We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Meinert. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Sarah , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
The story of Ozean Pilates + Wellness really began when I returned to Los Angeles after living and teaching in New York City. After years of deepening my practice and working with a wide range of clients, I felt called to create a space that blended movement with a more personal, wellness-forward approach. I didn’t want to open just another Pilates studio—I wanted to create an intimate, supportive environment where people of all backgrounds could build strength, mobility, and confidence, and feel truly seen.
Starting Ozean came with a steep learning curve. I had to figure out how to set up a studio that matched the vision in my head while also managing zoning laws, finding the right equipment, creating systems for scheduling and billing, and of course, building a client base. I knew the experience I wanted people to have when they walked through the door—but translating that into a business meant a lot of trial and error, especially in the early stages.
One of the biggest challenges was managing everything myself. I was teaching, handling operations, creating content, and planning for future growth—all while making sure each client felt supported in their individual goals. Looking back, I would’ve brought in support sooner, especially with admin and marketing. There’s a tendency to think you need to do everything on your own, but the truth is, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
What’s been most rewarding is seeing Ozean grow into a space that’s truly rooted in connection and care. Whether I’m working with someone recovering from injury, navigating pregnancy, or training for a sport, I get to witness transformation every day—and that’s what keeps me inspired.
For anyone thinking about starting their own practice: stay connected to your “why.” Let your values lead the way, and don’t be afraid to start small. Progress is rarely linear, and the best growth often happens in the messy, in-between moments. Build relationships, stay curious, and remember that your unique perspective is what sets you apart. There’s room for your voice, your story, and the kind of space only you can create.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi, I’m Sarah, founder of Ozean Pilates + Wellness, a boutique studio in Pasadena, California that brings together mindful movement, whole-body wellness, and a deeply personalized approach to care. My journey began over two decades ago, when I first discovered the Pilates method and instantly felt a connection—not just to the movement itself, but to its ability to transform how we live in our bodies. Over time, I’ve built a practice that honors the complexity and beauty of each person’s health journey.
After completing my Pilates certification with BASI Pilates and working in both Los Angeles and New York City, I saw a need for something more—a space where people could build strength, heal, and feel truly supported, especially during life transitions. That vision led me to create Ozean, where we offer private and semi-private Pilates sessions in-studio and on-line; as well as wellness services that reflect the full spectrum of what it means to feel good in your body.
In addition to Pilates, I’m certified in Menopause Coaching and Nutritional Aesthetics, which means I support clients with skin and gut health, and help them navigate the physical and emotional shifts that often come with hormonal changes. Whether it’s supporting graceful aging, managing stress-related breakouts, improving digestion, or helping someone through the ups and downs of perimenopause or menopause—our work goes deeper than movement alone.
Clients often come to Ozean with goals that go beyond fitness. They may be healing from an injury, preparing for birth, managing joint pain, rebuilding their core, or seeking ways to feel more vibrant, rested, and confident. We work together through tailored Pilates and wellness coaching to address the root causes, not just the symptoms. I love weaving together what I’ve learned through movement, nutrition, and skin health to create truly integrated sessions—sometimes our Pilates work leads into gut-brain support or conversations around skincare and hormone balance. It’s all connected.
What sets Ozean apart is the deep level of personalization we provide. It’s not just about pushing harder—it’s about tuning in. It’s a place where you’ll be encouraged to move with purpose, breathe deeply, rest when needed, and challenge yourself when ready. I often describe Ozean as a studio with the soul of a sanctuary—clients tell me they leave feeling stronger, calmer, and more like themselves.
I’m most proud of the community we’ve created—one built on trust, laughter, learning, and transformation. If you’re seeking a space where your goals are honored, your questions are welcomed, and your well-being is the priority, I would love to welcome you to Ozean.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, support your skin and gut health, or navigate hormonal changes with more ease, you’re in the right place. Let’s create your version of wellness—together.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments in my journey came when I trusted the wrong person as a business partner. What started with excitement and shared goals quickly turned into a situation that didn’t align with my values or vision. I had to make the hard decision to walk away and start over, but that experience taught me to trust my intuition—something I now consider one of my strongest tools in both life and business.
Earlier in my path, I also faced a setback when the Pilates certification program I had committed to was abruptly canceled, but that redirection led me to BASI Pilates, which ultimately shaped the foundation of my teaching philosophy.
Both experiences pushed me to become more grounded, intentional, and committed to building Ozean Pilates + Wellness from a place of authenticity. Resilience, for me, has meant learning to listen deeply, stay flexible, and keep choosing growth—even when it means starting again.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
To some degree, yes—I do believe I would have found my way here eventually. But if I could go back, I think I would have had more confidence in myself during college to continue pursuing a pre-med path to become a dermatologist. I’ve always been fascinated with all things skin—how it reflects our health, emotions, and environment. That passion still runs deep, and today it’s part of what led me to become certified in Nutritional Aesthetics, integrating skin and gut health into my wellness work.
At the same time, my love of movement and dance has always been just as strong. I truly believe that even if I had followed the medical route, I would have eventually found my way to Pilates. It’s where my love for anatomy, healing, and mindful connection all come together. So while the journey didn’t follow a straight line, it gave me a unique blend of skills and perspective that now shapes everything I offer through Ozean Pilates + Wellness.
In the end, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be—doing work that bridges movement, skin health, and whole-body wellness in a way that feels deeply aligned with who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.OzeanPilatesWellness.com
- Instagram: @ozeanpilateswellness
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/ozeanpilateswellness
- Linkedin: Sarah Meinert
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/OzeanPilatesWellness
Image Credits
Sunday Brunch