IN THE STUDIO WITH SG

Female Founder Edition

Throughout Women’s History Month we outfitted movement sessions at studios across the country to support female founders and the communities that create space for women to get active, feel supported, and build friendships. Beacuse when women gather, the energy is powerful. These are their stories.

Kelly Jackson

Founder of The Studio Pilates in Atlanta, GA

What does the power of womanhood mean to you in your personal journey and in the way you lead your studio?

“The wellness industry is largely powered by women, yet many instructors work incredibly hard for very little financial stability. That never sat right with me. If someone is dedicating their energy to helping others feel stronger and more confident, they deserve a career that supports them too. I’ve focused on building a workplace where women can actually thrive. That means pay that supports financial independence, benefits like 401(k) matching, and paid time off so they can recharge. When we take care of the people leading our community, they’re able to show up fully and continue filling other people’s cups. To me, that’s the real power of women supporting women.”

How have you witnessed women uplifting each other in your space?

"I see it in the small, everyday moments. People remember names, ask how someone’s doing, celebrate progress, and encourage each other through the harder workouts. Over time those connections grow into real friendships that extend beyond the studio, and that’s when you really see how powerful that sense of community can be."

How does your studio create space for women to reconnect with themselves through movement or mindfulness?

“Our studio gives women a space to pause and reconnect with themselves. Pilates brings you back to the present. The movements require focus, control, and breath, so for that hour you have to be here, now. You start regulating your breathing, tuning into your body, and quieting the noise in your mind. That moment of stillness is powerful. It’s not just about the workout. It’s about giving women a space where they can reset, reconnect with themselves, and walk back out into their day feeling more grounded.”

Jenna Sereni

Founder of SALT+GROVE Wellness in Stowe, VT

What does the power of womanhood mean to you in your personal journey and in the way you lead your studio?

“To me, the power of womanhood is rooted in both strength and softness. It’s the ability to hold space, to lead with intuition, and to create environments where people feel seen and supported. In my own journey, I’ve learned that being a woman in business isn’t about fitting into traditional models of leadership—it’s about building something that reflects your values. At SALT + GROVE, that means prioritizing connection, community, and the idea that strength can look like both a powerful Pilates class and a quiet moment of stillness.”

Where in your studio do you most see women reconnecting with themselves and stepping into their inner glow?

"Often it’s during the quietest moments—at the end of class, during an event, or even in a pause between movements when someone takes a deep breath and resets. Those small moments of awareness are where reconnection happens. You can see it in the way someone walks out of the studio afterward—more grounded, more confident, and carrying that calm and beautiful glow with them."

Building something meaningful rarely happens alone. What role have other women played in supporting, inspiring, or shaping the studio you’ve created today?

“The studio truly exists because of the women around it. Most of our instructors have been with us since before we opened our doors. Have helped carve the culture we all foster today. Their dedication to developing expertise and bringing passion to every class really shows. And of course our clients create the energy and community that makes the space special. I’ve also been incredibly inspired by women mentors, collaborators, and friends who have supported the vision along the way. It’s a reminder that when women support each other, the impact can be powerful.”

Caroline Cox

Owner of Somos Pilates in Nashville, TN

What does the power of womanhood mean to you in your personal journey and in the way you lead your studio?

“To me and our studio, the power of womanhood is about strength, resilience, and community. Women have a unique ability to support and lift each other up, and that’s something we try to foster in our studios everyday. We are incredibly grateful to lead a space where women can grow stronger both physically and mentally while also building meaningful connections with each other.”

How have you witnessed women uplifting each other in your space?

"One of my favorite things about the studio is the encouragement you see between clients and instructors. Women celebrate each other’s progress, check in with one another, and create friendships that extend beyond class. That supportive energy is something that makes the space feel really special and one I think makes people genuinely proud to be members of Somos."

What mindfulness practices have been most transformative for your own healing and empowerment?

“For me, movement combined with breath has been the most powerful. Pilates has truly taught me to slow down and be intentional, which has been incredibly grounding. I grew up where a workout needed to leave me completely worn out and out of breath, but over the past couple years I have noticed how much better I feel slowing down which actually makes me more energized. This translates and is highlighted even more as I have become a mom and taking time for myself is so important for me to fill up my own cup so I can give to everyone else around me."

Lisa Solomon

Founder & CEO of The Studio (MDR) in Southern CA

What does the power of womanhood mean to you in your personal journey and in the way you lead your studio?

“For me, the power of womanhood is really about support and resilience. Women have this incredible ability to show up for each other, encourage one another, and keep going even when things feel difficult. When I started (MDR), I did not have all the answers. But I was surrounded by strong women who believed in what we were building, and that support made a huge difference. Now, as a leader, I try to create that same environment in our studios — a place where women feel supported, confident, and able to grow. When women support and encourage one another, something powerful happens.”

What shifts when women begin to prioritize presence and inner stillness?

“They begin listening to their bodies more and giving themselves permission to slow down. Many women walk into the studio carrying the weight of work, family, and everything else life throws at them. For an hour of their time, they can focus on their movement, their breath, and their strength. When they allow themselves that space, they often leave feeling clearer, more grounded, and more confident. That energy tends to carry into everything else in their lives.”

Where do you feel the glow of women gathering most in your studio?

Over the years I have watched real friendships form in our studios. We have seen women through pregnancies, career changes, periods of uncertainty, and big celebrations. Some have even become such an important part of the community that they eventually joined our team as teachers, front desk associates, or managers.