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

Hi Laura, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Sculpted Soul Collective felt like a natural next step. I’ve always worked in operations — leading teams, managing systems, and focusing on outcomes — and I poured a lot of energy into helping other businesses run well. So when I connected with something that felt both purposeful and personal, it made sense to channel that same energy into building something of my own — something that aligned with how I live, move, and care for others.

After a serious accident, I had to completely relearn what strength and movement meant — not as performance, but as healing. Later, watching my mom face and eventually pass from cancer had a quiet but lasting impact on me. It changed how I think about health, energy, and the ways we care for ourselves over time.

My training in integrative health gave me a broader understanding of wellness — one that sees the physical, mental, and emotional as deeply connected. I came to understand that our health isn’t just shaped by what we eat or how we move, but also by how we rest, work, connect, and live day to day. That same philosophy became the foundation for SSC: blending thoughtful movement with a whole-person approach to wellbeing. It’s not about quick fixes or extremes. It’s about creating space for people to feel supported in real life.

Ironically, the first time I tried Pilates, I hated it. I was used to high-intensity workouts and fast results, and I couldn’t see the why behind the slower, more controlled movements — so I didn’t return for years. But when I came back to it during recovery, everything shifted. It felt completely different. It was the first time movement actually helped me reconnect with myself.

I’ve always believed Pilates could be more approachable — like yoga, walking, or even barre. But it’s often presented in ways that feel exclusive or overly polished, which can make it hard for people to see themselves in the practice. With SSC, I wanted to change that. To create a space where movement feels intuitive, consistent, and genuinely supportive — something that fits into real life, not something you have to shape your life around.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve spent years building systems and supporting other businesses behind the scenes, so launching my own practice felt like a natural progression. But this time, it was different — it felt personal. Sculpted Soul Collective isn’t just a business; it’s something I feel truly connected to. It never really feels like work, because it aligns with how I want to live and how I want to show up for others.

What sets SSC apart is that it’s not about surface-level results or a one-size-fits-all approach. Everything I offer — from private Pilates sessions to wellness coaching and simple tools to support daily rituals — is designed to meet people where they are. The most rewarding part is witnessing real transformation in clients. You can feel the shift — sometimes even in a single session. That kind of immediate impact is rare, and it’s what makes this work so fulfilling.

It hasn’t always been easy, especially balancing structure with intuition, or learning to trust my voice as a founder. But every challenge has pushed me to get clearer about why this work matters — and who it’s really for.

Being based in the South Bay has only reinforced that — there’s something special about this community and the way people show up for their own wellbeing and for each other. That mindset has shaped how I run the studio — it’s welcoming, personal, and rooted in real connection.

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.
If a friend was visiting, we’d keep it super local. First stop: Quality Seafood in Redondo. I’m obsessed with their grilled fish and shrimp burgers — honestly could eat there every day. It’s casual, fresh, and perfect after the beach. I pretty much center my day around food, so most plans start there.

Brunch on the rooftop at BeachLife Grotto is a must, maybe paddleboard from the marina one morning, and spend plenty of time just laying out on the sand. We’re definitely taking a bike ride on the Strand — maybe all the way to Playa Provisions in Culver City for dinner.

At some point we’d grab a sour beer at Slice & Pint, then head to Riviera Village for, of course, another meal. I’m not one to over-plan anything, and the best part about being here is you don’t need to — there’s always something to do, and most of it just unfolds naturally.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I’ve been lucky to have a solid circle — family, friends, and my partner — who’ve supported me through every iteration of this idea, even when it was messy or evolving. The clients I work with continue to blow me away with their trust, consistency, and willingness to grow. And the South Bay community? It’s the kind of place where people genuinely show up for each other. That energy has shaped so much of how and why I do what I do.

Website: https://www.sculptedsoulcollective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sculptedsoulcollective/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572454997079

Other: Explore all things Sculpted Soul Collective → https://www.hopp.bio/sculptedsoulcollective

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