Building Something Bigger Than You
Opening a first Pilates studio is often framed as a milestone, a moment of arrival after years of teaching, dreaming and planning. For Anthea Maclean, founder of Repertoire Pilates in Victoria, Australia the experience has been something far more layered.
It has been an exercise in resilience, identity and leadership; one that has reshaped not only her career, but her understanding of what it truly means to build something meaningful in the Pilates industry.
“Stepping outside my comfort zone is in my blood… it’s a part of my DNA,” she says. “You could say opening a Pilates studio is another one of those steps I’ve taken in order to grow into the kind of Pilates teacher I hoped to always become. It’s a funny thing,
“you step out to grow your business and the business ends up growing you.”
A Studio That Was Never the Original Dream
Unlike many instructors who begin teaching with aspirations of studio ownership, Anthea’s early focus was singular: refining her teaching and deepening her understanding of the method.
Starting out without clear mentorship pathways or structured support, she navigated the industry largely independently. Her previous experience in personal training and advertising helped her develop both stamina and perspective.
“I got my first job by myself and was thrown in the deep end… taking each teaching opportunity as lived experience guiding my next steps of refinement.”
The idea of opening a studio would occasionally surface, only to be pushed aside. “My passion was not to run a business per say but to create real impact, translation and quality control of the Pilates Method in a modern industry with very little red tape,” she explains.
It was only later, after stepping into mentorship and management roles and pursuing additional certification, that studio ownership began to feel less like a dream and more like the logical next step.
“Opening my own studio came from a means to an end… rooted in clear intention and industry objectives. Repertoire Pilates Studio has soared from day one… I suppose because it isn’t my day one.”
An affirmation in career direction
After completing a comprehensive Pilates certification in New York City, it became especially apparent that Anthea's teaching expertise alongside the NYC certification was a blend of special ingredients missing from the current Australian market.
With her “why” clarified, Anthea began navigating the complex transition from
Pilates teacher to studio owner, company director and educator, on a mission to value add and intertwine continued education within private lesson or class experience.
Designing a Studio With Purpose
Repertoire Pilates was conceived as more than a class schedule or equipment offering. Anthea’s long-term vision centres on creating a destination for bespoke private Pilates training and a safe, developmental environment for both clients and instructors.
“Holding a space for practitioners to continue self-mastery is huge for me. I believe in hard work. I would like Repertoire to provide guidance and continued support as each individual navigates life’s changes through the method.”
The Unseen Reality of Opening a Studio
While the final result may appear seamless, the path to opening was anything but.
“The early stages are a tedious process of permits, patience, fiscal projections and asking for help.”
Navigating council approvals proved particularly taxing. Delays stretched across four months, leaving the studio’s future uncertain even as financial commitments mounted.
“I was investing huge capital. I was paying rent having signed the contract for the space with still no clarity on whether I would be granted permission to use the premises. It was one of the most challenging moments of opening a brick-and-mortar space.”
Experiences like these demanded a shift in mindset.
“Opening a physical space requires a flexible mindset, nimble and reactive attitude and relinquish of control to circumstance.”
The Mental Load No One Talks About
Running her own comprehensive studio also brought unexpected emotional and cognitive pressures.
“The mental tax is huge.”
Teaching, programming, administration, marketing and financial forecasting quickly blurred together.
“You’re navigating multiple group class styles, private clients, directive duties and trying to find time to build new business.”
There was also the loneliness that can accompany leadership.
“The challenges of running a company truly brought into scope the value of leaning on other. There’s no doubt I’ve found incredible highs and lows scattered with unforeseen loneliness.”
Learning to relinquish control and invite others into her journey became essential.
Community Built Before the Doors Opened
Repertoire Pilates officially opened its physical space in 2025, but the foundations were laid years earlier.
Teaching privately from her front room allowed Anthea to refine her approach, build trust and develop a loyal client base.
“Leading with intention and lived experience meant I taught with clarity and precision that builds regular clientele.”
As a result, the studio did not face the common challenge of filling classes in its early days.
Stepping Into Leadership
Studio ownership has also required Anthea to claim her voice and authority in new ways.
“Now representing a company standard built on the very ingredients of who I am, I have stepped into owning those special ingredients. Stepping into my power.”
“I’ve met resistance with resilience. Avoidance invites stagnation. In my view, the circumstance that makes you feel out of control is the very skill you need to learn to sit in.”
Finding Meaning in Education
Among the proudest moments since opening has been launching teacher training programs and short courses within the studio.
“Being able to hold space for newly certified and experienced teachers to continue developing their skills makes me incredibly proud.”
For Anthea, creating a safe environment where instructors can rediscover their purpose in the method is one of the studio’s most important contributions.
Advice for Instructors Considering Studio Ownership
Her advice to future studio owners is grounded and direct.
“Fiscal responsibility is a necessary skill. Be sure to start managing your finances with high-level accountancy guidance immediately.”
She also challenges common assumptions.
“If you think owning your own studio will give you more time, a larger pay cheque or freedom in responsibilities, it is the exact opposite. It will require all of you.”
Support systems, she emphasises, are non-negotiable.
Yet despite the intensity, the rewards are deeply human.
“It’s incredible to find your people - people walk into your space connecting with you and uncovering new parts of their potential.”
Ultimately, opening Repertoire Pilates has allowed Anthea to experience something that many studio owners recognise only in hindsight.
“The reward for me has been building something bigger than you.”
Studio Owner Takeaways
1. Build financial literacy early
Work with a high-level accountant or mentor before you open. Understanding projections, cash flow and capital investment is essential for survival.
2. Expect delays and design for them
Permits, licensing and council approvals can significantly impact timelines. Build flexibility into both your mindset and your financial planning.
3. Studio ownership is not a lifestyle upgrade
Opening a studio will likely require more time, energy and emotional investment than teaching alone.
4. Community starts before your lease does
Develop your client relationships, teaching clarity and reputation long before opening a physical space.
5. Leadership requires support
Even independent operators need trusted advisors. Seek professional guidance from people outside your personal circle.
6. Define your direction clearly
Be intentional about your positioning in the market: clinical, contemporary, private, group or education-focused and align decisions accordingly.
7. Remember the deeper reward
Beyond financial outcomes or growth metrics, studio ownership offers the chance to create meaningful impact, connection and legacy within the Pilates community.
