Hidden Gems: Meet Elisabeth David of Pilates of Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisabeth David. 

Hi Elisabeth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2014, my husband and I moved from South Florida to Kansas City. My husband had a great job opportunity that we couldn’t pass up, and after building a successful book of clientele, I knew I could find a new Pilates home in Kansas City and “start over”. However, I realized there was a gap in the market for two things: a fully-equipped studio (not just reformer) + a Comprehensive Pilates Certification Program that was local. 

Soon after we moved to KC, I began my Teacher Training Certification (+ I would fly down to South Florida monthly for training). The goal was to bring Classical Pilates to KC and fly all over and host Teacher Training at other studios. Right before my last weekend of Training, my mentor came to me and told me I needed to open up a studio in KC + she would be my angel investor. She assured me that with my work ethic, this business would succeed. She had SO much faith in me, even when I had zero business experience. I opened Pilates of KC in Prairie Village in May of 2015 + officially bought my business from her in 2018. I will be forever grateful for her, her business insight and tips + the confidence she gave me. 

Pilates of KC started off with 1,000 square feet with room for only 4 people in class. Today, we have two suites with a total of 2,000 square feet. And, later on, this year, we plan to open our second location in South Overland Park. And, we are only growing! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
If you own + run a small business, there is no such thing as a smooth road. The bumps and struggles are what make you stronger! Like every other business in 2020, we had to be creative + push through lockdowns. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Pilates of Kansas City?
We are the first (and only!) fully equipped Classical Pilates Studio in Kansas City. We offer Pilates Apparatus (Reformer, Tower, Chair, Cadillac), TRX, Ride + Pilates, and Barre classes. In addition, we are well-known for the for the effectiveness of our private + semi-private sessions. We are able to completely customize a workout best suited for our clients + their body’s needs + wants. Our clientele ranges from fit athletes that need to maintain their fitness level to post-surgery patients that need focus on strength + recovery. In addition to our class + private session offerings, we are a Pilates School. We host the Classical Pilates Education Teacher Training Program, which is Kansas City’s first 600 Hour Classical Teacher Training Comprehensive Program. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My mentor was someone that I worked for, for many years. She had all the qualities that I loved about her being my boss: 

(1) She always gave positive affirmation to her instructors + made them feel appreciated. (2) She created a studio without hierarchy, which I thought was so important. There are many talented instructors who have only been teaching for 2 years + she knew that. Just because someone has a lot of years under their belt; it does not make them great at what they do. She gave everyone an equal chance! (3) She made her studios not about her; it was all about her Staff and how to make them grow and reach their fullest potential. (4) She went to Harvard + had a successful fitness business. I knew I was learning from the best! 

You must pick a mentor that you look up to + trust! 

Pricing:

• New clients can receive a FREE 30-minute private reformer session with a purchase of 3 classes for $39.
• New clients can receive a FREE 30-minute private reformer session with a purchase of 1-month unlimited classes for $99.
• For our clients that prefer private sessions, you can do our Welcome Special, which is 3 private sessions for $150.
• Memberships provide our members with classes that range from $6 to $20.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.pilatesofkansascity.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilatesofkansascity/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilatesofkansascity/

Image Credits
Mallorie McBride Photography