Helping You Move Better, Feel Better

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Bondi, Founder of Bird on a Perch Pilates, located in Houston, TX, USA.

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

I offer customized, one-on-one Pilates sessions at my Private Pilates studio. I use a whole-body approach to improve function and strength, reduce pain, and enhance performance for dancers as well as anyone who wants to move and feel better. Clients I work with have conditions such as chronic low back pain, hypermobility, disc herniation, scoliosis, osteoporosis, total hip and knee replacements, shoulder Injuries, knee or hip pain, or Diastasis Recti. I help dancers become more confident and even more intelligent movers by helping them improve proprioception and find strength, stability, and mobility in the areas that need it most. Pilates is for everyone, and you don’t have to be a professional dancer to start. You can be a grandparent wanting to keep up with your grandkids or a new mom wanting to feel good in your body as you take on the new role of motherhood.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up training in ballet and dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. A few weeks after graduating college with a BFA in Dance, I sustained a career-ending knee injury. It was devastating. That’s when I was introduced to Pilates. It was prescribed by my orthopedic surgeon during my rehabilitation. I quickly realized how unique and beneficial the method is, which inspired me to become a fully certified Pilates Instructor. Helping others live healthier, more active lives and assisting dancers in learning about functional anatomy, injury prevention, and recovery modalities so that they can have long, healthy careers motivates me every day to do what I do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that I’ve been doing this for over 15 years. During those years, I had three kids, lived through a global pandemic, and moved across the county, all while being able to sustain, grow and adapt my business.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is that I’m a one-woman show. I wear all hats, from marketing to accounting, professional development, website building, and, most importantly, teaching my clients. I do it all!

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

For anyone looking to open a Pilates studio, I started my studio out of my home. It was a good starting place to build up my client base while having low overhead.
Be yourself and know your niche.
I think it’s good to push yourself a little outside your comfort zone. That’s where growth will happen.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.birdonaperchpilates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068352575668
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdonaperchpilates/

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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