We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Azor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I’ve taken risks my whole life, but nothing compares to the leap I took nearly twenty years ago when I immigrated to the United States. I know it sounds like a cliché, but I truly arrived with just $200 in my pocket, barely any English, no family, no connections — just blind, fearless courage and a belief that I was meant for more.

It took nearly a decade to earn my citizenship, and another to build the life I have today. It was hard. It was lonely. But it was the best decision I’ve ever made — and the most powerful risk I’ve ever taken.

Now, I’m living the American dream. I own a business I love. I’m in a deeply supportive, loving relationship with the most incredible man. I wake up every day grateful, driven, and on fire for what’s next. I’m in love with my life — and I’m just getting started.

Victoria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I own a Pilates studio called VA Pilates — but my journey started long before Pilates became trendy. I discovered it over a decade ago, back when most people had never even heard the word.

I’ve had scoliosis since I was eight, and in my early twenties, doctors told me I’d need spinal fusion surgery. Pilates changed everything. It helped me avoid that surgery and gave me a new relationship with my body — one rooted in strength, awareness, and resilience.

Unlike many Pilates instructors who come from professional dance or athletic backgrounds, I came to this work through pain. I didn’t just memorize choreography — I had to truly understand how the body works from the inside out. I learned how to move intelligently, how to heal through movement, and how to adapt those principles to every body in front of me.

That depth of knowledge set me apart. It gave me the confidence to leave the studio I was working at and start my own. It’s that same conviction — that I know what I’m doing and I know how to help people — that gave me the courage to open VA Pilates.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth has been everything for my business. Not only has it brought in most of my clients — it’s brought the best ones. When someone recommends you to their friends, those new clients already understand your value. There’s no need to “sell” anything. They’ve heard the results, they trust the source, and they’re ready.

People spend so much time and money on elaborate marketing campaigns — and not nearly enough time getting really good at their craft. But the truth is, there’s no better way to attract new clients in my industry than being exceptional at what you do. As Georgetown professor Cal Newport put it, be “so good they can’t ignore you.” If you do that, the word will get out. It always does.

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

I’m in the middle of a major pivot. My business is currently called VA Pilates — but the truth is, I outgrew the Pilates method a long time ago. While Pilates is a great entry point into the world of fitness, it comes with serious limitations.

Over the years, I’ve evolved into a true body expert. Pilates is now just a small part of the broader, more advanced scope of my work. And even though the world is currently having a love affair with Pilates, I’ve made the deliberate decision to move away from it.

I’m rebranding — removing the word “Pilates” from my business name entirely. It might hurt my business in the short term, especially while the trend is booming. But staying true to myself, my philosophy, and what I know actually transforms the body is far more important.

My new brand, Body Imperium, represents that evolution. It combines cutting-edge sports science with AI-powered technology to deliver the most effective and efficient workout on the planet. This is where the future of fitness is headed — and I’m proud to be leading the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vapilates.com
• Instagram: the_pilates_upgrade

Image Credits

Birch Thomas, Washington DC based professional photographer