Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Hinojosa.
Karla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
So, pretty much, it all started the moment I had my daughter. I have a 3-year-old daughter named Alina; prior to her, I was always a very hard-working person who maintained myself in the office administration environment. The moment my daughter came into my life, my life completely shifted in every single aspect. I absolutely love her. She is my world, but as a young 20-year-old mom at the time I started to miss my old working life at times and felt guilty about it. With that being said, I knew I wanted to do something for myself. I tried to go back to work at an office, but it just was never the same and just even harder. I decided to take some time off working, maybe for about a year, and just manage finances and everything all through my husband. I thank god for a hardworking husband because he gave me the ability to be a stay-at-home mom with my daughter for about a year. During that year, I opened up a small rose business so I could do rose bouquets and arrangements. It was going great, but I always knew it wasn’t my final life plan. I randomly one day took an intro class at a Pilates studio in West Covina, CA; I came across it and was so intrigued I decided to try it out. I instantly loved it but didn’t automatically think of it as a career choice. It wasn’t until 3 months later where I saw such major changes in my physical and mental health for the better that just really tugged me closer to pilates. I began my certification course and completed it. I tried to find a studio for me that can fit my personality to work at but couldn’t really find one near me. It wasn’t until I realized there are no Latina-owned pilates studios near me or in LA County, really. I always knew pilates was something for everybody but so many people are afraid to try it out because of all the different stigmas people put on pilates. I chose the location closest to me at the time (5 min distance) due to convenience. My husband and I went for it and signed the lease and began our journey. We were very nervous and scared due to such a big investment and not knowing what the outcome would be, but by the grace of god, we moved past those emotions and started seeing the amazing results the studio was having with so many Latina women showing up and just all over. There were so many trials and errors through it all, but I placed everything in my faith and the hands of god, and he has been just blessing the studio ever since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a 50/50. I am currently the only instructor as well as the one who handles social media and any marketing things. Being a mom/wife/business owner is so much pressure, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Finding time to do everything has been my biggest struggle, starting projects and finishing them is something I am working on daily, trying to progress in my time management skills while taking care of my household.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a pilates instructor. I lead people through reformer classes, guiding them through connecting their mind and body while performing low-impact exercises. Pilates is a group of exercises that center in balance, strength, breathing, control. I am proud of being able to take the role of a business owner while managing my personal life. It has not been easy but very well worth it, and it has helped me grow in so many ways. Has taught me so much patience and gratitude. I believe my sense of welcoming people into the studio making them feel so welcomed and invited, I love forming friendships with my girls I appreciate so much when I’m seen more as a friend than a business owner.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is spending time with one of my favorite cousin Karen who today is one of the closest women to me and has supported me and inspired me to keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enhancedpilates/
