Inspiring Conversations with Joanna Flores of Refined Pilates Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Flores.

Hi Joanna , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Pico Rivera, I’m a proud first-generation Latina and the youngest of four sisters. Being the baby of the family made me incredibly observant- I learned a lot from watching others’ experiences, and in doing so, I quickly figured out what I wanted from life… and just as importantly, what I didn’t.

I graduated from CSULA with a degree in Communications, but I never truly pursued a traditional path in that field. Instead, I jumped into rental arbitrage, where I discovered a love for interior design- turning ordinary spaces into places that feel like home.

But my true passion? That came from healing.

After breaking my foot playing soccer in high school, I struggled with traditional physical therapy. It just didn’t feel like the right fit for me. Then I found Pilates in 2019. I was intimidated at first (like most people), but once I started seeing results- improved strength, balance, posture, and mobility, I was hooked. The consistency, the challenge, the healing… it all clicked.

I was constantly begging my sisters or dragging friends to classes with me. Pilates became my daily ritual. But when the studio I loved moved even farther away, I realized something: I wanted this practice to be part of my everyday life, and I knew I couldn’t be the only one craving a beautiful, accessible space that felt both empowering and welcoming.

So, I created it.

Refined Pilates Studio is the space I always dreamed of- a destination for strength, flexibility, and rejuvenation. We offer 15+ class types with a weekly rotating schedule so it never gets boring, and our incredible instructors are encouraged to teach in their unique style so that everyone, clients and teachers alike- feels seen, heard, and at home.

We are dedicated to promoting wellness through intentional movement, personalized instruction, and a community-centered environment. Whether you’re recovering, realigning, or just ready to reclaim your power, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s move with purpose.
Let’s REFINE + ALIGN together.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This journey was filled with firsts and not the easy kind.

As a Hispanic woman entering a space where people who look like me have rarely been seen, I was often met with doubt, hesitation, and the unspoken pressure to prove myself. It was my first time navigating a commercial buildout, first time needing blueprints, dealing with city permits, and curating a space down to the smallest details. Each step pushed me out of my comfort zone.

And while the learning curve was steep, the most difficult part wasn’t the logistics, it was having to demand the respect that men are so often handed without question through this buildout. There were moments I found myself second-guessing everything, wondering if I had taken on too much or made the wrong decision.

But every time I hit a wall, I reminded myself why I started: this practice, this powerful, healing, transformative method hasn’t always been accessible to women like me, to communities like ours. That realization lit a fire in me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Refined Pilates Studio was designed with you in mind.

With 15+ class types and a weekly rotating schedule, there’s always something new to explore- from foundational to advanced reformer, mat, recovery, and restorative classes. Our instructors are encouraged to teach in their own unique style, so the energy always feels fresh, inclusive, and real.

We intentionally keep our classes small- only eight reformers per session- so you receive personalized attention, real-time corrections, and a supportive environment that feels like a home away from home… except better.

The best part?
Your first class is free- no pressure, no strings, just come experience it for yourself.

What I’m most proud of is the growth we’ve seen in just our first year of business.

The faith my team and clients have placed in this vision means everything to me. We’ve taken the time to refine our systems, build thoughtful protocols, and create something sustainable and special — not just for now, but for the long run.

We’re excited for what’s next.
And we’re just getting started.

Refined Pilates Studio- a destination for strength, flexibility, and rejuvenation.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is essential in any arena- but more importantly, it’s about understanding a calculated risk. Think ahead. Think logically. Think numbers. It’s not about diving in blindly; it’s about making informed decisions and then having the courage to follow through.

The other half of that equation is betting on yourself- and for many, that’s the hardest part.

The best advice I can give? Just start. Move forward with intention, and you’ll learn, pivot, shake, and adapt along the way. A single risk can lead you to the life you’ve always envisioned- and trust me, it’s so worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://refinedpilatesstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refinedpilatesstudio/?hl=en
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/refined-pilates-studio-whittier

Image Credits
Mariah Rodriguez