Meet Lulu DePina | Owner: West Adams Pilates

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

Hi Lulu, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In May 2021, I started my pilates studio at home with just one reformer, a mirror on the floor, and a throw rug. Despite its simplicity, I took pride in this space and began teaching my dancer friends, neighbors, and anyone who couldn’t afford it to pay what they could. The main goal was to help people regain mobility, exercise, and improve overall well-being both physically, mentally and spiritually. . It became a safe space for people and the word spread fast. My main goal then and now is to keep pilates affordable for the community. Within a few months, I had gained a few dozen clients, and by the summer of 2022, I had (4) reformers and was teaching group classes in my home, which led me to decide to open a commercial space. I began to look in August of 2022 as a tribute to my Nana. With keys in hand within a week, I successfully opened the studio by the first week of September 2022 with the help of my family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For the past decade, I have dedicated myself to being a Producer for the Bootleg Bombshells, a Burlesque Show in Los Angeles. However, my journey has taken a new turn as I recently became the proud owner of not one but two Pilates studios. Although I have been certified since 2009, I took a break from teaching until just after the pandemic. In 2021, I established West Adams Pilates to provide affordable Pilates classes in a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. I wanted a Pilates space to cater to the Black and Brown community as Pilates can sometimes feel intimidating and not welcoming. I also wanted a space that felt like an extension of my home.
As our studio flourished, we expanded to a second location within the newly opened Gymtonic, where we now offer private and duet sessions. It was a delightful surprise to find that our mission closely aligns with Gymtonic’s, making us an ideal team for collaboration.
Additionally, I am passionate about incorporating various forms of health and wellness, and following the success of two intention-setting Soundbaths at the end of 2023, I will be hosting monthly Soundbath and Meditation workshops. My goal is to not only support other small businesses but also provide a wide range of modalities that promote mental and physical well-being.

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?
I love Sawtelle for Tatsu, Daiso, and Sunright Boba, that would be first. A stroll in Descanso Gardens, the Hollywood Cemetery, or a hike in at Solstice Canyon always makes me happy. I prefer to be in nature so the quieter the better! Please don’t ask me to take you to Hollywood Blv.d

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?
This story is a tribute to the Community that has flourished in my humble studio. Witnessing the transformative journey of individuals, not just in their physical appearance but also in their mental and spiritual well-being, fills me with immense happiness. The studio has become a source of joy for many, as clients who were once strangers have formed lasting friendships. It warms my heart to know that this space has become a sanctuary for them. Therefore, this is dedicated to my cherished clients.

Website: https://westadamspilates.net

Instagram: westadamspilates

Image Credits
Nathan Rey Gold