Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Sears.
Hi Elizabeth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
A decade ago, after studying and teaching classical Pilates since the late 1990s, I began training in the GYROTONIC® method and became a licensed instructor. As a single mom of two young children, I taught Pilates and GYROTONIC® at a large studio in Atlanta for the better part of 10 years. I worked as much as I could during the school days and on weekends and evenings. I took more GYROTONIC® courses to further my education and teaching level. It was an intense time professionally and personally. Then the pandemic showed up. After weathering the first year of it with all the changes it caused, I decided that starting my own GYROTONIC® studio was the best way forward. I gathered resources as creatively as I could and had a small studio built in my backyard and the business has been growing steadily ever since!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Looking back, I think there have been equal parts smooth and rough. Sometimes it’s easy to focus on what was difficult about the process – the worry about the financial risks of starting my own business, the seemingly never-ending obstacles presented during construction, the marketing learning curve… But there are so many things that have been graceful. Nothing ever felt forced. It was a natural transition to start teaching on my own. Clients started showing up through word of mouth, I received a ton of support from family and friends, and the studio space turned out great. I am doing what I love to do in my own space that I love sharing with people. So I feel very fortunate. The struggles along the way – which are really just the hard work that comes with pushing yourself – have served to make me stronger, smarter, and more appreciative.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Grant Street Studio?
The past decade has afforded me experience teaching in a variety of situations…in a large studio (both one on one and group classes), in clients’ own homes, conducting classes in a corporate environment, and virtually. Over the years, all of this experience has informed my teaching such that my top priority is personably and generously imparting what I know through images and stories, focusing on a sense of familiarity and fun to help navigate the physical and mental challenges inherent in learning how to move…
I teach private sessions in the GYROTONIC® method at my studio. GYROTONIC® is a movement method that strengthens the body and increases the range of motion and movement efficiency. Each movement flows gracefully into the next providing the joints the opportunity to move through a natural range of motion without jarring or compression. Strength, balance, efficiency, and flexibility are all gained through consistent practice. The discipline, grace, and strength learned through the GYROTONIC® method immeasurably enhance one’s overall quality of life. I love helping people learn to move with freedom and confidence and am always grateful for the joy and knowledge clients bring me.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My sister and my two teenage children encouraged me to go out on my own and never doubted that I would succeed. I would throw ideas around and they would listen and give me really helpful feedback. All of my clients, too, are so supportive and a hugely special part of my life, and the GYROTONIC® community of trainers is an amazing source of inspiration, compassion and knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Email: Elizabethssears@gmail.com
- Instagram: @grant_street_studio
