In this thoughtful episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Laura Bullock, founder of Mode Pilates, for an honest conversation unpacking some of the most pressing—and most debated—topics in the Pilates industry today.

From building a single studio to scaling a multi-location business, Laura shares her journey from dancer to marketer to studio owner, and the realities of growing a boutique wellness brand without losing its soul.

Drawing on Perry’s experience as founder of Pilates Gang, the conversation naturally weaves together two perspectives from inside the Pilates space—offering rare insight into what it actually takes to succeed long-term. Together, they explore the cultural rise of Pilates, the business mechanics behind boutique studios, and the tension between accessibility, exclusivity, and sustainability.

The episode digs into everything from bootstrapping and expansion, to burnout, leadership, community-building, and the impact of platforms like ClassPass on small studios. With candid reflections on motherhood, ambition, and mindful movement, this episode cuts through the noise of trends and aesthetics to get to the heart of what makes a Pilates business—and practice—truly sustainable.

Whether you’re a studio owner, instructor, founder, or devoted client, this conversation offers grounded insight into the future of Pilates and what it takes to build something that lasts.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Core and Commerce

00:33 Meet Laura Bullock: From Dancer to Pilates Queen

01:04 Laura's Journey: From Marketing to Pilates

03:22 The Passion for Pilates

06:00 Building the First Studio

08:04 Community and Growth

10:55 Challenges and Surprises in Business

14:22 The Mode Pilates Experience

18:47 ClassPass Controversy

23:10 Supporting Local Pilates Studios

23:51 Pilates Trends and Influences

25:27 Pilates Accessibility Debate

27:02 Benefits of a Sustained Pilates Practice

28:08 Quick Hits and Hot Takes

32:24 Balancing Business and Motherhood

40:46 Looking Ahead to 2026

Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward.

If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one.

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