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

Hi Bernadette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Happy Hour Pilates and Wellness came to be through a Happy Hour with friends. In 2019, I attended BASI Learn from the Leaders Conference in Newport Beach, CA. A few of my Pilates friends also attended the conference. One night we decided to go out and grab some food and drinks. It was at a big round table, with friends, at the Yard House in the Fashion Island Mall that we began to brainstorm about my new Pilates business name. As we sat there thinking, we stared at a little sign on the table that said Happy Hour Drinks half price. At that moment we all looked at each other and said Happy Hour Pilates! I even have the original sketch of my logo from that night. It was a successful happy hour!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a leader, mentor, and coach. My expertise includes over 20 years of combined professional performance and teaching experience in Europe and the United States.

My professional experience has been centered on various aspects of dance and other physical disciplines. I received my first Ballet Company contract at age 17 and quickly rose through the ranks to Principal Dancer by the age of 22. I was a dancer, dance captain, and assistant choreographer with the San Diego Opera, working with the company for over 10 years in the operas Tannhauser, Aida, Romeo and Juliet, Rigoletto, Turandot, Samson and Deliah, Ballo, Don Quixote, La Traviata, and La Cenerentola. As a guest dancer, I performed in several international galas within the United States and Europe, receiving the “Riconoscimento al Talento” and the “Riconoscimento alla Carriera” awards in Italy.

While dancing professionally I fell in love with Pilates. Pilates gave me the strength and power I needed to stay injury-free and consistently in peak condition. I received my Pilates Certification from BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Pilates, completing the Comprehensive Teacher Training Course and my Pilates Masters under BASI founder, Rael Isacowitz. My expertise includes Pilates for the Overweight Client, Pilates for the Rehabilitating Client, Pilates for the Mature Client, Pilates for Scoliosis, Pilates for Kids, Pilates for Men, The F2 System, and the APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute) Mat Course, a rehabilitation Pilates based program. I am active in the Pilates community having attended several conferences, workshops, and events, such as, BASI LFTL and the PMA Conference. In 2020, I was asked to join the BASI Systems team as an affiliate and consultant. I strive for continuous improvement and fresh innovative ideas by furthering my education annually. Additionally, I hold a certification in Pilates for Dancers, Pilates for Pregnancy and Beyond, Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies, Progressing Ballet Technique, the Royal Ballet School Teacher Training- Continuing Education Webinars, Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/ AED from the American Red Cross, and I am a NASM-CPT.

In addition, I am a dance teacher. I have choreographed several original works for various dance companies, schools, and competitions, and have been a guest master teacher and judge in Italy and the USA. My students have gone on to place in competitions like the Youth America Grand Prix and Dance Open America and have earned spots in college BFA programs and top tier dance schools around the world.

Furthermore, I received my AA in Accounting with Honors from Southwestern College and my BS in Business Administration-Management from San Diego State University. Utilizing my business credentials, I have helped many studios with customer service, administration, management, website design, marketing, finance, public relations, and team projects. I am also the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Torres Di Dio Ballet Program in San Diego, CA.

Happy Hour Pilates and Wellness (HHPW) is a home studio known for providing the highest caliber Pilates, Fitness, and Wellness instruction, in a nurturing and educational environment. We focus on each client’s well-being, proper technique, and individual growth. HHPW is a comfortable, supportive, and welcoming studio open to people of all ages and abilities. We believe that Pilates is for everyone and anyone! Our instructor’s expertise and certifications, make her ideal for not only the general client, but also dancers, athletes, those with scoliosis, kids, pregnant and post pregnant ladies, those who are elderly, and the those with injuries and pathologies, to name a few. She has spent her whole life in the physical fitness world, both as an athlete and instructor. At HHPW, our focus is on the body in front of us. It is our goal to make sure you walk out of the studio feeling better than when you walked in. What are you waiting for? Sign up now for the best Happy Hour in town that leaves you feeling great mentally and physically!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Networking with local businesses, especially small growing businesses, as well as word of mouth. By networking and being an active part of the community you gain more visibility and can earn a great reputation. This is what I am currently doing, and so far, I have gained new clients via referrals from Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists, Personal Trainers, Psychologists, Athletes, Dancers, Lawyers, Parents, and many more. Getting your face out in the community, in addition to a well established social media to provide credibility, have been key to my success.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn being a perfectionist. I grew up fearing failure. I was a people pleaser. I was insecure. Yet as I got older, I realized it was not my responsibility to make others happy, nor should I block myself from growing, living, or achieving my dreams because of fear. The moment I changed that view and ideology was the moment I started living and accomplishing things I had only dreamt of accomplishing. This shift, as well as past experiences, has allowed me to become the entrepreneur, instructor, mentor, and leader I am today. Don’t underestimate the power of personal growth and change. Get out of the comfort zone and live in the growth zone. That’s where the real living is!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hhpilateswellness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hhpilateswellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hhpilateswellness
• Other: https://www.vagaro.com/happyhourpilatesandwellness

Image Credits
Bernadette Torres and Carlo Di Dio