Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Martin, Owner of Pilates Glow, located in Harrison, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a Classical Pilates studio in the heart of Westchester County, New York, just 30 minutes from New York City. I lead Pilates teacher training and have some fabulous teachers that work at the studio who you can train with in person or virtually. We also offer small group classes and continuing education, and we have an infrared sauna, just as an added bonus! We primarily teach clients who have been through surgery or injury like a knee replacement or spinal fusion, but we also love teaching a more advanced student as well.
Tell us about yourself
I first started Pilates with a free private session at my local gym. After that, I was hooked on my teacher! I looked forward to my Pilates sessions every week then I asked about training because I loved it so much! I started when I was 20 years old, so I've been practicing for almost 15 years. Once I got into my training I was hooked on making people feel amazing inside their own bodies. I knew how I felt when I took Pilates, and I wanted to give that to everyone, and I still do. Then I had the opportunity to open my own studio, so I took the chance, and I have had my studio for 7 years and have been teaching for almost 10 years now. I love what I do and all of those who I teach.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One thing I would say is my teacher training. I developed my own Classical Pilates Teacher Training and wrote my own manuals. That took over a year to do and it is my pride and joy to have done something like that.
Another thing that I am so proud of is my apprentices that are going through my teacher training. They have all come so far already, and I see them doing such great things. I am here for all of it and to give them a little nudge or words of encouragement along the way.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Honestly, feeling lonely. Everyone is either an employee or a competitor. It is very hard running your own business in this industry, and I am trying to change that and have people feel more included. I went into this business wanting to change people's lives and how they felt in their bodies. Meanwhile, I was being isolated by my peers because I was doing something different. I never want anyone to feel that way again, so I am trying to change the narrative and empowering teachers to be the best with all the tools I have learned along the way and sharing my knowledge instead of gatekeeping it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Jump right in! We have all started somewhere, and when is a better time to start than now? If you're ready and looking for a change, go for it!
- Try to find like-minded people that you can connect with to help you with bumps that you might run into along the way. That is one thing I wish I had when I first started. That could have helped me tremendously. There is someone out there that has done this before, you do not need to re-create the wheel!
- Be authentically you. If people want to work with you, it's because you are being true to yourself. People will be attracted to you for who you are, not something you are trying to be.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.pilatesglowny.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilatesglowny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilatesglowny/
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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