Meet Lora Pavilack | Pilates and Gyrotonic Instructor and Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lora Pavilack and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lora, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

As I approach my 50s, my work life balance has definitely changed! In the beginning of my career as a dancer and then owning Pilates Studio City, work was everything and I loved it, so there were really no boundaries. I worked all hours and thrived on creating my business and enjoyed the community.

Now, as Pilates Studio City celebrates its 20th anniversary, I find that my work life balance is definitely where I want it. I teach three days a week and am there to pick up and take my children to school and do activities that keep me healthy. I’m grateful to have gotten to this point in my life and feel I have found more balance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Pilates Studio City has always been about community. A studio where you are welcome and can just be yourself as you commit to getting stronger and healthier. All of our teachers are incredible instructors that care about their clients and want to see them leave feeling better than when they walked in. I love that for the past 20 years we have been serving the community and building lifetime friendships. Living in a big city can be lonely. I always wanted a place you could escape and just move and breathe. That is what, I believe, people find when they come to Pilates Studio City.

Was it easy the last 2o years – no! But definitely worth it! There have been lots of ups and downs but I always knew it would be work out. Many challenges were overcome by the support from mentors, clients and family. I have learned that you always need a core group of people around you that are there for you when everything falls apart. I also believe that we don’t have to be competitive but can support other businesses because there is always enough to go around.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to Frogtown and eat at Just What I Kneaded and Spoke Bicycle Cafe and then walk along the LA River. Then we would go downtown LA to the Grand Central Market and ride up Angels Flight and check out the museums, especially the Broad. Then a walk to Little Toyko would be nice. Lots of good finds there! I also love to go to the Norton Simon museum and the Getty Center. A hike at Fryman and Griffith Park is fun and Trails Cafe is a must go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My story success would not be impossible without the love and support of my family, who always believe in me. My husband, who makes me laugh, and my children who make me strive for better things. The Pilates Studio City community has always been incredible and supportive and created the space that we continue to use after 20 years! My business partner for over 18 years, Nikki Alstedter, my operations manager, Nalani Wilson, and so many friends who have cheered me on!

Website:  www.PilatesStudioCity.com

Instagram: @pscpilates

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilatesstudiocity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilatesStudioCity/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pilates-studio-city-studio-city-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PilatesStudioCity

Image Credits
Amy Dickerson