Mindful Movement + Lasting Change

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Claudia King, Owner of Darien Pilates, located in Darien, CT, USA.

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

We are a Classical, boutique Pilates studio. Our focus is primarily on teaching private and semi-private sessions. Our clients are individuals who’ve led an active lifestyle and continue to do so but notice they don’t have the stamina they used to have or aches and pains are starting to appear, they’re stiffer or tighter than they used to be, and they just want to feel like themselves again.

Tell us about yourself

I came into the Pilates world as a student/client and fell in love with it instantaneously! Four and a half years into my practice, my life changed dramatically; I left my career and, within 6 months, decided to dive into the training to become a Pilates teacher. When I finished my training, I had the good fortune to teach Kathryn Hefter of Ward Pilates, which was the first Pilates studio in Darien. I worked for her for 4+ years before I bought the business in 2012, and it has been quite the journey and learning experience for me in so many ways! You cannot expect to not evolve and grow as a person in the process, and a growing business demands that of you! What motivates me to have this business is that I love Pilates; I love doing it, teaching it. I love how I’m always learning more about the body and want to share that with everyone!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Resilience is one for sure! I’ve owned the studio since the beginning of 2012 and made it through COVID! I lost the majority of my business and chose to invest in myself and the expertise of others so that I could rebuild and create a better brand than ever before. That’s quite an accomplishment, in my opinion.

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

The behest challenge for me has been creating balance in my life. I’ve put my heart and soul into my business and am now just starting to focus on more harmony between work and play. It’s a work in progress.

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

Be as prepared and informed about the pros and cons. Talk to others who’ve owned the type of business you’re interested in starting.
Have a business plan. Where do you want your business to be in 3 years?
Talk to your accountant and have your finances in order. Look at what kind of funding you’ll need.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://darienpilates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarienPilates/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darienpilates/

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.

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