Meet Julie Collins | Certified Pilates Instructor & Community Builder

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

Hi Julie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process came from a deep realization: there’s a huge gap in the wellness realm when it comes to the Latina community. For so long, wellness spaces have felt exclusive, like they were only built for certain people — and that never sat right with me. I wanted to bridge that gap.

Starting my own business was about creating a movement. A place where Latinas — and anyone who’s ever felt overlooked in wellness — can walk in and immediately feel, this is for me. Where the music reminds you of family parties, where Spanglish flows naturally, and where strength, healing, and joy exist side by side.

For me, it wasn’t just about starting a business — it was about breaking barriers. I wanted to prove that wellness belongs to all of us. And when our community sees itself reflected, we don’t just participate — we thrive, we lead, and we inspire the next generation to do the same.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career path hasn’t been traditional, and that’s exactly what sets me apart. Before Pilates, I spent years in the corporate world where I managed and led teams to success. That experience taught me how to stay organized, think strategically, and most importantly, how to bring people together toward a common goal. A lot of the skills I learned in other industries are the same ones I now apply to my business every single day.

At the same time, my journey has been deeply personal. I was a single mom for a portion of that time, and there were plenty of struggles along the way. But even in the toughest moments, I’ve always been someone with my eye on the prize — someone who sees the big picture and refuses to settle. That resilience is what carried me through and what continues to drive me forward.

What I’m most proud of is the chance to build something bigger than myself. My brand isn’t just about Pilates; it’s about breaking barriers, building community, and proving that wellness belongs to all of us. I want the world to know that this story isn’t just mine — it’s for every person who’s ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or excluded. If I can create a space where they feel seen, strong, and celebrated, then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, we’d do a mix of food, nature, and fun that’s my perfect combo. We’d kick things off with a hike in Griffith or some place overlooking the ocean to soak in the views, then head to Olvera Street for tacos, good vibes, and hopefully catch some lovebirds dancing to familiar music.

The rest of the week would be all about exploring hidden food gems from mariscos to late-night tacos with a little nature sprinkled in between to balance it out. And of course, we’d wrap it up with something fun and unforgettable, like a drag show or a lively dinner where we’re laughing, dancing, and celebrating.

To me, the best way to experience LA is through joy, sabor, and a little bit of sparkle.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — I wouldn’t be here without the women and communities who have been paving the way and holding the door open.
Starting strong with Michelle from Sazon Pilates and Sazon Grip — she’s been in the industry for a long time and has been a mentor not just to me, but to so many Latinas coming up in this space. She’s brilliant at connecting dots, sharing knowledge, and empowering others. Having role models and mentors like her makes such a difference.

Can’t forget Lila Society, a Latina-run fitness and wellness community whom I have worked with and have been lucky enough to see their impact first hand.

I also have so much admiration for Niña Fresa Pilates, who was one of the originators of bridging the gap in health and wellness for Latinas. She showed us what was possible, and her work has inspired so many of us to step into this industry with confidence.

At the end of the day, representation is a collective effort. None of us get here alone — and I feel proud to be part of a growing network of Latinas who are showing up, supporting each other, and creating spaces that our community deserves.

Website: https://puropinchepilates.square.site

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