'Inspiring' Stafford woman opens town's first fully equipped Pilates studio after overcoming chronic illness
A Stafford woman, who rebuilt her career after a serious illness, has opened the town’s first fully equipped Pilates studio.
Emma Davey, founder of Nourish Pilates, has launched her new studio at the Stafford Business Innovation Centre (BIC) run by Staffordshire County Council.
It follows her recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a condition that forced her to step away from a career she loved.
Before her illness, Emma had spent 13 years teaching dance but, in 2010, she became so unwell she had to stop working completely.
Pilates played a major role in her recovery and inspired her to retrain as an instructor. She qualified as a comprehensive pilates teacher in 2022.
Nourish Pilates now offers group matwork classes at two venues in Stafford, as well as private, duet and semi-private sessions at the BIC studio.
The new studio allows Emma to provide equipment-based sessions using specialist apparatus including a Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Wunda Chair and Spine Corrector.
Emma is also qualified to support people recovering from injuries or managing long-term health conditions, including neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
Speaking about her new studio at Stafford BIC, Emma said: “When I first viewed the BIC, I was struck by how welcoming it felt. The staff and other tenants have made me feel right at home. Having a dedicated studio here has allowed me to expand beyond matwork and reach more clients with equipment-based sessions that can be truly life-changing.
“The support from the BIC team made the leasing and setup process much smoother than it might have been elsewhere. They are consistently approachable and helpful, which means you never feel alone and, as a solo female business owner, that is a huge bonus for me.”
Martin Murray, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, added: “Emma’s journey is inspiring and shows how determination and passion can turn a personal challenge into a thriving business.
“Our enterprise centres provide flexible and supportive spaces for businesses to grow, and it’s fantastic to see Emma bringing such a valuable health and wellbeing service to the local community.”
