Through her own health journey with endometriosis and chronic pain, Amanda Sutherland turned to Pilates. She was so impressed and inspired by her own transformation that she wants to share her passion with others, through her business, House of Pilates.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I had never put value on my health and wellbeing until its importance was staring me in the face. I had a weak hip that I kept injuring, my posture was atrocious and I had a difficult journey with endometriosis and chronic pain. I stopped spending money on certain things and put it towards one-on-one Pilates classes. I was so inspired by the transformation in my body and how it gave me back a sense of confidence within myself that I began the rigorous Authentic Pilates training programme. I then worked in a lovely studio for a few years but after the birth of my second daughter and a move to a different part of the city I decided to bring what I had to offer closer to home. I wanted to maintain a healthy family/work life balance. We found a perfect home with a separate garden studio from where I work from.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Starting from scratch in a new area was not easy, but through getting to know my community out here, it has been organically growing through word of mouth. There are a lot of amazing people out there too that are doing good things in the wellness industry. It’s been great getting to know a lot of them and working with each other as we all have different things to offer. I did have intentions of holding a launch party but it just never happened!
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
A breakthrough for me in my business is when a client has a breakthrough. When they start walking in the door taller, or notice their increased flexibility. When something that used to feel weak or out of balance is now stronger and in alignment. I can think of lots of clients that have come a long way and that really does make me proud, happy, and inspired to keep going. No body is the same (although you see a lot of patterns!). I feel over the years I just keep growing with each client and in turn having my own mini breakthroughs with them.
