Since opening its doors in 2019, Pilates Punx has been shaking up the traditional fitness scene in Los Angeles. In a sea of beige pilates studios clad with the latest pop hits, Pilates Punx sticks out for its originality. Clad with checkered floors, vivid neon signs, and custom wonder chairs ready for use, Pilates Punx has the feel of an old-school record shop and the music of your favorite dive bar. An avid lover of punk rock, rock ‘n’ roll, and metal, founder Allie Tichenor looked at modern pilates studios and asked herself a question: Why can’t Pilates be metal? And just like that, her dream took root.

Getting it off the ground was next. Allie began bringing her vision to life by writing up a business plan in May 2018, followed by attending a business plan course held by the Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in September 2018. The following month, she met with Joseph Duncan, a Business Advisor at the Pacific Coast Regional SBDC, and began one-on-one sessions. 

As a new business owner, SBDC helped Allie navigate the complicated world of lending, helping her find creative ways to raise funding. Her advisor also introduced her to a crowdsourcing platform geared towards women. When all was said and done, she raised funds and secured an SBA loan—enough to officially bring Pilates Punx to life.

Since then, Pilates Punx has achieved several milestones, including a recent 5-year anniversary celebrating its opening in 2020. One of their most notable accomplishments is its expansion, a testament to the studio’s success and growing demand. Now with two studio locations, Allie can offer an alternative to traditional Pilates studios in Echo Park and Studio City.

In addition to expanding her physical footprint, Allie also initiated a training program designed to maintain the studio’s high standards while fostering a sense of community among her staff. This program has been crucial in helping her find and retain talent who align with the studio’s ethos. Managing people and ensuring consistent service across both locations has required Allie to refine her leadership skills and adapt her business strategies. 

The SBDC’s ongoing support has been instrumental in her journey, helping the business owner adapt and thrive in the face of new opportunities and obstacles. Joseph Duncan recalls attending the grand opening of the first Pilates Punx location. “When Allie started with us, she was just getting her business off the ground. It’s been incredible to see how far she’s come—from securing funding to now managing multiple locations. The SBDC has been there every step of the way, providing guidance and support as she navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship.”

As Pilates Punx continues to grow, Allie remains committed to the core values that made her studio a success. The expansion to a second location and the development of an internal training program are just the beginning. Despite the challenges of managing multiple locations and a growing team, Allie’s passion for her business and her clients keeps her moving forward. ”Since opening, we now have seven people who are completely certified and six who are still working on their hours. We’re training seven more people in this upcoming group. It’s super rewarding,” says Allie. 

The journey from a single studio to a burgeoning fitness brand has been an exciting one, and with the support of the SBDC, Pilates Punx now has multiple locations where people with alternative music tastes can feel comfortable and inspired to work out.