We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mona Caruso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mona, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Ten years ago I decided to leave my very successful 25 year corporate career to be at home more for my three boys. I always held two jobs while I became a mother. My Corporate job was my bread and butter and teaching Pilates was my passion. When I left corporate I decided to build a home studio unattached to my home so I could pursue Pilates full time knowing I could create a schedule that would not interfere with my priorities at home. It was the best decision I ever made. I started teach privates and duets and I have been blessed with good fortune. I have expanded twice and now teach 4 person classes and privates and am completely booked again! I will not expand again because keeping my classes intimate provides me the opportunity to create semi-private experiences for all my clients. I absolutely love what I do and am so grateful that I can be home for my family and pursue my passion.

Mona, 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 first learned about Pilates from a physical therapist that recommended it after a knee surgery I had 24 years ago. I was always an athlete, an avid runner and skier when I was younger. I never did strength training and my physical therapist felt that in order to sustain my lifestyle I needed to consider a strength training program. At the time only one gym offered Pilates equipment classes and I immediately fell in love with the work. I had just graduated college and was set to start a graduate program. After much consideration and prayer I decided to postpone graduate school and pursue Pilates training instead. It was the most challenging thing I had ever done in my life. The Fletcher program is a comprehensive program that requires over 1000 hours and a year and half commitment. After the program I decided quickly what type of studio and teacher I wanted to be. I wanted to make the work affordable and achievable for all ages and body types. I wanted to create an intimate and safe place and specialize in post rehabilitation work since that was the reason I started myself. I am proud to say that I accomplished my goal and then some. I train and mentor teacher trainees and I have built a network of women that hold my same health and fitness values and we have been offering health workshops for the past year educating clients on any different topics that support a persons Mind/Body/Soul.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The COVID era changed the worlds view on illness and health strategies to overcome such a pandemic. I am so blessed that I was able to continue to offer my services throughout the year the shutdown policies were in place. It was so important to me to be able to support my clients and family with a health solution at such an unprecedented time in history. At the time I was only offering Private and duet sessions. I had such an overwhelming response that I was probably one of the only studio owners at that time that was able to expand my business versus shutting down, to meet the needs of clients. COVID forced business owners to think outside the box on how to offer their services and stay afloat and I am so grateful that I was able to continue doing what I loved while helping so many people stay healthy and happy.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Having a speciality in post rehabilitation work using the Pilates equipment has definitely set me apart from my competitors. I strongly believe that any age, illness and body type can do this work. I have spent many years working with physical therapists, chiropractors and health consultants to expand my knowledge on how the body works during times of illness or injury. My vast knowledge has allowed me to work with clients and resolve a variety of obstacles inhibiting someone from having an active lifestyle or a life without pain. I have been able to obtain countless video and written testimonials on how I and the Pilates work have changed their lives. This has resulted in over 80% of my business coming from referrals from clients and business professionals. My average tenure for my client base is three years and the age range for my clients is as youngest is 15 while my oldest is 82! This has helped build my reputation as knowledgeable studio owner/teacher with a passion for helping people get stronger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pilatesmona.com/
• Instagram: @pilatesmona
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilatesMona?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: Mona-Abeyta-Caruso
• Yelp: Pilates by Mona
• Other: tiktok – @monaabeytacaruso

Image Credits
Photos by Rachel Leintz Photography