Interview by Delia Liang.

How did you get into advertising?

I studied History of Art at Uni back in the UK, and whilst I knew that I wanted to be in a creative industry I also knew that the art world wasn’t for me. I think it was a career advisor at Uni who suggested advertising at the end of my first year, so I applied for numerous internships over that summer, and ended-up landing a 3 week stint at BBH London. I loved the agency life, especially the people, and after subsequent internships each summer I got offered a job! I’d just graduated and was overjoyed, so saying yes was a no-brainer.

Tell us about the moment you decided to become a pilates studio owner.

I’ve always known that I want to have numerous careers in my life, I think from the moment I realised that realistically, I’m going to be working until the age of 70!

I’m not sure there was an exact “ah ha!” moment, but I remember just feeling so much happier, revitalised and myself after teaching a Pilates class than I ever had in roles to date in advertising.

From there the seed was planted, and I knew I had to see the idea of being a Pilates studio owner through to fruition. If not it would have been one of those things I’d have regretted for ever!

What were you most scared about when deciding to leave the industry?

To be honest, I was the most scared that people wouldn’t take me seriously and that Pilates is a “fluffy” sort of job! Especially after being a strategist, where a lot of emphasis is given to your “smarts” and intelligence. It did take me awhile to get over myself (I’m ashamed to say!) but some chats with mates in the advertising industry really helped and I got there in the end! Oh and also not earning as much money is still a huge fear, but as I currently have few responsibilities (i.e. no kids or mortgage) I figure it’s probably the best time to take a pay cut!

How do you feel now?

As I only left the industry in July, I’m still adjusting… but overall very happy with my decision. Now my days are spent making people feel better about themselves, rather than researching new ways to sell them crap they don’t need... I’m much more fulfilled and there’s nothing like seeing a client walk-out with a huge smile on their face after I’ve given them a killer Pilates class.

I never got that level of joy or job-satisfaction from anything in advertising.

What has been the biggest challenge so far in your new career?

Definitely not going into work and being surrounded by kick-ass people all day! I knew that it would be tough, and I make an effort to catch-up with everyone on a regular basis. I think we sometimes take for granted how vibrant, interesting and unique people who work in advertising are and I do miss being surrounded by that day to day.

Run us through a day in your new life as a pilates studio owner.

OK… so this is a typical week day, and as I have recently opened I don’t yet have any instructors working for me so there is A LOT of hours teaching (around 30+ hrs a week).

5am Alarm goes off, which to be honest is BRUTAL in winter

5.15-5.30am Coffee, toast, shower, quickly chuck on my activewear and then walk to my studio

5.45am Arrive at the studio to set-up for my 6am class

6-9am Teach a morning of classes

9-12pm Head home to eat all of the food, answer client emails, plan social posts, studio admin etc.

12-1.30pm Teach lunchtime classes

1.30-5 Back home to EAT some more and if I’m on top of everything read, relax, go for an ocean swim, more client emails and more studio admin

5-5.30 Walk back to the studio and give it a clean and tidy ahead of evening classes

6-7.30pm Teach evening classes

7.30pm - 9pm See my finance, eat dinner, watch whatever looks half-decent on Netflix

9pm (ish…) BED!!

Hahahaha writing all that down puts it into perspective of how different my life is now compared to when I was working in advertising!!

What’s something you miss about advertising?

The good people, and the free sandwiches after client meetings.

What’s something you don’t miss?

The bad people…the sexism, having to chat BS, an expectation that your job is your life, people’s lack of time management negatively impacting my life and unrealistic deadlines that you have to try to meet anyway!

What would you say to somebody who’s afraid to make a change?

I don’t think this is the most original advice, but, if possible, transition between the two careers before you make the leap. I had Pilates as my “side hustle” for around 2 years before I made the change.

Also, ensure you leave on a high and with strong relationships intact. Just because you’ve made the change doesn’t mean you should take your foot off the gas, you may decide you want to go back one day.

Is it ever too late?

I honestly don’t know. I think you have to take opportunities as they come, and realise that some will pass you by if you don’t take a chance.

But I believe life is as fluid and open as you decide it to be, and there’s always something you can do to positively disrupt it if you’re not happy.

How’s the future looking?

I think at least another year of working my arse off to get the studio in a place where it’s making money, but again I knew that would be the case when I decided to open it! After that, who knows, I’d love to open more studios, and expand my skill-set.

Perhaps go back to Uni and study psychology, or even how to become a counsellor. But for now I want to focus on ensuring my business is a success.

Do you think you’ll come back to advertising?

In a freelance capacity 100% (and I actually have done some freelance work already), but perhaps not full-time. But also, never say never! I feel like I left the industry before I had fallen out of love with it, so I wouldn’t rule out a return...

@kathryn.pilates
@peachespilates
www.peachespilates.com/cronulla