Dispatches: Former Student Takes Leap of Faith, Grows Pilates Business

Editor's Note: This story is part of our new series, "."

What was once considered a favorite pastime for a small business owner in Peters Township has turned into a lifetime opportunity.

Colleen Dachille, owner of  in McMurray, was introduced to the business she now owns about seven years ago, when she signed up for pilates classes.

“I looked to pilates to help alleviate back and shoulder pain,” she said. “Also, because I am a mother of three children, my body was in
desperate need of toning. After about three months, I was amazed at how my body had transformed, both in appearance and function. My back pain was getting better, I no longer had slumped shoulders, and I actually began to see muscle dimensions in my abdominals, legs and arms.”

As time went on, Dachille continued to use pilates as her main and preferred method of exercise.

“I also played tennis, but had to quit because I developed tennis elbow,” she said. “I tried bootcamp, but found it was too hard on my joints. And I loved the way I felt during and after working out at The Pilates Body.”

In April 2011, Dachille familiarized herself with The Pilates Body as more than a regular client. She purchased the business.

“I took a huge leap of faith and began the transition process of purchasing the studio from the previous owner," she said. "We had been friends for many years, but she was undergoing a very busy time in her life due to having two babies, and could no longer devote the time needed to keep the studio going. It was either sell the business or close it up.”

Although she spends much more time at the studio than she did as a client, Dachille said she has enjoyed every single second of becoming the new owner, from scrubbing down the equipment, to cleaning out the closets, to painting the studio and re-decorating, which also has been a passion of hers. She needed to devote quite a bit of time developing a brand new website and business plan, which she said were huge challenges for her.

“I am amazed at how much time I spend at the studio working on various things, but my husband and kids have been so supportive,” Dachille said. “And I still take class with the clients who come to the studio!”

For Dachille, her clients are not just people she does business with.

“Every new client is cherished here, and the former ones are valued, as well," she said. "I spend a lot of time trying to reach out to former people who, for one reason or another, have stopped coming into the studio. It has been a struggle, with many obstacles to overcome.”

Since she took over ownership of The Pilates Body, she went from two instructors—one pilates instructor and one yoga instructor—to a
current staff of nine.

Classes have grown from three or four per week to 16 or 18. She finds it difficult to pay her instructors and rent each month, but she maintains an optimistic attitude that carries over into her daily duties. She said most of her extra money goes into paying for new equipment.

“I am looking forward to growing, expanding and helping people feel better and look better!” she said.

For more information about call 724-941-2411, or visit www.thepilatesbody.org.

Tell us—are there stories or issues in the Peters area that go to the heart of your American Dream? Are you a small business owner, or an entrepreneur? Learn more about this new series , and email andrea.bosco@patch.com with ideas and/or suggestions!