Joe's Disciple: a weekly Pilates teacher feature
Name: Carrie Macy
Name of My Pilates Studio: BACE Pilates
# of years open: 1 ½ months!
Website: www.bacepilates.com
My Certifications: Pilates, Inc. (Romana Krysanowska) and Power Pilates
# Of years teaching: 8
My inspiration for opening my own Pilates studio:
After teaching all around Los Angeles and London at different studios and managing two Power Pilates studios at Equinox, I had all the necessary experience to open my own studio. But it wasn’t until I met my business partner, Alex Estornel, that I had the inspiration and excitement to do so. His excitement and positive energy about life matched mine and what we are starting to build has endless possibilities!
My vision/mission for my studio is: To create an environment that nurtures growth and creativity in everyone that comes into the space, from teachers to clients. To grow national and then international with our studios and training program for our own fusion technique, BACE. And to empower our clients and teachers to feel strong, confident, and healthy.
My initial fears: Getting enough money. We had to work really hard to secure enough funds, as neither of us was independently wealthy.
If I knew then what I know now: Well, I’m not too sure I have enough hindsight to answer this! It’s only been 3 months since we even found the studio space!
My favorite thing about owning my own studio: That I get to do anything I want to! All of the ideas, inspirations that were thwarted when I worked for someone else can be let loose and used at BACE!
Useful skills of a successful studio owner: Bookkeeping knowledge, managerial skills (knowing how to work well with your employees so they stay happy working for you), marketing ideas galore,connections to well-connected people, forward thinking, thinking out of the box.
Services offered at my studio:
- Private and semi private Pilates
- Personal training lessons
- Tower classes
- Cardio Reformer classes
- Pilates mat classes
- yoga classes
- and BACE group classes (a combination of yoga, Pilates, and cardio weight lifting).
What makes my studio unique: Our all inclusive approach to fitness – melding together the dynamic, effective elements of Pilates, yoga, and cardio. Taking a unique and refreshing approach to regular Pilates classes, like Cardio Reformer, Latte Pilates, and Extreme Pilates.
How I initially got clients in the door: Used the previous studio owner’s database to advertise our opening specials. Guerilla marketing – going to all the stores along Wilshire and La Brea (where our studio is located).
How I retain clients:
- Have someone available to answer the phone more often than not.
- Make clients feel appreciated and special when they come in by greeting them by name and seeing how they are doing.
- Being consistent with available teachers and class times.
# of employees: 15
What I look for in my instructors: Passion for life and movement. A true understanding of the elements and aspects of Pilates that they can articulate with compassion to their clients. A personable personality. Intelligence.
My greatest challenges as a studio owner/employer: Coming up with effective marketing techniques, keeping cash flow going.
My inspirations: My dance training, my first Pilates teachers (Jacqui and Bill Landrum), my business partner (Alex), my friends, and my own passion.
How I maintain my passion: Keep myself open to always learning something new, and experiencing new things.
Words of wisdom or advice for future Pilates studio owners: Maintain balance in your life – don’t sacrifice yourself, physically and/or mentally for your studio.
When I’m not running my studio I’m: exercising, dancing, and enjoying my friends over a cappuccino!
One question I would ask Joseph Pilates: Are you crazy?!
My mentors: Jacqui and Bill Landrum
My favorite T-shirt from Joe’s Pila-T-Shop: The “Got Powerhouse” one that is white with black stripes on the arms (3/4 length sleeves). Like a sports jersey.
Carrie- You are fantastic! You are an inspiration and I'm so happy for you!
Posted by: Abey | April 17, 2008 at 10:44 AM