Alexandra Papavramidi-Julien is passionate about Pilates and wishes to share its benefits with mothers worldwide. Her personal journey with her disabled son and her own physical and mental health have given her a unique perspective on the importance of self-care and the role of Pilates in achieving it.
Pregnant with her second baby, she became a certified Pilates Matwork teacher at Body Control Pilates school in London, UK in 2015. She continued to deepen her knowledge to support mothers at all stages of life. She developed a mobile application after her third baby, to make Pilates accessible to everyone, even those who do not have access to a studio or a local teacher. She also volunteers at the Anglophone Community Wellness Center, where she teaches Pilates to new mothers and caregivers of disabled children.
YES: When did you start your Pilates journey, and what were some of your goals when you started?
Alexandra Papavramidi-Julien: “I embarked on my Pilates journey in Oxfordshire, UK in 2007. A 30′ pilates DVD came in the box in which I had ordered the big fitness ball to do occupational therapy for my then severely disabled boy. I used the Pilates DVD daily to prevent backache after becoming a single working mother and lifting my son in and out of his wheelchair was a necessity. I was also working more than 40hrs a week in the visual effects industry back then. But my entrepreneurial spirit led me to pivot into the world of Pilates after my 2nd baby and pass my Pilates diploma in 2015. My goal back then and still now, was to empower women, especially busy mamas, to find strength, flexibility, and joy in their bodies & lives.”
What stage are you at now? What have been your greatest achievements?
“Today, I’m proud to say that my company, L♡VJOY Pilates, is growing slowly but surely with clients worldwide. We are sharing on social media like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube. It’s not just a business; it’s a community, a support system, a virtual heaven for women to find their strength on the mat. My greatest achievement was developing the L♡VJOY Pilates app. It was almost a dream when we finally launched on Mother’s Day May 14th. It already feels like we have been running the app for years as we started the process of building it and filming pilates videos in early 2022.”
What were/are your biggest struggles?
“Transitioning from a highly technical and creative field to a wellness-fitness and health-focused one, was a challenge. It changed me too as a person. I went from an introvert behind two giant computer screens in a dark room, to that in front of the camera, teaching a class, leader, and ambassador of movement. I have to constantly keep learning and upgrading my skills to help clients with different needs. I also had to understand a different market and build a brand from scratch. The hats that are required to run your own business and being the only one in charge and accountable for has been a lonely ride but also a creative one. I love designing and teaching but the admin work plus marketing and sales can be frustrating.”
What was the problem you were experiencing before you came into YES?
Before YES, I was like a Pilates instructor without a mat—full of energy and ideas but unsure how to lay them out systematically. I needed guidance on how to transform my passion into a sustainable business and YES has helped me tremendously to realize that dreams can come true. Thanks to them I was able to pursue it, decide on the name, register the business in Canada, and even discover and attain a government fund to help kickstart me financially. Prior to me using YES’ services, my idea felt impossible and I felt incredibly lonely in the entrepreneurial journey.”
What did you find as a result of using our services? What was the best thing about it?
“YES was my business fairy godmother! They provided invaluable resources like business planning tools and marketing strategies that were instrumental in turning L♡VJOY Pilates from a dream into a reality. The best thing? The supportive community. It’s like being in a Pilates class where everyone is cheering each other on, except here, we’re toning our business muscles! I felt understood and supported. I think my idea would still be an idea if I hadn’t the support and guidance and network of amazing people I have met at YES. Thank you YES!”
How do you feel about the service you have received from YES?
“If I could sum up my feelings in one word, it would be “grateful.” YES has been instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey. Their services are like a perfectly balanced Pilates routine—challenging yet supportive, pushing you to reach your full potential.”
Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share?
“Just a big, heartfelt thank you to YES and to all the wonderful women who’ve joined the L♡VJOY Pilates family. To all entrepreneurs out there, remember, whether, in business or Pilates, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the joy of the journey. So, let’s keep moving, keep growing, and, most importantly, keep loving what we do with joy! And if you’re curious about Pilates or building a business around your passion, don’t hesitate to reach out or join our community.”
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