Scaling Studios: Sustainable Growth in Pilates with Laura Bullock

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.   Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q   Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm   Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e   Explore Mode Pilates: Web: https://www.modepilates.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mode.pilates/