Greetings!
Six months ago I began renegotiating my commercial lease on Real Pilates. At the time I had just begun working with a new agent and business coach and went through a pretty tough self-examination to explore what my vision was for the studio. I did not yet know if I was willing to commit to another 5 years of running Real Pilates - but I did know one thing. I did not want to do it alone.
My coach had me write my staff and tell them just that. "I do not want to run this business alone." After the email went out she asked me what the response was. "Mostly crickets" I replied, disheartened at the lack of response. "Tell them again", she said sternly. "Keep telling them.".
Today on the eve of my new lease signing, with a pen in my hand I am reflecting on these past months and I can say that as of today I am most assuredly not running Real Pilates alone anymore. Here's just a bit of what you may not see from out there on the floor and some of the details about who's running things from the inside. Because of each of them, the studio has been literally transformed this year, and I am as inspired as I have ever been.
Shari Berkowitz - One of the early catalysts in this process. Shari brought her smile back to NY from California and really got me thinking about what I wanted for Real Pilates. She has been such a presence here, sharing her wisdom and experience and also building the Continuing Education program. Teachers from everywhere have been attending our workshops.
Caitlin Goddard - Cat is the SpringTone Coordinator, meeting with staff, creating our training manual and working to bring the SpringTone brand to the Fitness world. She does all of this while swinging on a pole! (just kidding)
Lynda Lippin - With spirit, tenderness and talent Lynda continues to inspire me with new ideas every day. I can count on her for a brainstorming session any day and Real Pilates will be implementing some of Lynda's ideas very shortly. Stay tuned.
Victoria (Tori) Cooper - Tori single handedly spearheaded our LAB program - helping us craft unique client workshops which are calendared for the coming year and will truly enhance the Real Pilates community spirit.
Keren Hawkins - Our recently appointed Pilates Promise Director, Keren has been watching this program from the sidelines and came to me with pages of work already done. Watch out for the super-fun Open Houses that will be coming up soon - thanks to her.
Eden McFadden - Look Up! All the beauty, decor and pretty-fying you see around you is the hard work and vision of Eden who sprinkles a bit of "glitter" all 'round Real Pilates every day. I love walking through the front door wondering what she's done now! Oh, and she shoots a mean video!
Lillian Vince - Without a great manager at the helm, all is lost. How Lilly manages to keep our systems on the cutting edge and still crank out awesome signage, graphics, logos, newsletters, and multiple construction projects plans? It's beyond me.
Each of my teachers and administration are a vital part of this studio each day. Listing each of their contributions isn't practical for this format but know that they are part of the heart and soul of Real Pilates. Working with them isn't just rewarding, it's invigorating. And finally, to my dear friend and coach Ava Taylor, I say thank you again and again. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Here's to another five years on Duane street. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world today!
Warmly, Alycea | 
Clara's! Named for Joe's wife and sidekick, Clara was the magic behind the man. A gifted teacher and wonderful communicator, Clara was happy to play a supporting role to her husband in the spotlight. We think your apparel should function the same way. Exercise wear supports your workout and lets you shine. 
