Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Odell.
Hi Kate, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to intentional and challenging physical movement. For years, I found this in classical ballet. After stepping away from ballet, I missed the mind-body connection that dance provided. Pilates was a natural transition because it incorporated all that I was missing and then some.
After achieving my certification, I taught Pilates for several years in Fort Worth, Texas before moving to Gainesville, Georgia with my husband and son in 2013. The next season of life was filled with babies and young family life. I’m now the mother of five beautiful children and the wife of a wonderfully supportive husband who has supported my dream of getting back into the Pilates world.
Over the last year, the dream of Town Pilates began to grow and take shape. The right space became available, our kids were entering new stages, and the hindering questions were turning into “why not?”. The fear and doubt over opening a studio was continually dissipating as confidence grew. So, in March of 2022, we formally took steps towards my dream. On June 13th, 2022, Town Pilates welcomed its first clients, and it is thriving!
There is still an abundance to learn. There have been and will be challenges along the way, but I am here for it. I’m passionate about connecting with people, and if I can help them feel better physically through Pilates, well that’s just the cherry on top. Town Pilates was formed on the foundation of building connections one breath at a time. And that’s what I’m striving to do, just be faithful with my next breath.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, I would say that it has been a relatively easy road! I was amazed by how things fell into place quickly and with minimal effort. Nonetheless, when entering into anything new, there are challenges and transitions to navigate.
One of the obstacles I anticipated was receiving the Pilates reformers in a timely manner. Due to covid and the strain that it has placed on our supply and shipping industries, the arrival of new reformers was uncertain. This delay almost closed the door on the dream of opening Town Pilates. Gratefully, I was able to pivot and find some gently used machines in other states; I had them shipped directly to me, allowing Town Pilates to open in the timeframe I had hoped for.
Another challenge that I continue to navigate is balancing the roles of being a wife and mom of 5 and being a studio owner and instructor. I’m navigating this by setting boundaries, thinking creatively, and remembering my initial goals when I started moving towards the studio. I’ve set my teaching hours based on a schedule that works for my family. As any mom knows, the needs and schedules of young children are ever-changing. But I’m choosing to view this season as an opportunity to learn and grow and not as a hindrance. The studio is growing and transitioning, and so am I, as well as my family. I was concerned that client’s wouldn’t understand or would push for something that I couldn’t accommodate. But that hasn’t been the case. The community of Gainesville has accepted what I have to offer with open arms.
There are a variety of other “pain points” I am still working through, like navigating downtown parking, studio accessibility, and sustainable growth. But I’m confident that with a little creative thinking and clear communication, those will be resolved as well!
We’ve been impressed with Town Pilates, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Town Pilates is an equipment Pilates Studio. We offer curated reformer and tower classes to adult clients of all ages and all physical abilities. Pilates intentionally engages the mind while exerting the body, which builds awareness of postural alignment and breathing, as well as other benefits that are continued beyond the studio.
Town Pilates is a boutique-style studio. Classes are limited to 1-4 clients, which enables us to slow down and be intentional with each individual who walks through the door. This includes the added benefit of offering hands-on assistance to clients as needed.
The heart behind Town Pilates is to meet each client where they are with physical mobility and to gently push and encourage them towards their physical goals. I strive to actively listen and open the doors of communication to achieve a dynamic instructor/client relationship. This collaborative relationship is foundational to curating effective and profitable classes for the client.
Town Pilates offers private, semi-private, and open group classes. Ranging in price from $30-$75. The studio has been so well received that I’ll be providing additional instructors in the coming month. Classes are currently fully booked, but more sessions will be available soon!
Equipment Pilates has been absent from Gainesville for several years, I’m honored to be bringing it back to our town!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness is an interesting emotion for me; it’s circumstantial. Joy, on the other hand, transcends circumstances. My joy is found in restored relationships; the first being with my Creator, through the reconciling work of Jesus and proved by the continued work of the Holy Spirit. From there, my joy flows into the relationships around me. Relationships that mutually work through conflict towards real peace bring me joy and subsequently happiness.
Circumstantially, I find happiness in connecting with people on a personal level, a good cup of coffee in the quiet of the morning, a personal pilates session, and a family fun night. Because for me, a healthy mix of personal time and intentional time with others is both life-giving and grounding. Also french fries with Whataburger’s fancy ketchup (Texas roots showing up) in bed is pretty great.
Pricing:
- Privates $75
- Semi-Privates $40
- Open Group Class $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.townpilates.com
- Instagram: @townpilates
- Facebook: @townpilates
Image Credits
Logan Simmons
