Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Leifer, Owner of The Pilates Collective, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a Pilates studio that offers private, duet, and small group Pilates classes. We have a wide range of customers both in age and activity level. Our classes range from basics up to advanced, in addition to more specialized classes such as our MS class, which caters to those dealing with Multiple Sclerosis.
Tell us about yourself
I studied dance from the age of five and simply fell in love with movement. After a broken foot stalled my dancing career, I dove into Pilates. There were so many similarities, and being on the reformer felt like another form of dancing to me. I quickly jumped into an amazing certification program and began teaching in 2005. Just two years later, I opened my first studio in LA.
I look forward to going to work every day to share my love of movement and fitness with others. It brings me great joy to watch people grow and get stronger through this amazing exercise form.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is surviving the pandemic! My first studio in LA did not make it through, but I was able to turn things around, make a giant move, and purchase my new studio in Colorado. Although I wasn't starting from scratch, as I did in LA, there was still a large learning curve being in a new city with new clients and instructors. There were many bumps along the way, but I'm happy to say we have made it to the other side (hopefully!) of this pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is that you are always "on." Days off are still spent checking emails, putting out fires, etc. It's tough balancing work and family life, but it's a sacrifice you make to own something larger than just you and create a bigger change in the world.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something you are passionate about! Everything else will make sense after that.
- Find good people with similar work ethics and values as you to work for you.
- Start small with low overhead. Expand over time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.pilatescollectivedenver.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilatescollectivedenver/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepilatescollectivedenver/
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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