We had the good fortune of connecting with Dru Mouser & Sasha Drawdy | Co-Founders, Instructors VLP (Mouser & Drawdy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dru Mouser & Sasha Drawdy | Co-founders, Instructors VLP, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
For us, it hasn’t been one single decision; it’s been a series of bold, sometimes terrifying, always heart led choices. From walking away from something familiar (and emotionally complicated), to creating something from scratch that truly reflects who we are… every step has required trust and vision.

We chose to launch Village Life Pilates with Elina reformers made in Spain that many Americans had never heard of, during a time when international shipping was a mess and customs felt like a full-time job. We decided to expand, doubling our space (!) just as our first studio was finally gaining traction. We tailored our method to prioritize real connection over performative perfection, choosing to build a space rooted in warmth, humility, and community rather than ego.

But what we’re most proud of is staying true to our values—over and over again. Every risk has brought us closer to the studio we dreamed of, and the community that continues to blow us away.

And truly? Our partnership is the glue. We balance each other’s strengths, finish each other’s sentences, and hold the vision together when things get messy (which they always do). We laugh a lot, theire may have been a few private tears, we trust hard, and always find our way back to purpose. It’s been the hardest and best ride…and it’s still just beginning. GRATEFUL.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are a contemporary Pilates studio located in Beverly Hills, and we’re thrilled to be part of the incredible momentum Pilates is having right now. There are so many amazing studios, especially being born out of Los Angeles, and we’re honored to be part of that movement.

What makes us proud is that we built our mission first and our studio second. From day one, we set out to create a true village-community centered movement where people feel seen, strong, and supported. And speaking of the reformer, we intentionally chose something different than the typical brands you see in most studios. We went with Elina reformers out of Spain, beautifully crafted machines that feel like the perfect blend of classical comfort and mega style intensity. They’re cozy, elevated, and, in our experience, get results faster than anything else we’ve tried.

Our method is curated and intentional. Each class is programmed with athleticism, pacing, and form in mind. It’s a blend of tradition and innovation, designed to move the body and uplift the spirit. We’ve created classes that clearly define our method while leaving room for each instructor’s individuality to shine.

This is the second studio I’ve founded, and Sasha and I have a beautiful, collaborative dynamic. We’re different in all the right ways, and our partnership is the heart of Village Life. We also have a behind the scenes partner, Ben, who we affectionately call the number whisperer. He handles business strategy and operations, has an incredible design eye, and is as handy with a hammer as he is with a spatula. He also happens to be my boyfriend, and yes, we know how lucky we are. 🙂

Opening a business is never easy, and we launched this one in the middle of a very complicated time- globally, economically, and energetically. But that’s only deepened our mission. Who needs community more than ever right now? All of us. And that’s what Village Life offers.

We’ve taken on every challenge with heart and strategy, linking arms and staying grounded in our purpose, anchored in our culture . When something isn’t flowing, we listen and try and see with unibased discernment. Honest and open communication has been a lifesaver! But honestly, so much has flowed naturally-clients, timing, even our space. We believe when something is meant to be, the universe opens doors.

The biggest lessons we’ve learned? Lead with integrity and service. Strive to offer an incredible experience, but release perfection. Stay human. Stay connected. Village Life is more than a Pilates studio- it’s a movement born from resilience and resonance, from a deep desire to create healing through connection and movement. It’s a place where your head lifts up, your heart opens, and your body feels alive!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If our best friend were visiting L.A., we’d give them a week filled with beauty, connection, food, movement, and magic.

Day 1: Beverly Hills grounding.

We’d start the trip with a signature class at Village Life Pilates, of course…get the blood flowing and the mind present. After class, we’d grab matcha from Cha Cha Matcha or an almond croissant from Lodge Room. Window-shop along Robertson, then head to Il Pastaio for a long, leisurely lunch (outside, obviously). We’d end the night with rooftop drinks at The Maybourne or a low-key spa night with face masks and pajamas.

Day 2: Beach day & Venice energy.

Start our day with a 7 am Pilates class at Village Life followed by a drive down the coast, walk Abbott Kinney, hit Gjelina’s for brunch, and maybe sneak in some shopping at Anine Bing. Late afternoon: toes in the sand at the beach. Dinner at The Lobster.

Day 3: Eastside creative spark.

Early Bird Pilates at the Village. Head to Silver Lake | Echo Park. Brekky at Pine and Crane, vintage browsing at Squaresville, stop by Le Pink Apothecary and browse soaps, makeup etc, and lunch at either Botanica or Figaro Bistro (we would literally toss a coin to decide!). We’d hit The Silver Lake Reservoir to walk off that lunch, have dinner at Bar Siesta and stop by El Prado to people watch after. Rollllll into bed!

Day 4: Downtown culture.

Check out The Broad or MOCA, wander Grand Central Market, look for a well worn bookstore, an then grab a drink at The Proper Hotel rooftop. For dinner, RedBird is a must. Maybe a late-night stop at a secret speakeasy.

Day 5: Wellness and reset.

A Zen Pilates class at Village Life. Infrared sauna, cold plunge and IV’s at Pause Studio, or perhaps K-Town if we’re feeling it. Then a cozy brunch at Gracias Madre, maybe a hike in Franklin Canyon. A drive through Mulholland, music up, windows down; smoothies at Erewhon and dinner at Olivetta!

Day 6: Hollywood throwback day.

We’d do something classic—catch a movie at TCL Chinese Theatre, go see the iconic Hollywood sign. Late afternoon Stagecoach Pilates class at VLP. Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill for old-school vibes. And Hollywood Bowl for some live music!

Day 7: Sunday vibes.

A final morning class at Village Life. Then head to the Beverly Hills Farmers Market, followed by brunch at Croft Alley. Maybe a Getty Center stop and watching the sunset on the upper level. We’d close out the week with a cozy dinner party at home, curated by Chef Ben….on the verandah with candles, wine, food and playlists that make us feel everything.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We want to dedicate this shoutout to our OG clients, our ride or dies, who believed in us before there was even a front door. They followed us from a previous studio, did Privates with us when we didn’t even have a space yet, and essentially helped back the dream by showing up week after week. When we finally opened that tiny back studio with chandeliers and wallpaper, they showed up again, bringing their friends, cheering us on, and treating our humble beginnings like something sacred.

When we expanded and doubled our size, they doubled down on their belief in us. They embraced the Moroccan lanterns, the airy vibe, the shift in our method, and the ever-growing community. And maybe the most beautiful thing? They welcome every new client with open arms. They are the reason Village Life feels like village life, connected, warm, and real. Without them, this would still be a sketch on a matcha-stained napkin. WE LOVE YOU!!!! We are all in with you!!

Website: https://www.villagelifepilates.com/

Instagram: villagelifebh

Facebook: Village Life Pilates

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/village-life-pilates-beverly-hills

Image Credits
we own all images.

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