Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Brooks, Owner of Brooks Pilates, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Brooks Pilates is a premier referral-based Pilates studio located in Chelsea, Manhattan.
Tell us about yourself
I started Pilates in high school and knew when I graduated; I wanted to move to Miami to become a Pilates instructor. I spent the summer after high school getting my certification, and when I was 19, I moved to Florida all on my own. I decided not to go to college and self-studied anatomy, kinesiology, as well as Pilates. After over 800 hours of practice teaching, I got a job at Equinox and then began my career as an instructor. I think that was a pretty bold move being I was so young and was the only person in my high school that did not go to college. My takeaway is that college is not for everyone, and I found something I am passionate about and made a career out of it!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I had a couple of partnership fails in other studio endeavors, but it all led me to open my own studio in the middle of a pandemic. My studio is fully funded by myself, which is a huge accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Wearing multiple hats! You are no longer just a pilates instructor. You are now in marketing, sales, accounting, and many more.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I knew entrepreneurship was all about taking responsibility for your own results. I just did not know that involved many individual decisions. They can really wear you out at the start. So, I wish someone had told me to learn how to make my best decisions quickly and then get the confidence to stick with them. Also, I wish someone had told me before that I am now the person to give myself the permission to do things, and waiting on someone else to tell me what to do is not going to work from now on. Everyone will always “know it better,” but you are the one doing it. Don’t take criticism from anyone you would not even be willing to take advice from.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://brookspilates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookspilates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbrooksofficial/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.