Life & Work with Shawna Beardsley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Beardsley.

Hi Shawna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hey there! I’m Shawna, and I’m a Tucson native, born and raised under the sunny, dry heat of Arizona. My journey into the world of Pilates began thanks to my sister, Allison, who founded Club Pilates. Inspired by her, I dove into this amazing practice. 

I ended up buying In Balance Pilates from my mother-in-law, so you could say Pilates is a bit of a family affair. But what truly brought me to where I am today is my open-mindedness, adventurous spirit, and a deep desire to make everyone feel like they belong. I believe I was meant to pursue business and Pilates to help people feel celebrated and empowered in their own skin. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running a business and being an entrepreneur is hardly smooth sailing. As a trailblazer, I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. But I’m excited to share this journey with my teachers in training and those I mentor. 

I never imagined I would own a business, so there were many lessons learned early on. I survived a pandemic and saw the business thrive afterward. I’ve even opened a second location and faced the many challenges that come with that. 

My biggest struggle has been loving people despite their flaws while also setting proper boundaries to protect myself and my business. The right people will cheer you on and lift you up, while the wrong ones will try to slander your character and break you down. 

Trying to help everyone, even those who don’t want to help themselves, is tough for me. It’s hard to let go and walk away, but sometimes the hardest thing is the right thing to do. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve spent close to 10 years in the studio, teaching classes and building this business from the ground up. 

Now, with a fantastic team in place, I can focus solely on working on the business—marketing, advertising, and logistics to make it thrive! 

As the teacher trainer, I’ve dedicated countless hours to educating the new generation of Pilates teachers, empowering them to teach fearless movement. 

I think my true specialty is people—loving them, finding their strengths, and empowering them to be their best. 

In Balance Pilates (IBP) is known for the best athletic Pilates classes in Tucson. We have an unparalleled spark and vibe thanks to our amazing management team. 

I’m so proud of our managers, Tiana, our general manager, and Marina, our assistant manager. They truly are the magic that keeps IBP’s heart beating. 

Our brand, our magic, our vibe set us apart. We lead with our hearts, and they are wild hearts. We believe in nourishing our community with positivity and uplifting everyone who walks through our doors. 

Running a business is one of the most spiritual things you can do, and I pour my heart and soul into every aspect of In Balance Pilates. It’s the energy we bring—pure love, poured into our community. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The Pilates industry has exploded! It’s a household name, and it’s here to stay. 

As for IBP specifically, the Tucson market is ours. We’ve been called with our special flare to help people fall in love with Pilates. 

There are many flavors of Pilates. I hope that we can maintain the high standards of education and provide our community with the high level of training they deserve. 

There are corporate studios and small boutiques with minimal training popping up all over. 

One thing you can count on with IBP is our high-quality training with experienced instructors. 

We are a locally owned business where the owner also teaches Pilates and has a love for the method. 

The industry is seeing more and more investor type owners or people who don’t teach Pilates seeking a business opportunity. While this is great for them, I see it as a disconnect to the craft. 

Pricing:

• Intro offer 5 classes for $50
• VIP Membership- Use promo code ‘VIP’ for 30% off your first month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://inbalancepilatestucson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inbalancepilatestucson?igsh=ejVlaGlvc25zZ2po
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/inbalancepilatestucson/

Image Credits
Ellen Duperret Photography