Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fitness and health but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jane Allan, owner of Pilates with Jane, located in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, France.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer in-depth expert coaching, bringing about profound positive change in my clients' bodies and lives. I own and run a Classical Pilates Studio, rooted in its local community in the historic centre of Toulouse - the regional capital of the legendary Occitanie region of South Western France.
Tell us about yourself
I worked as a professional aerial acrobat for 25 years, touring worldwide and performing in circuses, cabarets, musicals, films, street festivals, and events. I turned to Pilates late in my career and was astonished by the spectacular transformation in my performance abilities. Inspired and excited, I moved to New York to train with the best. Romana Kryzanowska was the torchbearer of Joseph Pilates’ authentic method.
Eventually, I hung up my trapezes and devoted myself full time to share the extraordinary benefits of Classical Pilates. For the past 15 years of teaching, I have been awestruck every day by the capacity of the human body to grow, evolve, change and heal itself. The smiling faces of my clients as they leave the studio with a spring in their step give me joy!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
After lockdown, I moved to the South of France. Charmed by the beauty of Toulouse and its open-hearted, down-to-earth people, I decided to finally open my own studio. Stressful and costly, opening my own place has been worth it all.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Opening a studio was not, I réalise, the beginning of becoming a business owner. I have always been in charge of running my professional activity as a business. Having bricks and mortar actually makes it easier in the way as it gives a concrete expression to my vision for my clients and community.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate.
- Get the experience.
- Learn the language to communicate those two things.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://pilateswithjane.com/en/home/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilateswithjanetoulouse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilateswithjanetoulouse/
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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