Did you know, Florida is ranked number one in the nation for female entrepreneurs?

In fact, Miami ranks third in the country for the number of women-owned businesses, and we feel like this is something to be celebrated.

So in honor of International Women’s Day, our owner and founder of Pilates in the Grove, Christa Gurka, wanted to share her insights in owning a business and interview several female entrepreneurs in our local Miami community.

Over to Christa…

Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. Truth be told I never set out to start my own business. It organically grew from a need I saw in the community to something bigger and better than I could have ever imagined. 

I have learned a lot of lessons along the way. Learned about business strategy. Learned that I needed to grow as a person and a leader in order to succeed. Learned that I need to ask for help and cannot go it alone. It truly does...

Stephanie joins our team after a long run in the hospitality industry.

Over the years she has realized she needed a lifestyle change.  On her journey, she’s found that the more she works on herself, the more she wants to serve her community. Stephanie likes to write, blog and draw spiritual doodles that make people smile. Recently, she printed her work onto shirts to spread even more joy.

Favorite thing to eat for breakfast

Oatmeal with a whole peach chopped in. It’s the poor man’s peach cobbler.

I don’t leave home without???

My 2006 iPod nano. I refuse to upgrade my little vintage buddy.

If Joseph Pilates were alive today what would you ask him or have him teach you?

I’d ask him how he managed to persevere in getting his theory and method out to the world.

What qualities do you admire in a teacher?

I love a teacher that reminds me that what I bring to a session is the same...

Lauren Santos is a born and raised Miami native who has continuously engaged in sports rehabilitation, and health fitness studies from a young age.

Such as her parents, Lauren has chosen to pursue a career in the realm of medicine to ultimately become a licensed Physical Therapist specializing in sport rehabilitation. Lauren is an active member of the Sports Science Organization where she participates in various events involving exercise sciences and fitness studies throughout the academic school year at Florida International University (FIU). Lauren is as adventurous as she sounds, always creating a comfortable, and welcoming environment no matter where she is. In Lauren’s free time you can almost always catch her working out getting her fitness on or just simply enjoying the outdoors. As a part of the Pilates in the Grove team, Lauren is always willing and able to assist clients whilst on their fitness journey!

Favorite thing to eat for breakfast

Brown sugar oatmeal,...

Carrie has a Degree in Exercise Science from FIU, where she also competed as a Division 1 Swimmer. 

Her love for Pilates came about while nursing a shoulder injury and trying to find a workout routine she loved after 15+ years of swimming. After a few years of practicing, she completed the Core Advancement Teacher Training at Pilates in the Grove.

Outside of the studio she Coaches swimming and enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Questions for Meet The Team

Favorite thing to eat for breakfast

Eggs with GF toast and spinach

I don’t leave home without?

 My water

If Joseph Pilates were alive today what would you ask him or have him teach you?

I’m not sure that I could pick just one thing, I’d like to know everything. I think I would have just latched onto his side and followed him around.

What qualities do you admire in a teacher?

 Passion, humor, someone who pushes you, knowledge

...

Nikita’s 13 years of Pilates training includes mat and all apparatus. 

She completed her Comprehensive Pilates Training through Polestar Education and is a PMA-certified Pilates instructor.

Originally from London, England, she lived in the Caribbean for 20 years.  There, she opened and managed a gym and spa in 2002 where she taught pilates.  She sold the business in 2010 and moved to Miami.  She started to teach Pilates at other people’s gyms and studios.

Her passion for pilates which began in 2002 has grown stronger with each class that she teaches.  Her goal is for every client to achieve their personal goals and to leave every class feeling challenged and accomplished.

Favorite thing to eat for breakfast

Green juice and an apple

I don’t leave home without???

 My sweater! Miami – it’s hot outside, but cold inside!

If Joseph Pilates were alive today what would you ask him or have him...

Favorite thing to eat for breakfast

Egg on a bed of spinach and veggies with sliced avocado on top.  Grapefruit on the side. Black coffee.

I don’t leave home without???

My phone and a cross-body purse.

What qualities do you admire in a teacher?

I admire teachers who really see their clients, who recognize no two clients are the same and who can seamlessly cater to all types of bodies.  I also love teachers who are constantly learning more, expanding their craft and bringing new information to their classes. I think guiding a client’s wellness journey is one of the most awesome jobs, I admire teachers who are grateful everyday they get to teach.

Top 3 places you have traveled? Top 3 places you would like to travel?

Top 3 places I have traveled – Key Largo, Nashville, Miami (which is why I moved here!)

Top 3 places I would like to travel – Spain, Brazil, Greece

How would you describe your fashion style?

...

Favorite thing to eat for breakfast

I’m from Texas…so breakfast burritos have always been a staple in my diet

I don’t leave home without???

Burt’s beeswax chapstick

 

If Joseph Pilates were alive today what would you ask him or have him teach you?

How to do the most insane Pilates exercise ever-the Squirrel on the Trapeze table

 

What qualities do you admire in a teacher?

Innovation, precision, and making the client both smile and sweat throughout their workout

 

Top 3 places you have traveled?

Patagonia (the Chilean side), Morocco, and hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

 

Top 3 places you would like to travel?

I would LOVE to go to Thailand, India and New Zealand!

 

How would you describe your fashion style?

Ideally? Boho chic…realistically? Colorful and comfy

 

3 things you would grab in a fire?

Passport, wedding photo album, and my vinyls

 

Top 3 things on your bucket list?

Travel to every continent...

I don’t leave home without???

My phone

If Joseph Pilates were alive today what would you ask him or have him teach you?

Breathing.

What qualities do you admire in a teacher?

A great eye to correct, connecting with clients, teaching with a purpose, creative verbal cueing.

Top 3 places I have traveled:

Colorado, Israel, New York

Top 3 places I would like to travel:

Napa, Italy, Spain

How would you describe your fashion style?

Classic with edge

3 things you would grab in a fire?

My favorite framed picture of my kids, my phone, my ipad and purse

Top 3 things on your bucket list?

Need a new one!

When was your Pilates a-ha moment?

Learning how to really lift up from my pelvic floor to connect deep with my core.

Favorite Blog?

Mindbody green and Smartbrief Nutrition

Favorite Book?

The Secret

Favorite quote?

Keep Your head high, Glutes tight and your coffee strong

How has...