'I’m absolutely blown away' - Young mum entrepreneur transformed derelict Dudley building into thriving Pilates studio
A young mum entrepreneur has taken her passion for fitness and wellbeing and turned it into a thriving business in Lower Gornal after transforming a derelict building into a state-of-the-art Pilates studio.
Mum-of-two Lauren Sankey, aged 33, has invested more than £750,000 into transforming a disused property on Zoar Street into one of the region’s premier Pilates venues, boasting a 10-bed reformer studio, dedicated mat and PT rooms and an infrared sauna.
More than 700 clients from across the area have already signed up for classes at ‘The Pilates Girl’, with the entrepreneur also creating an on-site creche - with qualified childcare assistants - to help mums keen to exercise safe in the knowledge their children are being well cared for.
The focus is on making Pilates as inclusive as possible by creating a modern and friendly space for people to learn, to exercise and have fun.
Lauren, who initially started out delivering classes at home - in between looking after her little boy and girl, said: “I’ve been absolutely blown away by the response since we officially opened our doors – after a near eight-month transformation project.
