Exploring Life & Business with Kahley Schiller of Pilates by Kahley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kahley Schiller.

Hi Kahley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I envisioned a place that would inspire and fill individuals with a sense of self-worth and renewed confidence.

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.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
We have definitely experienced some challenges as most small businesses do. In 2019, I was diagnosed with acute liver failure-end stage. By the grace of God, I received a liver donor and survived. My instructors and clients continued to keep the studio alive and strong. We are more than a business, we are a family!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a Pilates studio that was founded in 2005. We offer private sessions on the Pilates equipment as well as Reformer Classes, Pilates Mat Classes, Core Cycle, Mat Reformology, and FitSprings.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Pilates is for EVERYONE! We advise beginners to start with private sessions so we can create a program that is specifically designed for the individual.

Pricing:

• Private sessions: 1 single session 70.00
• Reformer sessions: 1 single session 40.00
• Pilates Mat/Mat Reformology/Core Cycle 1 single session 18.00
• FitSprings session: 1 single session 30.00

Contact Info:

• Email: kahley@pilatesbykahley.com
• Website: www.pilatesbykahley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilateskcgirl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilateskcgirl/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/PilatesbyKahley

Image Credits
Jeffrey Nicholson