We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Peda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents were both entrepreneurs by nature and my dad owned his own business. I was raised from a young age to hustle. My mom had me typing her law papers after she had dictated them into a recorder. I learned to type very fast at a young age. She also had me design my own babysitting business cards that she had me pass out and post wherever I went. I became one busy babysitter! My parents also taught me that if you are at a job and have nothing to do? You find something to do! I’ve been a very hard worker because of them my entire life. They were also big into helping others and definitely instilled a good heart in me that tries to always care for and give back to others and the community.. My dad hired people off the streets to try and give them opportunities. One time my mom and I passed an elderly woman on the street while a snow storm had started. We were both a mess of tears and I remember her looking at me (as my heart broke) and said “Never, ever do this. But I think we should go back and get her.” We did and brought her to the local police station where they found out she had dementia and were able to get her the help she needed. That story sticks out in my mind everyday that we pass someone. Not just on the street, but in life. I aways wonder how I can help another. Which is perfect for my business!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was actually a performer in Hollywood when I began taking Pilates. I was with a trainer at a local gym doing very heavy lifting. I was in my 20’s and my knees already were beginning to ache. I would complain every time she wanted me to do bench presses but she wouldn’t listen. “This will help!” No. It did not and was incredibly frustrating. I hated her not listening to what I knew my body was telling me wasn’t right! Then I started Pilates and it all started from there! I fell in love. Pilates lead to yoga. Yoga lead to barre. All tied to my love for Pilates.

in 2013 I was in a cab accident where I was sitting in the middle back seat and stupidly, did not have my seat on. I figured we were less than a mile from our destination, so why bother? Our driver ran through a red light causing us to get t-boned by a large vehicle. I was thrust through the middle seats but miraculously, I had one leg against the front passenger seat and the other against the drivers seat, making it where I did not go through the windshield. I woke up four hours later in the emergency room, being asked if I could feel my legs. Luckily, I could feel everything. Including my lower back. Somehow though, I recovered by early the next morning, was sent home and my back went back to feeling normal within days. The doctors were shocked at my quick healing which I fully recognize was because of my Pilates and Yoga practice. And of course I had an angel watching out for me.

I became even more passionate about my practice and have now learned the clinical aspects of Pilates and love helping those with injuries and helping with injury prevention. I went on to get my certification in Stretch Therapy and love working to help athletes re-hab and help them to prevent future injuries. Making others feel better is such a wonderful feeling!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I cannot even begin to stress to others how important word of mouth is when you absolutely love a business! Tell everyone! Check in on social media! Write reviews wherever you can! Tell your neighbors. Out of all the advertising I have put money into? Word of mouth is absolutely the best result in new customers. Next being actually bringing friends and family in. I have but a lot of money into advertising and the best thing I can tell those just starting out in business? Create an incredible service where they want to brag to others. And don’t be scared to ask them to help you spread the word!

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Hire a team you trust and try not to micro-manage. I don’t feel like I’m competing with anyone on my team. I want to see them thrive because then the company thrives. All of my employees know that they can come to me if they have different ideas and I will listen to them. I feel like we all compliment with our differences and I love encouraging each team member to grow in what they are good at!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pilatespluscherryhills.com
• Instagram: www.instagram/pilatesplusch
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pilatesplusstudios
• Linkedin: www.linkedin/pilatesplusch
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/pilatesplusch