As a studio owner, I am constantly asked when I am opening more locations, or if I have dreams of franchising my studio. I always give a hard "no" and explain that my dream is not to conquer the Pilates world, but to create a home for people seeking instruction, education, and community. This week, just 3 weeks shy of SFP's 3-year anniversary, I opened my "forever" home. I dreamt of a space that solved all of our woes in the old space (low ceilings, florescent lights, poor ventilation), a space that we could house the bustling studio and education center we have become. Anyone that knows me knows that I tend to worry (a lot), but something changed during the process of opening Flo 2.0. Of course I was stressed, just ask my staff, my parents, my new landlords, my mentors and friends (sorry guys), but I never felt alone. This time I felt empowered because everyone at SFP wanted this, believed in this, helped with this and showed up for me constantly. 

I hope you have had the chance to experience the new studio this week. It has everything I wanted and more. I taught my first classes there on Sunday, and it was amazing to see clients move in a space with high ceilings, views, breeze and natural light. It was honestly quite overwhelming to see it all come together. I am beyond grateful that we have been successful enough to outgrow our old space and even more thankful that the perfect situation was laid out in front of me. I'd like to tell you a little about the process and the amazing people that made this all happen.

One of the best parts of being a Pilates instructor is the wide range of people you get to know. I will always claim to have the very best group of clients and this journey proves it. Back in October, I started to share with clients that I wanted to move the studio when my current lease was up. Everyone started to help with the search. Then, some of my very favorite people on earth, a husband and wife duo, that have always come to SFP for private lessons, mentioned that they happened to own a building down the street. When I first saw the space they had available it was hard to picture what it could become, but I couldn't think of anything better than having a landlord/tenant relationship of mutual love and respect. Oh, and did I mention that they also own a contracting company (www.elliscontracting.com) that is in the same building AND have a reputation for building insanely beautiful fitness studios? The stars aligned and we began the process of designing Flo 2.0. John and Erin Ellis, I could not dream of better landlords (fairy), contractors, lunch buddies, or friends. I love you for many reasons, but today for trusting me. 

Enter Dene Oliver, my client and mentor. I always joke with Dene that he is too important for me (but really, he is). He is CEO of Oliver McMillan, and is arguably the most successful and forward-thinking real estate developer in the country. Dene has taught me more about myself, life, and business than I could ever list here, but the most important lesson he has taught me is that in order to be successful, you have to give it all away. He helped me visualize what my new space could be, and he was right by my side problem solving along the way. Every beautiful detail of the studio was thought up by him, and it turned out better than I could ever imagine. Dene, I can't walk into my new studio without thinking of you and all of the laughs we had along the way. I will never forget dragging you to Costco and IKEA for your first time ever. I will never be able to thank you enough for being there, teaching me, pushing me to new levels, and really listening, always.

I was also lucky enough to meet Jennifer Van Galder on a ski trip this winter (Thanks, Katie and Tom Carruthers!). Jennifer is an ultra-talented interior designer who owns Van Galder Design (www.vangalderdesign.com). We cliqued over stories about family and mutual friends, and she offered to help put the space together. Our amazing kitchen, reception desk, furniture, drapery, and storage is all thanks to her. Everyone is already asking me where it all came from. So now you know who to call!  

This past week, when we were down to the wire, Don Hamilton saved the day, every day. I even saw him at 6:30 a.m. on opening day finishing paint touch ups. Don is a dear client and "handyman", and he is to thank for building furniture with me, hanging things on the walls, fixing last minute details and keeping my mental health in check. Be sure to thank Don the next time you see him next to you in class! Don, I don't know any other guy that likes power tools AND talking about feelings, and I love you so much for that. 

I would also like to thank my friend and broker Kipp Gstettenbauer for your help and support. My staff of strong, smart, silly and lovely women for being a part of this and showing up endlessly for SFP. My parents for once again, letting me dream big and supporting every step of the way. Finally SFP clients, this is for you. You all are easy to show up for every day. Thank you for making us your Pilates home.

I hope you all enjoy the new space. We have new classes added and plenty of educational opportunities coming up this summer. See you soon!

– Jennie Groom
Studio Flo Pilates Founder