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Exploring Life & Business with Jaclyn Forrester of Niche Pilates Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Forrester.

Hi Jaclyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Niche Pilates Studio began in 2016 as Centered RVA, a small 300 square foot space with one reformer, TRX bands and a few props, built around the idea of creating a welcoming, intentional and community focused movement experience. As interest grew, I rebranded the business to Niche Fit Studio in 2017 and expanded into a larger space, laying the foundation for a stronger Pilates focused identity and a growing client base.

By 2019, the studio evolved into Niche Pilates Studio, expanding to include multiple studios and training spaces, along with a deeper commitment to Pilates education, instructor development and client experience. After several years of continued growth, Niche outgrew its original location and moved in 2024 into a much larger, purpose built space designed to support both community and programming.

Today, Niche includes a mat studio, reformer studio, full apparatus room, semi private and private training spaces, as well as a dedicated strength training facility next door. With the addition of a filming studio and expanded instructor training programs, Niche continues to grow while staying rooted in its original mission of intentional movement, education and community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road. As the studio grew, one of the biggest challenges was finding instructors who not only had a strong technical foundation but also aligned with our approach to intentional movement and client experience. It became clear that hiring alone was not enough to support the level of teaching we wanted to provide.

That challenge led to the creation of our Niche Instructor Training. We built the program to develop instructors from the ground up, focusing on thoughtful programming, clear communication, and real world teaching skills. It allowed us to maintain the quality and consistency of our method while creating a strong, aligned team to support the studio’s continued growth.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Niche Pilates Studio?
Niche Pilates Studio is a community driven Pilates and strength training space built around intentional movement, thoughtful programming, and high quality instruction. While we offer a full range of classes from reformer and mat to strength training, what truly defines Niche is the experience we create for both clients and instructors.

We are especially known for our strong sense of community. From the moment someone walks through the door, there is a focus on connection, support, and consistency that goes beyond the workout itself. Our space is designed to bring people together, whether that is through classes, events or everyday interactions in the studio.

What sets us apart is our commitment to instructor development. We have built our own training program to ensure that every instructor is not only technically skilled, but also confident, intentional, and aligned with how we teach. We are incredibly proud of our team and the level of care, attention, and expertise they bring to every class.

At its core, Niche is about more than just movement. It is about creating an environment where clients feel supported, instructors feel empowered, and everyone has the opportunity to grow.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played a role, but I would not say it has been the driving force behind the business. I have always been very intentional and meticulous about how Niche grows, especially when it comes to building a strong, connected community and maintaining a clear standard of teaching. A lot of what we have created has come from consistent effort, attention to detail, and being very thoughtful with each next step.

At the same time, I am very aware of what I do not know. A big part of our growth has come from leaning on other professionals who are experts in their fields, whether that is financial guidance, website development, or other operational areas. Surrounding myself with the right people has allowed me to stay focused on what I do best while making smarter, more informed decisions for the business.

Pricing:

  • 2 Week New Client Special: $99 Unlimited Classes
  • 1 Credit Drop-In: $22 (valid for 30 days)
  • 2 Credit Drop-In: $42 (valid for 30 days)
  • 10 Credit Pack: $210 (valid for 45 days)
  • 20 Credit Pack: $380 (valid for 60 days)

Contact Info:

Group of people practicing yoga outdoors on mats in a grassy yard with trees and a white building.

Group of five women in a medical or therapy setting, with one woman demonstrating a technique on a patient lying on a table.

Group of women practicing Pilates on reformer machines in a bright studio with large windows.

Group of people practicing yoga with legs raised and arms extended in a studio with mirror and plants

Four women in a bright room, one sitting on a massage table, others standing and talking, some holding laptops and papers.

Group of women exercising with dumbbells in a fitness class, smiling and raising arms, in a bright studio with mirrors.

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