Today we’d like to introduce you to Luiza Barteldes Farinha and Cassie Buth.
Luiza and Cassie, please share your story with us.
Luiza: I discovered Pilates while dancing ballet in NYC. I was amazed by how the method improved so much my strength, balance, and flexibility, making me a much better dancer. I could turn more and jump higher. I was incredibly lucky to be introduced to the Romana’s Pilates method (Romana Kryzanowska was Joseph Pilates’ only protege, who carried on his legacy) by a teacher trainer, Pamela Pardi. She took me to the original Pilates studio on 57th street, which still had some of the equipment Joseph Pilates built himself, and introduced me to Romana Kryzanowska and her daughter, Sari Mejia Santo. I was accepted into their certification program and I graduated 9 months later.
After teaching Pilates in the NYC tri-state area, I was offered a teaching position at Superior Pilates in River North. I taught full time there for seven years and I built great relationships with wonderful people.
At the beginning of 2016, Superior Pilates closed doors so, I partnered up with my friend and fellow pilates instructor, Cassie Buth, and The Pilates Loft Of Chicago was born! In less than five weeks, we found a space and built an entire studio from scratch: from ordering the best equipment to setting up licenses and such. We opened on April 17th that year.
Cassie: For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for helping others and teaching was something I loved and that came very naturally to me. I started my professional career as a high school English teacher. I love a challenge and find that some of life’s most difficult obstacles can end up being the most rewarding experiences, which is why I started my career teaching inmates in the Cook County jail, where I remained for 7 years. This was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life, as well as sometimes the most stressful. In finding ways to deal with the emotional, psychological and even physical demands of teaching in such an environment I always turned to exercise to strengthen both my mind and my body.
Throughout my life, I’ve always been a very active person, participating in various sports and physical activities growing up. As an adult, I continued to exercise regularly, mainly for the physical benefits of staying shape, but once I discovered Pilates, I immediately saw the effect that the method had not only on my body but also on my mind. I found that doing Pilates not only gave me increased strength, flexibility, and stamina in ways no other exercise routine ever had, but it also relieved stress, and improved memory and concentration. I was immediately hooked.
After 8 years of teaching in the high school atmosphere, I decided I needed a change. I wanted to combine my passion for helping others with my love for the Pilates method and become a certified Pilates instructor. In 2012, I resigned as a Chicago Public School teacher and in May 2013, I completed the esteemed Romana’s Pilates certification program and began teaching full time immediately. My goal was to eventually open my own studio and not only continue teaching but take on the challenge of being a small business owner, however, I found a studio I loved where I met amazing co-workers and clients and taught happily for 4 years. When the studio announced it would be closing unexpectedly, my co-worker and good friend, Luiza, and I decided to go into business together and The Pilates Loft of Chicago was born. It was again, one of the most stressful and challenging decisions I’ve ever been faced with but has ultimately turned out to be the most rewarding. Luiza and I could not be better partners and co-owners and we could not be blessed with more amazing clients.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Luiza: It was for sure not a smooth road! I was eight months pregnant when we opened our studio! It was, after all, the right time for me to start my own business, after so many years of teaching. My advice is to work hard, be professional, reliable, try not to stress and have fun along the way!
Cassie: No way! When is life ever a smooth road?! Every experience I have had up to this point in my life has included both ups and downs, challenges and rewards. The closing of the studio where we worked was both sudden and devastatingly stressful, but it ended up one of the best things that could have happened, as it allowed me to achieve a dream that I might have otherwise never pursued. My advice would be to remember that not everything always goes according to plan and that sometimes the things that seem to be the worst can end up being for the best. I know it is so cliché but the old saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” cannot be more true. You have to find the best in every situation and trust that with hard work and perseverance it will all work out in the end!
Please tell us about The Pilates Loft of Chicago LLC.
Luiza: We are proud to be certified in Romana’s Pilates, the original Pilates method. As I mentioned above, Romana Kryzanowska was Joseph Pilates’ only protégé, who carried all his legacy. We strive to keep Joseph Pilates work as he invented, without changes or modernization.
Cassie: Our certification is definitely one of the things that set us apart. There are many “Pilates” certification methods and Pilates spin-off studios popping up all over the country but only Romana’s is the original method and has stayed true to its roots. I think as a studio we are known for creating a fun, energizing and caring atmosphere in which to work out. We take our method very seriously, but we have fun, adore our clients and like to mix things up so no one ever gets bored or stuck in a rut. We are also known for catering to every person individually, regardless of body type, ability level or ailment, and making every client work as hard as they personally can to achieve their best body and reach their goals. There are a million gyms and workout studios, so it truly is the instructor/client relationship that sets us apart and keeps our clients coming back.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Luiza: I used to work out in my room as a kid, following exercises from those fitness magazines! It was the 80s, so I would put my ballet leg warmers, some music and do the moves! When I was thirteen years old I started ballet and I knew right then I wanted to become a real dancer! I was so serious that, even during Christmas break, I would go to the ballet studio alone and practice by myself. I knew the class order by heart.
I was definitely raised learning that hard work pays off. I always believed that you can do pretty much anything you set your mind to. I also remember being told to never miss an opportunity to learn something new. To expand your horizons and be adventurous. I left my home in Brazil to move to New York City when I was in my early twenties. I had a suitcase, a room to stay and lots of dreams. I pursued my career in dance there which later took me to pilates.
Cassie: I am so incredibly blessed to have two amazing parents who taught me the value of hard work. From a very young age, I was taught that the only way to get something you want is to work hard and earn it, that things are not to be taken for granted and that I am not entitled to anything. My brother and I were always encouraged to be adventurous and to try new things and to never give up and never be a quitter. If we tried a new sport or activity my parents forced us to finish it out and see it through to the end no matter how much we disliked it. I think that taught us responsibility and to also give everything and everyone a chance. This sense of hard work and responsibility has followed me throughout my life and has influenced everything I’ve accomplished. I don’t think without my parents instilling these values I would be where I am today.
Pricing:
- Privates $80 single session, $750 ten pack, $1400 twenty pack
- Duets $60 single session, $550 ten pack, $1000 twenty pack
Contact Info:
- Address: 833 W Chicago Avenue
Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60642 - Website: https://www.pilatesloftchicago.com/
- Phone: 312-608-4722
- Email: pilatesloftchicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilatesloftchicago
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pilatesloftchicago/
Image Credit:
Luiza Barteldes Farinha, Cassie Buth
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