Pilates Elephants 326. How a 23-Year-Old Built a Waitlisted Pilates Studio in Just 1 Year, with Chelsea McBride and Raphael Bender
Sep 14, 2025
Chelsea McBride, at just 23, transformed personal challenges into a thriving Pilates studio in Port Pirie, South Australia, quickly filling up her schedule to the point of a waitlist. She talks about her journey from private sessions to managing 50 weekly reformer classes with a team of six. Chelsea shares insights on effective leadership amidst rapid growth, the importance of community engagement, and creating a supportive environment that champions holistic wellness and resilience for both clients and staff.
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From Spare Room To Studio
- Chelsea started teaching one-on-one from her parents' spare room while finishing qualifications and working other jobs.
- She moved classes to her own house, then to a rented studio as demand grew rapidly and unsustainably.
Get A Mentor Early
- Get a mentor early to help with pricing, marketing and business setup.
- Use expert guidance to avoid common mistakes when moving from private clients to a studio.
Specific Problems Drive Referrals
- Word of mouth and referrals from local physios drove early growth in a small town.
- Offering a specific solution (e.g., back pain relief) made Pilates immediately useful and referable.