Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy A. Robinson.
Hi Brandy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2007/2008, I began to pay more attention to my fitness and overall health. During my time away while I was studying as an undergrad at Hampton University, I gained the dreaded “Freshman 15”. I was eager to get rid of it, I was not happy with how I looked, but more importantly, how I felt. I soon began working out with my brother’s trainer, “Coach E” at Kenneth Hahn Park. After many early mornings of HIIT, sprinting hills, and burpees, I began to enjoy it all! I realized that my body could do many things, for me, it became more mental than physical. Soon after, I began to look for other forms of exercise, something different. I came across reformer Pilates. I was familiar with mat Pilates, something I did often in the comfort of my home. But reformer Pilates looked a bit intimidating. Nonetheless, I was willing to give it a shot. I visited several Pilates studios and unfortunately, I could not enjoy the workout experience because I was too focused on how uncomfortable I felt. I was the only Black woman in every class I attended. I felt out of place, and I did not feel seen.
Eventually, I stopped attending. A few months later, I came across a different studio in Culver City that was owned by 2 Black women-something I was not expecting. I gave it a try, and that is where my story truly begins. I finally found a place where I felt welcomed and seen. I was not self-conscious about my body; if I did a movement wrong, I was not embarrassed- this experience was completely different. Soon after I decided to complete teacher training to become a certified Pilates instructor. Although I was happy to finally find a space…. in the back of my mind, I did want to one day create my own space so that women & men don’t experience what I did early on in my Pilates journey. I had dreams of one day having a space in a diverse community that would create access for all. For years Pilates has been known to only be accessible to affluent individuals; my goal was to change that narrative. So, I did it! While at home during the pandemic in 2020, I literally woke up in the middle of the night and asked myself, what am I waiting for? I grabbed markers and a white poster board and began brainstorming and mapping everything out.
In 2021, I identified a space in West Adams and for the next year and a half, I focused on securing financing and building my brand. Deciding on a name was tough. I reached out to family and friends for their input. When I saw Hills & Heights typed out, I knew that was it. It represents who I am, my childhood, my community, and my closest friends. I was a business management minor in undergrad, so I have been able to put my business hat out which was useful once the build-out of my space began. The day the Pilates machines (X-Formers) were delivered, it hit me. I was thinking, I am really doing this! It has not been easy; I have a newfound respect for small business owners. Doors officially opened on March 25th, and I have so much gratitude for every person who walked through the doors to support not just a new business but a Black woman-owned business. We offer classes every day and our classes are for all fitness levels, and I have an AMAZING group of instructors. They each bring their own unique vibe to each class. I am looking forward to growing and developing as a business owner and possibly even expanding to two studios. For now, we want people to know we are here, ALL bodies are welcome, and we are “Your Neighborhood Pilates Studio”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Securing financing was tough- to open a business like this requires a lot on the front end. Next, waiting on the city for permit approval was stressful; there was always a delay. And of course, you always hear stories about new businesses failing, so I am doing everything I can to avoid that. I am focused on staying positive and putting in the work to ensure this business is successful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Hills & Heights Pilates opened on March 25th, 2023. This boutique studio in the West Adams area of Los Angeles provides group and private sessions. Community classes, which are discounted are also provided at least twice a month. In the fall we will be looking for nonprofits to partner with in the community. Each month we will have charity classes in which all proceeds will be donated to selected nonprofits of the month. We utilize the X Former machine and each class is 50 minutes. What sets Hills & Heights apart is that it is 100% Black woman-owned. Not only that, but the owner (me) is a product of the community. This is my way of giving back, which makes me SO proud. My brand represents my community and myself. I am Hills &Heights. I wanted to provide a space in a community that has traditionally been underserved, people should not have to drive out of their communities to have high-quality experiences.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I learned thus far has been practicing patience and trusting myself. When I first started, I wanted everything to happen immediately. But that was not a reality. There were setbacks that were out of my control, and I just had to wait, which was hard. Also, there was a lot of self-doubt early on, I just kept thinking about what if I fail. Other than buying my first home, this was a huge financial commitment, and I was scared. But I have remained steadfast, I pray every night, and my tribe continues to uplift me. One evening after class I overheard one of our Founding studio members Sybil say to my mom, “I thank your daughter for having the courage to open her studio HERE”. I wrote that down on a sticky note and I read it every day.
Pricing:
- $25 first-timer single class
- $35 single class
- $250 monthly unlimited
- $75-Intro 3 class package
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hillsandheightspilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillsandheightspilates/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HillsandHeightsPilates
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hills-and-heights-pilates-los-angeles
Image Credits
Brandy Robinson Rosie Pecina Umba Peggy Monga
