Health & Wellness

When Daisy Zhang opened Mind Pilates in Brooklyn in 2023, she wasn't relying on investors, advertising – or even an existing client list. The former stay-at-home mom and makeup artist had discovered Pilates after moving to the United States from China and saw an opportunity to bring something different to New York City's crowded fitness scene: Cadillac Pilates, a highly personalized, equipment-intensive practice that few studios offer. Less than three years later, Mind Pilates has expanded to a second location in Queens, attracting clients from across the city thanks to clients’ recommendations – and a teaching philosophy centered on safety, precision and community. Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. How is your business different from others in your industry? We are one of the only studios in the entire New York City area specializing in Cadillac Pilates — which involves an apparatus that most studios simply don’t offer. While the Pilates industry has boomed with Reformer-focused mega-studios, we go deeper with our equipment-intensive, highly personalized classes that prioritize proper form and body awareness over customer volume. My teaching style is direct and safety-first: I focus on helping clients build deep body awareness through intentional movement and clear, form-focused guidance. Also, my mentor noted early on that I have a rare, natural ability to spot incorrect positioning — a skill that many instructors take years to develop. Tell us about your biggest success so far. In less than three years, I grew the business from a single studio with no clients and no social following into a thriving two-location business that draws students from all over New York City. Students regularly commute from other boroughs just to train with us, which speaks to the strength of our community and the demand for what we offer. We’ve built this entirely through word-of-mouth and genuine connection — no paid advertising, no investor money. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Scaling up. Unlike Reformer-focused chain studios that can pack 15–20 people into a class, Cadillac Pilates is inherently intimate and equipment-reliant, which means growth has to be intentional. I’ve addressed this by opening a second location in Maspeth, Queens — expanding our reach into a new neighborhood while keeping the personalized, community-driven experience that defines us. I’m also investing in building a team of instructors who share my safety-first teaching philosophy, and pursuing a breathwork certification to deepen the holistic wellness experience we offer. Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions? Moving to the United States from China shaped everything about how I approach business. As an immigrant, I learned to build things from scratch without a safety net, which gave me the resilience to build my own business. Becoming a stay-at-home mom gave me a deep appreciation for creating spaces where people feel seen and supported — a nurturing instinct that is the foundation of my Pilates community. My experience as a make-up artist also taught me attention to detail and the value of making people feel confident, which directly translates into my teaching style, too. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Trust your instinct, but back it up with action. Don’t wait until everything feels perfect. Clarity comes from doing, not thinking. Also, be very clear about your standards for collaboration early on. The right people will align, and the wrong ones will filter themselves out. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? I remind myself that the hardest part is always the first step – and I've already taken it. If I was able to start, then I can figure out everything that comes after. I truly believe there are always more solutions than problems. That mindset keeps me moving forward, even when things feel uncertain. Who is your most important role model? My dad. He is self-made and never gave up. From him, I learned how to adapt, and to not walk away when things get hard. Instagram: @mindpilatesinc Share your story! Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-upWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

Health & Wellness

She Built a Pilates Studio People Travel Across NYC to Visit

She’s Revamping Skincare From The Inside Out

The Story Exchange

Health & Wellness

She Built a Pilates Studio People Travel Across NYC to Visit

She’s Revamping Skincare From The Inside Out

The Story Exchange

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