Meet Sophie Axelson | Founder

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

Hi Sophie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Maintaining a full-time job while starting my business was a crucial decision that significantly propelled my business forward. It allowed me to make choices that supported the growth and integrity of the business, rather than focusing solely on profitability.
I never started this business for financial gain, and I’ve been fortunate to see it thrive through decisions driven by passion and love for the mission and the community, rather than merely analyzing profit and loss statements.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Neighborhood Pilates is a Pilates studio in the Pacific Palisades dedicated to building a strong community and providing an exceptional workout. We strive to offer a holistic Pilates experience, aiming to be more than just another workout class. Every session is approached with warmth and a client-first energy, ensuring you leave feeling better than when you arrived.

I opened Neighborhood Pilates when I couldn’t find a studio that met all my needs. Despite having little experience in the industry, I launched the business quickly and learned along the way. I am incredibly proud of the community that has formed around Neighborhood, from our wonderful clients to our amazing instructors. I am excited to one day open another location and expand our vibrant community!

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.
Pacific Palisades ideal itinerary would be:
Coffee at Caffe Luxxe
Neighborhood Pilates class, of course!
A smoothie at Juicecrafters
Shopping in the Palisades Village (I love Reformation and Anine Bing)
Lunch at Erewhon
Laying on the beach at Will Rogers
Takeout pizza from Flour on the bluff to watch the sunset!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Building an incredible team is the most critical factor behind any successful business. My team of instructors at Neighborhood consists of some of the most hardworking, kind, and positive individuals I’ve ever met. I owe it all to my Neighborhood family, and would be nowhere without them. They have been instrumental in the success of creating the beautiful community we have at the studio!

Website: https://neighborhoodpilates.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborhood.pilates/

Other: hello@neighborhoodpilates.co

Image Credits
Lyle Nelson