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

Samantha, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever experienced a times when your entire field felt like it was taking a U-Turn?

Upon graduating from Widener University in 2020, I was set on a career in sales. I had navigated business school with a clear focus on this path. However, the COVID-19 pandemic upended the job market, causing sales roles to dwindle and delaying my entry into the field. Just before the pandemic, I had also left a long-standing position at CVS Health, where I had worked for over seven years.

Facing unemployment for the first time, I spent my time working on personal and professional development. A chance opportunity arose when a family friend posted on Facebook about a temporary job. I quickly confirmed the opportunity and found myself at the Logan Hotel in Philadelphia, unexpectedly tasked with coordinating VIP transportation to mysterious “studios.” This new role was completely unfamiliar to me, but I embraced it, using my time waiting on set to read “The Power of Strangers,” which boosted my confidence and communication skills.

By the end of the week, while waiting for the final VIP transfers, I received a call from a digital marketing LLC seeking someone for SEO—a term I was unfamiliar with at the time. I accepted the role and began learning about digital marketing. Despite the valuable lessons I learned, I noticed organizational shortcomings and found myself frustrated by the lack of influence I had.

Realizing that my attempts to improve others’ businesses were often met with resistance, I questioned why I couldn’t run my own business. I had previously doubted my ability to compete in the marketing world and felt stuck. Meanwhile, my interest in health and wellness led me to a free Pilates class, where I discovered a passion for the practice. This newfound interest inspired me to enroll in a teacher training program.

Though it felt unconventional given my business background, I saw Pilates as an opportunity to create meaningful, purposeful work. The transition from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship in Pilates was daunting but exciting. It allowed me to build a business where clients benefit both physically and mentally, in a field focused on genuine results rather than sales tactics. Embracing this change, I realized that, despite starting by working for others, the possibilities for growth and innovation were boundless with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Samantha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a graduate of Widener University with a bachelor’s of science in business administration. My journey into the Pilates industry began with a personal transformation. I discovered Pilates and was immediately captivated by its holistic approach to health and wellness. This newfound passion led me to delve deeply into the discipline, blending it with my marketing expertise to create a unique business model that emphasizes not just physical improvement but overall lifestyle enhancement.

My business offers Pilates instruction and wellness services, designed to address both physical and mental well-being. We focus on creating a nurturing environment where clients can rejuvenate and challenge themselves. I’m particularly proud of how our services help people break free from their limitations and improve their lives through movement. Everyone can benefit from Pilates, regardless of their body type, age, or physical condition—modifications are available for all! We’re dedicated to bringing health and wellness opportunities to our community, fostering an atmosphere that promotes both physical and emotional recovery.

One aspect that sets us apart is our commitment to continual improvement. I apply my marketing knowledge to optimize our business strategies, ensuring that our services are always evolving to meet the needs of our clients. This approach reflects our broader philosophy: just as we strive to enhance our business, we also aim to improve our clients’ bodies and everyday lifestyles.

Outside of my professional work, I volunteer with the Chester Creek Trail, running their social media platforms, contributing to local community projects, and connecting with the community. I’m also passionate about inspiring young people to discover their own passions and pursue them vigorously.

What I am most proud of is our ability to pull people out of dark place through movement. We serve clients from diverse backgrounds, and our latest initiative is to reintroduce Pilates to local rehabilitation centers. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our clients transform not just physically but also emotionally, releasing built up tension and trauma through movement with a safe and welcoming atmosphere to do so.

I hope that potential clients, followers, and fans understand that my work is rooted in a genuine desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives, and that our commitment to health and wellness extends beyond our services to a holistic, yet practical, approach to living your best life!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation in the market is built on a combination of key factors. In Pilates, my “hype man” vibe and approachable personality foster an inclusive and safe environment, while my ability to lead by example ensures clear guidance. Beyond Pilates, my business reputation is defined by my keen eye for opportunities and my skill in creating actionable plans. I frequently play devil’s advocate to push boundaries and inspire growth, encouraging both individuals and businesses to reach their full potential. This proactive and boundary-pushing approach, combined with my commitment to helping others improve, has earned me trust and respect across various fields.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that vividly illustrates my resilience began with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disruption hit my sales career hard, leading to unemployment and pushing me into an unhealthy lifestyle. During this period, I faced significant grief and caretaking responsibilities, which compounded the challenges I was already dealing with.

Despite these setbacks, I found the strength to pivot into an entirely different industry. Witnessing the less favorable aspects of advertising during this time gave me a new perspective and motivated me to seek out a path that aligned better with my values and aspirations. This transition wasn’t easy, but it was a crucial step in reclaiming my well-being and professional satisfaction. The experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming adversity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flextonicpilates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skelly2020