Solopreneur Success with Pilates instructor and holistic nutritionist at Ph'ilates

Hey, I'm Alexandra Pivero, and I'm the founder of Ph'ilates.

Tell us all about your business...

I'm a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Pilates Instructor. My clients tend to be women, specifically around middle age, however, I have had clients through all walks of life!

What's your background and motivation to get into the solopreneur life?

I do not come from a fitness or health background. I actually got started in this business because my husband is military and I needed to find a job that would follow me as we move every 2-3 years.

It all started with a certification in Pilates, however, I felt there was a large piece of the puzzle missing in regards to wellness and that is what led to my training in Plant-Based Nutrition. That really blew the doors wide open and have been gaining additional skills and certifications since!

I am very much passionate not only about the health of our bodies, but also our planet, and it is why I donate 25% of all my proceeds to combating deforestation and climate change.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

Success to me would be to inspire other wellness companies (small and large) to implement eco-friendly practices and encourage them to donate proceeds to helping the planet.

I feel there is a big opportunity in blending the worlds of philanthropy and Pilates (Ph'ilates, get it?), and I am hoping to bring awareness to that. I know it is tough in the beginning (as I am experiencing myself) but if we build it into our mission, and stay true to our goals, change will happen.

What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a business today?

1. Build your network by reaching out to ALL sorts of people, related to your profession or not.

2. Have as big a nest egg as possible.

3. Pick a launch date, and go for it.

If there was one thing you could do repeatedly day in day out to help grow your business then what would it be?

Unfortunately, social media. This has been a HUGE learning curve for me, and goes against a lot of what I believe in. However, in our current times, it is a necessary evil.

What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?

As a holistic wellness educator I believe it is so important to have a healthy work/life balance. However, in the beginning, I believe we do have to push ourselves to lean a little bit heavier towards work to get ahead. Also? wine.

Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and best business resources/books?

As a plant-based advocate I have a major work crush on Dr. Michael Greger. He has a website and podcast called NutritionFacts that is basically my bible. Also, the DeliciouslyElla app. I reference it at LEAST once a day. Lastly, any book written by Michael Pollan. He has an entire shelf in my personal library.

For anyone looking to start a business today, what would be the number one bit of advice you'd give them?

It costs more to start a business than you think. Also, legal jargon is confusing.

Where can people find you online?

You can find me on Philates.org or on Instagram. Feel free to reach out, would LOVE to hear from you <3

If you like what you've read here and have your own #GoSoloStories that you'd like to share then hit Jonny up on Twitter, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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