We recently connected with Ellise Giacomazzi and have shared our conversation below.

Ellise, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

From the outside, the Pilates industry might seem like a highly profitable business. After all, boutique fitness is booming, and classes are often priced at a premium. However, there are significant challenges that impact profitability, especially when you’re dedicated to maintaining quality and creating a meaningful experience for your clients.

One of the biggest challenges is balancing the high cost of running a studio with the accessibility I want to offer my clients. Pilates equipment, especially Reformers, are expensive to purchase and maintain. Studio rent in desirable locations can also be substantial. Add to that the need to hire highly trained, certified instructors who are professionals in every sense of the word, and the overhead quickly adds up.

Another challenge is the seasonality of the business. Summers and holidays can be slower, which requires careful financial planning to stay profitable year-round. At The Sculpt Room, I’ve implemented strategies like special events and membership packages to create steady income streams, but it’s still something I have to actively manage.

A specific challenge I faced was when I initially decided not to include ClassPass in my business model. However, after realizing that a large portion of my target demographic uses ClassPass to discover new studios, I had to adjust. I added ClassPass to increase exposure and foot traffic, which ultimately helped with profitability. But this decision came with a tradeoff—ClassPass pays significantly less per class, which reduced my margins. In other words, while I now earn less per client when they book through ClassPass, the platform helps bring in new clients who may not have otherwise found the studio. This broader exposure can lead to more revenue overall, even though the earnings per class are lower. It was a tough decision, but it allowed me to tap into a wider audience and keep the studio busy.

In this industry, profitability doesn’t come from cutting corners but from building a strong, engaged community that sees the value in what you provide. It’s about playing the long game and staying true to your mission while making necessary adjustments along the way.

Ellise, 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 fell in love with Pilates after having my son and wanting to get into the best shape I could. I quickly realized that Pilates was the only workout I could stay consistent with and that made me feel good both physically and mentally. I became deeply passionate about it and wanted to learn more, so I got certified. From there, I hit the ground running and opened my own studio, The Sculpt Room.

At The Sculpt Room, I offer a range of Pilates classes, including reformer and mat options, designed to meet different fitness levels and goals. My goal is to create an environment where clients feel supported and inspired, whether they’re just starting out or have been practicing Pilates for years. The studio is built around the idea that Pilates can transform not only your body but also your mindset. I focus on providing a welcoming and uplifting space where people can push themselves to become stronger, more confident, and connected to their own wellness journey.

What sets me apart is my emphasis on collaboration over competition. In an industry where many studio owners see each other as rivals, I firmly believe in the power of supporting other studios and building a community rather than competing against one another. This mindset allows me to stay true to my values and focus on the positive impact I can make in my clients’ lives. Creating an environment where people can thrive and feel a sense of belonging is what makes The Sculpt Room truly special.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first started my journey as a business owner, many people looked down on me. I was young, with only a few years of Pilates experience under my belt, and some found that not worthy of owning a studio. Instead of encouraging me, there were those who wanted to tear me down, questioning whether I could succeed in such a competitive industry. But instead of letting that negativity stop me, it only fueled my fire to prove myself and my vision.

The idea that we’re all part of the same Pilates community, supporting one another and growing together, was something I deeply believed in. Unfortunately, not everyone shared that mindset. But I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about ignoring the criticism; it’s about using it to drive you forward.

I’m proud of how far The Sculpt Room has come because I’ve built it on a foundation of belief—belief in my team, belief in my mission, and belief in myself. Success, for me, isn’t just about numbers or recognition; it’s about the growth of the team and the strength of the vision that guides us. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. So, every challenge and every setback has only reinforced my commitment to building the best studio I can—and to continue doing so, no matter what.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I explored many different paths—from interior design to real estate to marketing—before I finally discovered where I truly belonged. After not making it into the interior design program in college, I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. It took years of trial and error to realize that being my own boss was where I thrived, but I wanted it to be fulfilling.

What brought me the most happiness was spreading the word about health and wellness, and that’s when I found my true passion in Pilates. Opening The Sculpt Room was the result of that realization, and I haven’t looked back since. Everyone who knows me understands that as soon as I feel unhappy or stuck, I find a solution. I don’t like to live in uncertainty or unhappiness, so I’m grateful for my willingness to accept change and pivot along the way.

Pivoting wasn’t easy, but it ultimately led me to a place where I’m doing what I love, helping others on their wellness journey, and truly thriving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesculptroom.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesculptroompilates/

Image Credits

@sydneys.eye
@haleybank