Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Jackson.
Kelly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Studio Pilates was born from an idea that ended up taking on a life of its own. I met Danielle Desroche, my co-founder, during Covid. I was dealing with some postpartum issues that left me feeling like a stranger in my own body. I was very disconnected from my core and was experiencing a lot of back pain. I’ve done pilates many times in my life, but this was the first time I was using it in a therapeutic way versus a way to get in shape. We worked together for over a year and I found my connection to my body again, felt energized and strong. At this point, I bought my own machine for my home and asked Danielle if she would be open to training me privately. This was when I began to understand the Pilates industry. To say that many trainers are working in an almost abusive conditions is to minimize their experience. Most trainers are contractors, getting paid very little, who have to jump from studio to studio multiple times a day to barely make a living wage. It was surprising to me, as the trainers and the experience clients have with them is the heart and soul of the industry. Clients will follow their favorite trainer anywhere they go.
I, Kelly Jackson, have a background in marketing and business and have been doing that for the last 15 years of my life. To me, it made sense to want to create an environment where trainers are genuinely happy to work and are getting paid appropriately for the service they provide to the owner and the clients. Happy trainers mean a positive experience for clients. A wonderful trainer can be life-changing. Danielle and I started talking about opening a studio where trainers could work consistently and cycle through the different rooms (group to semi-private and private) to work more hours back to back and actually make a living wage without the constant traveling and loss of pay during those hours. We are proud to say that now we offer the highest pay rate of any studio in Atlanta for instructors and we feel that this reflects in their experience with clients as well.
We also wanted to create a space where clients feel genuinely welcome. This includes being respectful of all body types and modifying for all body types. We won’t want anyone to feel like this is a status studio where you have to be dressed a certain way or be a certain physique. I am a mom of two and body acceptance is very important to me when searching for studios.
Pilates can be such a restorative and wonderful workout and the feeling you get when you walk into the space should be appreciative of your business and your presence. We want clients to feel happy and taken care of from the beginning to the end of the experience. Hopefully, we have created a safe space for clients to move their bodies and feel good.
We love being a women-led business and hope that gratitude is reflected back to our clients, who we feel very lucky to work with.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been surprisingly smooth. We were both in the right place at the right time. The perfect location became available at the right time and we have been welcomed to the community so far with open arms. I think we both feel when something is supposed to happen, it happens with ease. That’s not to say setting up a studio wasn’t hard work. There was definitely blood and sweat (literally) and an ER visit, but it’s been so wonderful seeing an idea take shape in the real world and we are really proud of what we have created.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Studio Pilates. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
You won’t find outdated beliefs around fitness, body-image stereotypes, or criticisms about your abilities here. What you will find is a welcoming space for all. You’ll also find a thoughtfully designed studio, an amazing team of instructors, curated playlists, and a wide range of Pilates training options. In this space, we invite you to come as you are and take what you need from each session. We’ll be there to guide you through the movements and we look forward to providing you with the tools and space to connect with your body.
We offer open-level, group reformer classes at all intensity levels, so you’ll feel welcome in any session. Each teacher gives you their take on our signature style and no class is ever the same. We’ll guide the class through a sequence of exercises with layered progressions so newbies and seasoned movers will be challenged and supported appropriately. You know you best, so we invite you to listen to your body and work at your own pace alongside others. All classes are 50 minutes unless specified.
We also offer smaller group reformer classes (3 maximum) that are more specialized and include introductory classes as well as postpartum and prenatal. Soon we will also be offering sports specific small classes for golfers, dancers, etc.
Lastly, we offer private training. You don’t have to have to know what you’re doing to try out private training. We’ll start by digging into your goals and what’s important to you, and then we’ll tailor a training plan to your needs. With customized training plans, private sessions are a great option for anyone, but they’re especially perfect for you if you’re:
Curious: If you’re ready to learn more about Pilates and go deeper in your training, private sessions are a great option.
Recovering: If you’re working through an injury or dealing with persistent pain, a private session is a great way to get a movement experience based on your needs and create a pathway to where you’d like to be.
An Athlete: We give you super cool Pilates and mobility moves with a sports-specific focus. Our goal with this training is to keep your body feeling strong and ready for the wild and wonderful things you throw at it.
How do you think about luck?
I (Kelly) feel that luck played a huge role in the creation of this business. I met the right trainer at the right time and was also ready to expand my own career into something more meaningful. Danielle would say the same.
Pricing:
- New Client Drop-In $25
- New Client 2 Pack Class $45
- New Client Unlimited One Month $299
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thestudiopilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestudio.atl/
- Other: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=5727994&stype=-7&sView=day&sLoc=0
Image Credits
Photographer: Genya O’Neall
