We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Mecsey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.
Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Certainly! Our journey with OCP began after a challenging experience with a previous business partner. Faced with adversity, we made the bold decision to part ways and embark on our own path. The circumstances were far from ideal, but we were determined to create something better.
In just under two weeks, we secured a new studio space and breathed life into OCP. It was a leap of faith, one that drew upon our entire savings and required signing a lease. The decision marked a significant turning point, as we committed to building our own business from the ground up. The result? Well, we’re here today, thriving and stronger than ever, and OCP stands as a testament to our determination and the incredible community we’ve built together.
Amanda, 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?
At Oak Cliff Pilates (OCP), our journey is deeply rooted in our passion for community wellness and empowerment. Our story began in 2016 I introduced Pilates to the local park, bringing together like-minded individuals who shared her vision for a healthier, more connected community. To this day, five of those original park-goers remain active members of OCP, a testament to the strength of the bonds we’ve formed.
In June 2021, OCP took a significant leap and officially launched as a Pilates studio, with the core values of community, diversity, and quality at its heart. We provide a diverse range of Pilates classes, and our aim is to make Pilates accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their fitness level or background.
Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve their wellness goals, and we take pride in fostering an environment that encourages growth, self-improvement, and positivity. We offer over 90 classes each week, led by a team of passionate and experienced instructors.
What sets OCP apart is our commitment to inclusivity and community building. We’re not your typical “bougie” Pilates studio. Instead, we focus on creating a welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere where everyone feels like family. Our success, as well as the recognition we’ve received, such as being named “Best of Oak Cliff” by Advocate Magazine and “Best of Dallas” by the Dallas Observer, stems from the incredible support of our members and the genuine sense of community we’ve cultivated.
We’re most proud of the authentic connections we’ve forged with our members and the positive impact we’ve had on their lives. Beyond fitness, OCP has become a place where friendships are formed, stories are shared, and personal transformations unfold. Our clients aren’t just customers; they’re part of our OCP family.
Ultimately, we want people to know that at OCP, it’s about more than just Pilates; it’s about belonging, growth, and community. We’re excited to continue our journey and expand to new locations while staying true to our core values and mission.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Our journey has been filled with moments that tested our resilience, but one experience that truly stands out is when a massive wall fell down during our early days.
In our first location, which was a beautifully quaint space, we encountered a series of unfortunate events. One day, a powerful storm struck our neighborhood, and the sheer force of it caused a large wall in our studio to collapse. It was a truly surreal and frightening moment.
The wall falling down could have been a breaking point for many, but for us, it became a defining moment of resilience. Instead of giving in to despair, we rallied together as a team and our community to face the challenge head-on.
For nearly two weeks, we went through the grueling task of manually filling a generator with gas multiple times a day just to keep our studio operational during the sweltering Texas summer. It was exhausting, and at times, it felt like an uphill battle. But through sheer determination and the unwavering support of our community, we persevered.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Transitioning from my career as a hairdresser to pursuing my passion for Pilates was a significant pivot in my life and career journey.
When my husband’s job required us to move to Dallas, it meant leaving behind my established hairdressing business in Phoenix, Arizona. It was a challenging decision, as I had built a thriving clientele and had a deep connection with my clients. However, in the face of this transition, I knew I needed to adapt.
Initially, I commuted between Phoenix and Dallas, traveling back and forth to continue serving my existing hair clients in Plano. It was a demanding schedule, and I had to find ways to manage this long-distance commitment while also exploring new opportunities.
During this time, I started teaching Pilates as a side venture, initially in the spare room of our new home in Dallas and later in local parks with community members. My passion for Pilates grew, and it became increasingly clear that this was the path I wanted to pursue wholeheartedly.
As Oak Cliff Pilates (OCP) began to take shape and thrive, I faced a pivotal moment where I had to make a decision. I had to let go of my career as a hairdresser to fully commit to OCP. It was a difficult and emotional choice, but it was also a moment of clarity and conviction.
Ultimately, I embraced the pivot and immersed myself in building OCP. The transition from a career in hairdressing to becoming a Pilates studio owner and instructor was transformative. It taught me the importance of following my passion, even when it meant leaving behind something I had known for years.
This pivot allowed me to create a business that not only fulfilled me personally but also positively impacted the lives of our clients and the community we serve. It reinforced the belief that pursuing one’s true calling can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth.
In the end, this pivot was a crucial step in my journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have followed my heart and built Oak Cliff Pilates into what it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: oakcliffpilates.com
- Instagram: @oakcliffpilates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakcliffpilates
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oak-cliff-pilates-dallas