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

Kahley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I first discovered Pilates in 2000 while I was a dance major at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Pilates courses were required to complete and also offered as a certification for those who desired to become an instructor. After I completed my first semester course of Pilates, I knew that it was exactly what I had been searching for! My heart felt complete and I pursued the Pilates certification program under the instruction and founder of the program, Dolly Kelepecz. She graciously took me under her wings and gave me the opportunity and experience to grow as an instructor so I could open my own Pilates studio.

In 2005 I moved back home to Kansas City and opened my own studio, Pilates by Kahley.

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

As a young adolescent, I struggled with the ongoing battle of wanting to be thin. I was a dancer, constantly having to look at myself in the mirror, unhappy with the reflection looking back at me. My negative self-image followed me into my late teens and then into my mid-20s. I realized that the battle was a mental challenge, one that could be conquered each day in the choices I make. I can either choose to give in or run from the temptation that seems to know me. In my experience, God always has provided me with a way out and it is up to me to take that path. To gain this strength. I had to fill myself up with faith, positive words and determination.

I had one big dream in mind and I knew, to achieve it, I was going to have to fight my battle. I decided to move all alone, not knowing one soul, to Las Vegas, Nevada. There, I would attend school and pursue my dream to dance. Unfortunately, my body disagreed with my plans. I suffered from chronic knee pain and was advised to have surgery on both knees. It was then that I discovered Pilates. I began rehabilitating my knees through this method and fell in love with the theory. The results that Pilates gave me were absolutely amazing; I had no more pain!

I began working under the direction of Dolly Kelepecz, who certified me through D.K. Body Balancing and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I became an instructor at UNLV, teaching dance majors the Pilates method. I also taught at Dolly’s studio and other fitness facilities. In 2004 I had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, Japan to oversee the operations of Dolly’s newest studio location. Through this experience and exposure to the Pilates world, I gained the confidence to open my own studio. In August 2005 Pilates by Kahley, a 1,400 square foot studio, opened in Kansas City. I was the only instructor teaching both mat and full equipment classes. At the age of 25, I was realizing my dream.

With a schedule of daily classes, Pilates by Kahley quickly grew to 10 instructors, 2,600 square feet and over 300 clients. At my studio, we share the goal of helping people discover or rediscover the beauty that lies within. It is so easy to focus on outward appearances, because the world praises us for that, but I can assure you that looking amazing on the outside doesn’t mean anything if you feel dead inside. My team teaches the tools to regain self control, discipline, balance, inner peace and true beauty.

“We all have a place, a purpose on this earth, and it is up to us as individuals to fulfill that plan. I have learned that you will never feel complete until you have taken the risk to discover what you are truly capable of achieving. I can assure you that there is no greater peace than that of reaching the dream, goal, and vision you set out to achieve.”

Someone once told me that everything in life belongs to the conversation of your heart and when you choose to really listen, it can never steer you wrong. I have adopted this philosophy as a guide in life. Enthusiastically, I wake up each morning with the goal of helping my students gain physical, emotional and mental strength, and to listen to the conversation in their hearts.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In September 2019 I was diagnosed with acute liver failure-end stage. I was quickly put on the liver transplant list and received a liver transplant on October 3, 2019. My liver transplant journey was fast and challenging to process as my surgery didn’t go as planned. During the transplant surgery, I had a blood clot that went into my lung resulting in a pulmonary embolism. The clot then proceeded to my heart and the flab (PFO) in my heart opened and the blood clot went into my brain resulting in 4 minor strokes. They stopped the surgery and kept me sedated for 24 hours to make sure I was going to survive. By the grace of God, I woke up and was fine and then they completed the transplant surgery.

My faith, Pilates, family and friends got me through that time in my life. The gift of life that I received from my donor Jason keeps me going every single day with a grateful heart!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I opened my studio when I was 25 years old and had very little money to my name. I have been blessed with very supportive and amazing parents my entire life. My mother loaned me money to start my studio. I’m proud to say that I paid her back in full 2 years after my studio opened.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pilatesbykahley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilateskcgirl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilateskcgirl/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/PilatesbyKahley
• Other: Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@pilateskcgirl

Image Credits
Jeffrey Nicholson