Today we’d like to introduce you to Lulu DePina.
Hi Lulu, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a certified STOTT and TRX instructor since 2010. In May of 2021, I bought a reformer for my home because the Pandemic made me sedentary and depressed. I wanted to get moving again. I reached out to a few dancer friends that I thought would appreciate the workout so I offered one on one sessions for whatever they could afford. They started telling their friends, shared their workouts on social media and one reformer slowly turned into five. I went from teaching three friends to 75 clients in under five months. The studio began as one machine next to a dining table in our back patio to a fully renovated space in my home. As the space and clientele grew, I thought it was a bit tricky having so many people coming in and out of my backyard and personal restroom. I finally moved to a commercial space on September 9, 2022.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a very smooth and organic process. I think the growth of the studio felt very organic and meant to be. I wanted to create a space that feels warm and comforting and not sterile or clinical. I also wanted the studios both at home and the new commercial space to have an inviting feeling for all and not feel like a place for only female-identifying clients. Pilates studios are often intimidating and might have the reputation as being a place for thin dancers or skinny *women*. I want my space to be inclusive for all genders, body types, ages yet offer safe and challenging classes to all levels. My brand colors are warm and neutral, nothing too flashy or gimmicky.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My goal is to bring affordable Pilates to the community. Pilates is often overpriced and not accessible to all. I have had so many clients thank me for keeping the prices low so everyone in the neighborhood can enjoy it. In the first 3 months of being open, I have had a collaboration with The Gathering Spot and I taught a full day of sold-out classes to their members only. I also hosted my first West Adams Ladies Social at the studio, an event where *women (female-identifying) from the West Adams Neighborhood can come and mingle once a month. I included a free raffle for any guest that attended with gifts from Local Vendors, Artists, Esthetitians and Makeup artists to help promote shopping small in West Adams this Holiday Season. My space is also listed on Peerspace and we have hosted weekly Soundbath Meditations in the space. My commercial space has only (5) reformers which allow each student to receive individual attention from the instructors.
For 2023, I am hoping to add more pilates instructors, yoga, wellness, nutrition and breathwork to the studio. (We’re hiring, hint hint)
How do you think about luck?
I don’t feel like I’m lucky as much as the Universe always delivers as it should. I began looking for a space on August 15th in honor of my Nana’s birthday. It was completely spontaneous. Within 6 days I had the keys and we were completely renovated and opened by September 9th. Even though that heat wave tried to kill us during the renovations. My partner Jeff worked so hard on getting the space ready in such a short amount of time. This was all hard work, no good or bad luck here.
Pricing:
- Private Sessions $75
- Group Classes $30
- 10 Pack Privates $650
- 10 Pack Group Classes $250
Contact Info:
- Website: www.westadamspilates.net
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/westadamspilates/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/west-adams-pilates-los-angeles?osq=pilates
Image Credits
Whitney Gamble: IG: https://www.instagram.com/ugottahave___whit/ The Gathering Spot : https://www.instagram.com/lagathers/ Nathan Tecson IG: https://www.instagram.com/bringoutthegold/
