Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice.
Hi Candice, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Pilates years ago after learning it was a low-impact form of exercise that was accessible to someone with as many injuries as I had. After the first session, I was completely hooked and not too long after, I started the journey to becoming a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor. At that time, all of the work was in Charlotte so I was spending a lot of time driving around to various studios in the Metro area to gain teaching experience. Back then, instructors mostly had the option to work at corporate Pilates franchises and big box fitness chains. After a few years doing that, I was convinced there had to be a better way to teach The Pilates Method and Rock Hill Pilates was born. I had vision of a community focused, instructor-owned, boutique style studio with small classes—a true learning environment. I started with one reformer in 2022 and that community focused studio idea grew until we became the full scale studio we are today.
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?
There is no smooth road in small business, but I will say the bumps have been manageable due to the support of the community, dedication of the clients, and the extraordinary team of women who teach alongside me. The struggles of small business are always the same: finding affordable commercial space, competing with big corporations, and grass roots marketing. We have managed to make it work.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Rock Hill Pilates is a small, privately owned, boutique Pilates and barre studio in downtown Rock Hill. We offer group classes including reformer, mat, and barre. We also do extensive private and duet sessions ideal for those new to Pilates or with limited mobility or injuries that need custom programming.
We are known for the boutique setting: only 6 reformers, personalized attention, hands-on correction, and personal connection with each client. I am most proud of the community we have built. The team at RHP truly cares about each and every client that comes in our doors. We have been open long enough to see them improve, achieve their fitness goals, and even see some of our students attend Pilates school to become certified as they loved the environment so much. I know something about each client that attends the studio from their children’s names to their life passion. In the age of digital disconnection, I am extremely proud to have helped cultivate a community that truly knows and cares about each other.
If you want to learn Pilates in a non-judgmental, fun, motivating environment, Rock Hill Pilates is for you.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
My favorite thing about Rock Hill is the downtown area. Not only have I invested in a business downtown, but I purchased a home nearby because I believe in the potential downtown Rock Hill has. I would love to see it full of small businesses created by ambitious entrepreneurs with a vision.
I would like to see more initiatives for local entrepreneurs to start the business they have been dreaming of, especially the younger generation. Small business brings diversity, opportunity, and community and I would love to see more of them in Rock Hill.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rockhillpilates.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/rockhillpilates
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/rockhillpilates
