout (which is amazing), they stay because they are part of something bigger.

I am so proud of the event I was able to cultivate even amidst a pandemic. We brought together teachers from all over North America. We included our Indigenous community to share their culture, educate our community on the next steps for better inclusivity, and experience all their amazing gifts.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing I have overcome as a business owner was hosting a conference in a pandemic. Pilates Fest North is a passion project of ARC Pilates. It was the first Pilates conference of its kind in Canada, created to bring the industry together. It was originally scheduled in April of 2020 and eventually took place in person in November 2021. Navigating closures and pivots were incredibly challenging. I had sold 80% of the tickets prior to Mar 2020, and then we were shut down. All of our expenses had been paid, and now we could not host the event. From March 2020-March 2021 were the most difficult as I was trying to figure out how to pivot even in a pandemic. This was truly the most hardest thing I have ever done, but I never gave up, and I believe wholeheartedly that our industry needed this, and it did! I am just a mom of four who started with a home studio and is so passionate about creating community. I also wear a tutu from time to time.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Invest your time in building a connection with your clients and community. Word of mouth is your best marketing tool. Create an amazing experience for every client so that they become super supporters of everything you do. Be prepared to tell everyone and anyone you meet, who you are, what you do, and why you do it! Share what you love and embrace what makes you different (even if it is wearing a tutu).
Collaborate, find like-minded businesses, and work together to reach more people. Collaboration can come in many forms, don't shy away; instead, look at the opportunity to create cool and interesting collabs.
Patience - this is a hard one when starting a business. Everything takes a little longer than you think, but I promise you if your business is your passion, you will see the beauty in the journey. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient; everything is happening exactly as it is supposed to; with a little patience, all those seeds you have planted are growing a little more every day! And if you ever feel stuck, reach out and ask someone for some feedback or help. Running a business is a team effort, and we were never meant to do it alone.

If you want to learn more about Pilates and moving well, please book a free 30-minute private consultation, and let's chat.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.arcpilates.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARCPilates.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arc.pilates/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-rost-bb99a719a/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.