Leslie Braverman is the co-founder of Pacific Northwest Pilates, a Portland-based, highly recognized Pilates studio, celebrating 20 years of business this year. Leslie is a former professional ballet dancer, who performed with the Oregon Ballet Theatre. She discovered her passion for Pilates during her rehabilitation from a serious dance injury. Leslie found Pilates to be both a newfound passion and solace, leading her into a new career path as both a Pilates instructor and entrepreneur.
In this episode, Leslie discusses how she became the co-founder of Pacific Northwest Pilates, translating her passion for dance and ballet into a new passion using Pilates to help others improve their health and mobility. Leslie shares the challenges she has faced in growing a business, discussing how the company used challenges, such as the pandemic, as an opportunity for innovation and creativity, by adapting to virtual teaching, creating a breakthrough virtual platform for Pilates instruction and classes.
Episode notes:
3:00 – The benefit of being naive and taking it slow
7:00 – Being a professional ballet dancer and connecting with Pilates
11:45 – From Pilates instructor to entrepreneur
14:00 – Starting the business
17:45 – Teaching a contemporary style of Pilates
20:30 – Standing out in the market by providing clear information, excellent education, and authentic teaching
25:00 – Having a clear purpose and vision
28:30 – Experiences and challenges in a growing business
31:30 – Learning how to prioritize, focus, gain self-awareness and listen to each other
34:45 – Adapting and thriving during the Covid-19 pandemic
38:00 – Rising to the occasion
39:45 – Reaching a wider audience and expanding the virtual platform
LINKS
Leslie Braverman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Pacific Northwest Pilates
CREDITS
Produced by Emma Holmstrom
Music by Isaac Chambers – ‘Change’