Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Grant
Hi Pamela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I took my first Pilates class at a Club Pilates about three years ago after seeing a friend of mine take a class. As a woman who had tried many forms of exercise in the past, my interest was piqued. After taking an intro class, I was hooked and immediately signed up for a membership.
During my Pilates journey, I began documenting my classes—primarily to track my growth and identify areas where I could improve my form. I started sharing snippets of my classes on Instagram, eager to showcase my newfound love for Pilates. To my surprise, those posts sparked conversations. I began receiving DMs with questions like, “Are there others in your class who look like you?” or “Do you have an instructor who looks like you?” These messages resonated deeply with me, especially as I had already been contemplating whether to embark on the journey to become a Pilates instructor. My passion for the practice and the life-changing impact it had on me made me want to share it with others. However, noticing the lack of diversity in the Pilates community in the Charleston, SC area solidified my decision. I knew I had to be the one to create change.
That decision set the wheels in motion for my Pilates journey. I started researching certification programs online and near me. It was important to me that my first certification aligned with my values and my purpose: to create a safe and welcoming space for people of color in the health and wellness industry. For years, I had been following Jungle Johanna, also known as the Pilates Plug🔌, on Instagram. When I learned she was offering a mat Pilates teacher training program in Miami, FL, I knew that was where my journey needed to begin.
Determined to make it happen, I saved money, worked odd jobs, and even started a GoFundMe campaign to rally the support of my community. After months of preparation and persistence, I finally traveled from Charleston to Miami and underwent rigorous training at Break Free Movement. It was a challenging yet transformative process—one that tested my confidence and resolve. On January 22, 2024, I officially earned my mat Pilates certification, an accomplishment that filled me with pride and purpose.
Even after becoming certified, imposter syndrome crept in, holding me back from fully stepping into my role as an instructor. For months, I practiced quietly, training family and friends here and there, but I hesitated to share my gift with the public. That changed in July 2024 when I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and led my first group mat Pilates class at Fordham Performance. The class had over 20 attendees, and it was the moment I realized the true power of Pilates—not just in my life but in the lives of others.
Since then, I’ve taught weekly classes at Fordham Performance and Paradise Pilates, hosted over ten Pilates events, and continued to expand my offerings. My classes focus on the holistic benefits of Pilates, emphasizing physical strength and mental clarity. Teaching has been a profound and fulfilling experience; I’ve found my peace, my passion, and my purpose.
Believing in being a forever student, I’ve also embarked on further training with Breathe Education as I work toward my Comprehensive Certification. My mission remains to bring inclusivity and accessibility to the Pilates community, breaking down barriers for those who may have felt excluded. Through my classes, I aim to create a welcoming environment where everyone can experience the life-changing benefits of Pilates.
From those early days of discovering Pilates to now teaching and inspiring others, my journey is a testament of perseverance, community support, and the transformative power of Pilates.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was not a smooth road at all. The certification process itself is expensive, and my first major struggle was financial. Trying to come up with the money to fund my certification almost prevented me from becoming an instructor. But I was determined. I took on side gigs and part-time jobs, leaned on my community for donations through a GoFundMe campaign, and cut back on extra expenses to save as much as I could. That financial hurdle taught me resilience and resourcefulness, but it was just the first of many challenges.
Another significant struggle was trying to establish myself in the wellness community and gain visibility. In a city like Charleston, where the Pilates industry is not only small but also lacks diversity, being one of very few people of color in this space presented its own set of challenges. I had to work even harder to gain the trust of people and encourage them to attend my classes. I often felt the weight of having to represent not just myself but also pave the way for others who look like me to feel welcomed in this industry.
Additionally, there were internal battles with imposter syndrome. Even after earning my certification, I sometimes doubted whether I belonged in this space. Would people trust me to lead their Pilates journey? Would they embrace what I brought to the table? Over time, I realized that my unique perspective and purpose were not limitations but strengths.
Despite these struggles, I’ve learned to view each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. The challenges I faced in this journey—financial, external, or internal—have fueled my mission to create a more inclusive and accessible Pilates community in Charleston. They’ve also shaped how I teach, ensuring my classes are a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Pilates Pamela?
At its core, my work is about empowering people to feel strong, confident, and at home in their bodies. As a certified Classical Mat Pilates instructor, I specialize in offering inclusive, accessible, and transformative Pilates experiences for individuals and groups. My mission is to break down barriers in the Pilates community, creating spaces where everyone—regardless of background or experience—can feel welcome and supported in their wellness journey.
I currently teach weekly classes at Paradise Pilates in Summerville, SC, where I guide students through the Classical Pilates repertoire and sculpt classes designed to challenge and inspire. In addition to studio classes, I offer a variety of services to meet the diverse needs of my clients:
Virtual and In-Person Private Sessions: Tailored one-on-one or small group sessions that cater to individual goals and abilities, providing a customized and intimate Pilates experience.
Event and Group Bookings: From pop-up classes to private wellness events, I bring Pilates to community gatherings, corporate wellness days, bridal parties, and more.
Specialized Workshops and Classes: I periodically host pop-up classes throughout Charleston, SC, and I am available to travel for events, bringing my expertise to new communities.
What sets me apart is not just the Classical Pilates expertise I’ve cultivated through rigorous training but also my commitment to inclusivity. As one of the few Pilates instructors of color in the Charleston area, I’ve made it my mission to be a representation of diversity in the wellness space, fostering a sense of belonging for clients who may not have always felt seen or welcomed. My classes are designed to be as much about mental clarity and self-discovery as they are about physical fitness.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community I’ve built and continue to grow. Whether it’s through weekly classes, virtual sessions, or special events, my goal is to make Pilates accessible to everyone, one person at a time. I want readers to know that Pilates is for them, no matter their starting point.
You can learn more about my offerings or book a session by visiting my website at www.pilatespamela.net. Whether you’re in Summerville, Charleston, or beyond, I’d love to help you on your Pilates journey.
How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to create meaningful impact while staying true to my values and purpose. For me, it’s not just about reaching a certain milestone but about the journey—overcoming challenges, learning from experiences, and making a difference in the lives of others along the way.
Success is seeing the positive change in the community I’ve built. From leading my first group class of over 20 individuals at Fordham Performance to hosting over ten Pilates events and teaching weekly classes, every opportunity to connect with others and help them feel empowered through Pilates is a victory. It’s the smiles, the “aha” moments, and the progress my clients make that define success for me.
Another measure of success is personal growth. Traveling to Miami to earn my certification was a huge step in my journey, but so was overcoming the financial and emotional hurdles that almost stopped me from pursuing this dream. Continuing my education with Breathe Education to work toward my Comprehensive Certification is another way I strive to grow and better serve my clients.
Ultimately, success is knowing that I’m living out my mission to bring inclusivity and accessibility to the Pilates community. Whether it’s making someone feel seen in a space where they might not have before or encouraging them to try something new, success is about the impact I leave behind and the lives I touch through this work.
Pricing:
- Introductory Virtual Sessions $85 for 3 sessions
- Introductory In-Person Sessions $90 for 3 sessions
- Online Private Session Single $35
- In-Person Private Session Single $55
- Packages and Group Rates are also available.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pilatespamela.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilatespamela/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PilatesPamela
Image Credits
Profile Photo by K. Marie www.instagram.com/shotbykmarie and Additional Photos by Bryant Lindsay www.instagram.com/shotbylindsay
