We were lucky to catch up with Carissa N recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carissa, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

2017 was the moment I knew I would become a Pilates instructor, however it was a matter of when I would be ready to devote the time to train and make the financial investment. Fast forward to 2020- the year that I was saving on housing costs and navigating pandemic adjustments at work. By 2021, I recommitted to living in my dream, coastal city of Newburyport, MA. I was studying mat Pilates to enhance my dance education pedagogy, while exploring the concept of ocean-side Pilates events. Newburyport is filled with inspiring locals, small businesses, and Plum Island sunsets. There I am, designing my Pilates concept in a bright and scenic environment made for sunshine, wellness, and a bit of luxury, and just one block from the water. In what felt like a flash of time, the next thing you know, I’m relocating back to Western Mass for work and family. I’m reluctant to launch Papaya Pilates, the most summer/coastal/bright branding there is.

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?

My name is Carissa and I’m the creator of Papaya Pilates. It is the first Pilates pop-up business in New England. I offer pop-up mat classes, private events, and private training. Additionally, I am launching wellness retreats. I am a comprehensive Pilates instructor and my background is in public-sector dance education and fitness.

I have taught at events from New Hampshire to Florida, with Massachusetts and Connecticut being my homebase. I LOVE to curate wellness events and teach. I have 1 to 120 people in class at a time. I want to keep as many people as possible, moving in the world!

I am grateful to teach Pilates at Fenway Park for the wives and girlfriends of the Boston Red Sox players. I also enjoy teaching at special events in Boston and traveling South to guest-teach.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Papaya Pilates prioritizes social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Tik-Tok). Connecting through Instagram has been the most valuable. Although sending a newsletter via e-mail is desirable, sharing events and classes with the public on their terms (they can pop on whenever they’re looking to sign-up for a class) seems to be best. The Instagram account is: @papaya.pilates

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I curate high quality, Pilates & wellness events and work with select partners, sponsors, and venues that share similar values. It is important to offer authentic, on-brand experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.papayapilates.com
• Instagram: papaya.pilates
• Facebook: Papaya Pilates