Secrets Of Successful Studio Owners
Pilates Style|July - August 2018

Whether you hope to someday own a mini empire of studios bearing your name, or just want to make your business more profitable, you’ll benefit from these winning strategies.

Anne Marie O'Connor
Secrets Of Successful Studio Owners

In 1989, Zayna Gold opened boston body pilates with “ no money and no business experience,” she recalls. “But I had a passion for Pilates and a desire to create a community that was inclusive and positive for everyone.” Almost 30 years later, she credits that passion for her success, which includes the two Boston area studios she co-owns with her husband Clark Elefteriadis and the three studios that are licensees.

“Owning a Pilates studio, or multiple studios, is not always fun or stress-free,” Gold points out. “In fact, it can be very challenging, financially and in many other ways. But creating a community of clients and teachers who have the same obsession with all things Pilates has kept me going through the ups and downs.”

So what are the key factors for going from start-up to Pilates stardom? Read on as owners share the secrets to their success.

#1 SHOW OFF YOUR LOVE OF TEACHING EVERY DAY.

“My passion for teaching movement is the foundation of my brand,” says Erika Bloom, the owner of six eponymous studios in New York City, East Hampton and Water Mill, NY; Greenwich, CT; Turks and Caicos; and Los Angeles. “I focus on continually learning, seeing each client as a unique being and creating customized programs that facilitate real change.”

“If you have a passion for teaching, you have a leg up,” agrees Holly Furgason, owner of Blue Sparrow Pilates, with locations in San Francisco and Oakland, CA. “Students can see and feel the passion you bring to your craft. I have seen many teachers come and go through my studio, and the ones who really shine and build a loyal following are the ones who obviously love what they do.”

“Your positive energy will create the atmosphere that clients and teachers want to be a part of,” adds Gold.

This story is from the July - August 2018 edition of Pilates Style.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July - August 2018 edition of Pilates Style.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PILATES STYLEView All
Pilates Style

Finding New Momentum

Overcoming obstacles caused by the pandemic, the virtual version of this popular festival still achieved its goals.

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2020
Carola Trier's Extraordinary Journey
Pilates Style

Carola Trier's Extraordinary Journey

In his authoritative biography of the first woman to open a studio, Reiner Grootenhuis delved into her personal papers to tell the harrowing story of her time in a prison camp during World War II.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September - October 2020
Racism in the Pilates Industry
Pilates Style

Racism in the Pilates Industry

Incidents of police brutality and the ensuing Black Lives Matter protests have shed a bright light on systemic racism in the U.S., including in the Pilates industry. Here, Black instructors share their experiences.

time-read
10 mins  |
September - October 2020
For Self-defense
Pilates Style

For Self-defense

Moves of the Month

time-read
8 mins  |
September - October 2020
Comfort Food Made Healthy
Pilates Style

Comfort Food Made Healthy

This fall, cozy up to tantalizing comfort food that’s also healthy. A new cookbook from Kristin Cavallari shows you how.

time-read
9 mins  |
September - October 2020
Pilates Postcard
Pilates Style

Pilates Postcard

A Pilates teacher shares how the method is making waves abroad.

time-read
2 mins  |
September - October 2020
The Ultimate Gift
Pilates Style

The Ultimate Gift

One year ago, Kahley Schiller’s life was completely upended by an extreme health crisis. But thanks to her 20-year Pilates practice, the 40-year-old was able to recover quickly.

time-read
9 mins  |
September - October 2020
Revelations
Pilates Style

Revelations

For Sarita Allen, a star of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and a protégée of Kathleen Stanford Grant, Pilates was key to her decades-long career.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September - October 2020
Pilates Style

Meaning WITHIN THE Movement

The Five Elements of Chinese Medicine help you go deeper into your practice, promising plenty of play along the way.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September - October 2020
PILATES IN THE HOOD
Pilates Style

PILATES IN THE HOOD

Though she’s trained many top stars, Kim Carruthers says she’s most proud of her work as the founder and director of a nonprofit bringing the method to underserved communities.

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2020