From Stability to Soul Work: How Jordan Built a Pilates Business and Thriving Community
Have you ever felt like you’re living the “right” life on paper but something inside you keeps whispering that you’re meant for more? That’s exactly where Jordan found herself before she made the leap from a secure career in medical management to becoming a Pilates instructor, business owner, and community builder in Orange County.
In this week’s episode of Glow Social Hour, I sat down with Jordan to talk about the courage it takes to follow a calling, the power of building authentic connections, and why wellness is so much more than a personal practice — it can be the foundation of community.
The Turning Point: Choosing Passion Over Security
For years, Jordan followed a clear plan: study health sciences, work in healthcare management, and build a steady career. It was stable, respectable, and came with all the things we’re taught to value — a paycheck, benefits, and security.
But deep down, she knew it wasn’t her passion. Pilates had been a quiet love of hers for over a decade, but the uncertainty of turning it into a career kept her holding back. “I just didn’t know if it could be sustainable,” she admitted. “The uncertainty scared me.”
That all changed when life forced her to reevaluate everything. A broken engagement, the loss of her father, and the chaos of the pandemic arrived all at once. Suddenly, the idea of playing it safe didn’t feel so safe anymore.
Jordan asked herself the most important question: What actually brings me joy?
The answer was Pilates.
Building More Than a Business
Starting over wasn’t easy. Jordan is the first to admit that her first year brought in zero income. In fact, she lost money while paying for studio space just to practice and perfect her teaching.
But she also knew she wanted to do it right — she committed to a two-year comprehensive certification, leaned on her health sciences background, and pushed through the discomfort of being a beginner.
What she didn’t expect was how powerful the sense of community would become.
Her classes turned into more than workouts — they became gathering spaces for women who craved connection outside of bars, clubs, or surface-level hangouts. Wellness events, birthday celebrations, and even bachelorette parties transformed into something deeper: moments of joy, bonding, and shared growth.
“Pilates wasn’t just about moving my body,” she explained. “It was about connecting with myself and then creating a space for others to do the same. The community just blossomed naturally from that.”
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Jordan’s story is filled with bold moves that set her apart — like walking up to executives at Exponential (the company behind Club Pilates) when she was hired as just a background model. Instead of staying in her lane, she declared: “I want your job.”
That audacity turned into opportunities to film multi-level flows for their app, where anyone can now practice with her on Apple TV.
Her approach is simple but powerful: don’t wait for opportunities to find you. Create them. Reach out. Be bold enough to ask.
This mindset shift — from waiting to leading — is exactly why she now works with pro athletes, influencers, and even celebrities. It’s also why her students rave about her classes.
Lessons in Authentic Community
So how do you build the kind of genuine community Jordan has? Her advice is straightforward:
Start with authenticity. Community grows when you show up as your true self.
Lean into what lights you up. Whether it’s Pilates, knitting, or book clubs, passion creates connection.
Don’t hide behind fear. The uncertainty will always be there — but so will the joy if you choose it.
Surround yourself with support. Jordan credits her family, friends, and even early clients for believing in her when she was just starting out.
And perhaps the most important reminder: building something real takes time. The first year may bring in nothing. The beginning may feel shaky. But when you keep showing up with consistency and heart, things begin to grow in ways you never imagined.
Redefining Success
Today, Jordan isn’t just teaching Pilates — she’s leading a movement. From private training in her Costa Mesa studio to wellness events in Orange County, her work has become a source of joy, healing, and connection for so many.
When I asked if this was the vision she had when she first started, she laughed. “Honestly, no. I had no idea. I just followed what felt right. Now I’m enjoying the ride and excited to see what’s next.”
And that’s exactly the beauty of it. When you stop trying to control every outcome and instead follow the pull of your passion, life has a way of unfolding in ways you could never plan for.
Final Thoughts
If you’re standing at your own crossroads, wondering whether to keep playing it safe or finally follow that deeper calling — Jordan’s story is proof that while the path isn’t always easy, it’s always worth it.
As she wisely shared: “I’m not going to say just quit your job. Do the research. Be smart. But once you know in your heart that this is your calling, go for it.”
Because at the end of the day, the real security comes from living a life that feels aligned, joyful, and authentic.