Pilates as an exercise program was created by a man, for men, but let’s face it, women have led the charge and have been monumental in its growth. Between 2006 and 2016 over 8 million people participated in Pilates training in the US (The Statistic Portal).
Women are making huge strides in business overall. In 2016, women owned 11.3 million businesses in the US with over 9 million employees and $1.6 trillion in revenue. Between 2007 and 2016, the number of women owned businesses increased by 46% compared to just 9% among all businesses. Women are now the majority owners of 38% of the country’s businesses, up from 29% in 2007 (The State of Women Owned Businesses 2016 Report). Why are these statistics so important? Women are constantly re-inventing themselves and are taking a more proactive role not only in their personal lives but their professional lives, as well. Based on the “Pilates in America Study,” many become teachers and studio owners as a result of their passion for Pilates. Based on the responses from this study, 80% became Pilates teachers and/or studio owners because they loved it so much. How exciting that we can actually make a living doing what we love!
It has always been important to me to support others in living their dreams. In my role as Operations Manager for BASI Pilates, I have the opportunity to help women find a new confidence in themselves, not only in movement, but also as entrepreneurs. Whether they are employees, independent contractors, managers, or studio owners, understanding some aspects of business can only contribute to their success. As Pilates professionals, we spend so much time learning theory and repertoire that we tend to neglect the fact that we are running a business. In 2015, I started the “Art of Creating a Pilates Business” workshop as part of BASI’s “Learn from the Leaders” conference. I was inspired by how fellow industry professionals wanted to know where the next steps in their careers could possibly lead them.
Today, more than ever, I am inspired and hope to empower others to live life to the fullest using Pilates as my vehicle of communication.
To register for Stella’s upcoming workshop visit here.
