Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianka Brunhilde Steinfeldt.
Bianka, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am originally from Austria and my journey to the USA started in December 1999. I will never forget when I arrived and could hardly hold a conversation in English. But I loved seeing the sky so open and the clouds all in different shapes. I landed in a land full of new opportunities, and I was grateful for that. I have had beautiful people around me that supported me in this journey.
It took some time to receive my green card and there were times when
I almost gave up. However, they say “N-O” is simply the acronym for “new opportunity,” so I persevered. Not being able to leave the country for almost two years and surviving on my savings was not always easy.
After almost 20 years in Florida, I opened my business Pilates Hub to focus on total wellness. The “hub” is where the mind and the body connect. My studio opened its doors in November 2019 in Fort Lauderdale. I am super excited to be there for South Florida and the world, through the internet.
I started teaching Pilates full time in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area in 2007 while continuing my education. I am a 2nd generation Master Pilates instructor, Integrative Movement Specialist, and I am studying Eldoa among others. I will continue to learn because there is always something to learn :).
My past career in Austria was in Financing, Design, and Movement. Now I can use them all!
The mind is important too and that is why I got certified in Reiki Master, Meditation. I traveled to the Himalayas, India to get a deeper understanding of yoga and meditation.
I love to travel, and my job allows me to do that. I have been teaching for more than ten years at Holistic Holiday at Sea, which is a seven-day vegan cruise. I also teach workshops in the UK, Israel, Germany, Austria and clients fly me to their homes outside of Florida. I also teach online sessions through video conferencing.
Has it been a smooth road?
Life is a playground with lots to do, learn and sometimes learning the hard way. Once I have a vision – I go for it! It is important to look back to your vision and be flexible with the journey’s direction.
Receiving my green card was a challenge. It took some years, money, and love.
Opening the business: Three years ago, I was teaching at a Pilates studio which was sold. Yes, there were a lot of emotions involved, but in the end – you have to ask your self- What should I do? Where do I want to be? I had enough clients to open my own business, but I didn’t feel ready yet, so I stayed with the new owner. A year later she sold it too and I stayed and waited, and another year later it got sold again and that was it – my opportunity was calling.
With all the turnover, it didn’t feel like Pilates anymore. I had a clean start for my business opportunity. Here at Pilates Hub I am happy and busy! It took some time to receive all the required business licenses. I never thought a small studio, one on one, needs the same paperwork as a gym. I keep learning. You can imagine how never ending it seemed when the studio got sold so many times… My husband was very patient with me. When I look back, poor guy, it was like being on a roller coaster, that replayed itself year after year.
Please tell us about your business.
I am offering one on one and duet Integrative Pilates sessions. Why integrative: this is your session, your body, your mind and I am using all my learnings from my “toolbox” to help you. You may want to stay fit with Pilates or heal – I am ready for the challenge. Your session can be any combination of: Classical Pilates or Pilates, I.M.S., Eldoa, Yoga, Meditation…
The studio is a small boutique studio where the session is only the client and the instructor, so there is no interacting with others. This is as private as it gets (like a home session).
I am known for my love for my work, my patience to teach and my knowledge.
I have clients that have stayed with me for more than 12 years. What I am most proud of is a client who came to me after an accident. She told me about her spinal conditions, and she was in pain 24/7. After working with her for about ten months, she was able to go grocery shopping by herself, drive again for long distances, take spinning classes, go on vacation, and even go on a roller coaster ride… she has her life back!!! That makes me happy and that is honestly why I love my work so much.
I have clients from 20 to almost 90 and I get inspired from them and what is possible. Age doesn’t have to stop you. Injuries don’t have to stop you. They may slow you down, but not stop you. The mind will stop you.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Fort Lauderdale – the community and support of people… A city is only as good as the people who live there.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2691 East Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33306
- Website: Www.pilateshubstudio.com
- Phone: 9543266893
- Email: steinfeldt.bianka@gmail.com
- Instagram: bianka121976
- Facebook: BiankaPilates
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