Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Imandel Akhlaghi.
Kia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a teacher! I always have been. Even as a little girl, it came naturally to me to guide people, to motivate my loved ones and those closest to me. I love people! I make friends with strangers very easily and then they become my best friends! I would say my life is very colorful. I wear many hats… and I live in the moment! I’ve always been an advocate for healthy living and fitness. In college, I studied fashion because of my love for color, creation, and style. But teaching has always been my element. I quickly changed gears in my 20’s and started teaching children for eight years. I enjoyed every minute and learned so much about parenting. After marrying my best friend and having two kids of my own, I started teaching parenting classes for a while and focused mainly on raising my two amazing boys! Today, I teach PILATES! It is the combination of all the things I love including endless fashion and red lipstick! I get to meet amazing people every day, help them feel empowered, and watch them walk out of the studio looking taller and proud of themselves!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life has a LOT of twists and turns! A smooth road is boring and leaves no room for evolving as human beings. We learn to appreciate the good by experiencing the bad and ugly. Abraham Hicks calls it “Contrast.” The struggles we face are here to guide us and challenge us to reach our highest potential. I am a proud 41-year-old woman! Every part of my life has brought me to where I am today. The one thing I know for sure is that I have to ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS continue to learn and grow. I really don’t think there has ever been a time in my life that I am not reading a new book or article, joining a new workshop, taking part in a new self-discovery program, starting a new goal, or traveling to a new place I’ve never been. Everyone that knows me, can tell you of all the crazy things I do, LOL! My husband once called me a “Grasshopper”, and I really think that’s one of the best compliments he has ever given me. So, if I had to give any advice to other women it would be to get out there, and experience things, make challenges for yourself, always stay on your tippy toes and know there is so much more out there… take that art class you’ve been wanting to take, learn to play that new instrument you’ve been wanting to play, read that book that’s sitting on your nightstand. Learn more and more about yourself, and learn to meet your own needs… and be happy!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pilates With Kia – what should we know?
I wish I could tell you that I have my own Pilates Studio somewhere deep in the woods of Topanga Canyon with big tall glass doors & windows that open to fresh breezes, the sound of a small waterfall that sings, and is part of our every Pilates session throughout the day… a small cozy place with candles lit sporadically here and there. Positive energy throughout from all the days past, and conversations that have taken place while I teach. But that is not the case YET!!!! I am a new pilates teacher, still learning the ropes, working with some of the best in the business to perfect my skills and pass on the work of Joseph Pilates with honor and pride. But let me tell you, I am going to be EVERYWHERE soon… and I am bringing PILATES with me! Cuz that’s how I roll. My passion speaks for itself… and it’s really loud, LOL! My dreams always do come true… so Follow me to Pilates baby! Let’s get long, lean, and work those little muscles we didn’t know we have! I am here for you… and you know where to find me… and… if you don’t find me… I will find you! 😉
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Both my parents are really unique and open-minded. I have two other siblings. An older sister, and a younger brother. I would say that we are all a little different and definitely stand outside the box. My father was very imaginative and a free spirit when he was younger. He still is, but an older version of course. There was never a time where I didn’t feel an overflow of LOVE coming from him. He was always supportive and the love of my life. My mother taught us to be proud of ourselves no matter what. She taught us not to give a FUCK about what people think. She taught us to always be confident and stand our ground. And the one thing both my parents taught me and I’m sure it flows naturally in my blood, is how to create a deep connection with people. So, I would say a combination of love, support, confidence, and connection played a big part in setting me up for success. There’s nothing like family!
Contact Info:
- Website: Pilateswithkia.com (coming soon)
- Phone: 818448-5114
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @pilateswithkia
Image Credit:
@itsashleyreuben
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