We had the good fortune of connecting with Nara Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After several years of teaching Pilates at premier fitness clubs such as Life Time Fitness and Equinox, I reached a point where I felt ready to transition from being an instructor within an established organization to building something of my own. As I began working independently with clients, my goal was to assess the full extent of my capabilities — how effectively I could manage operations, client relationships, and overall business growth on my own. Ultimately, I wanted to put my professional experience into practice by developing and expanding my own Pilates business with a more autonomous and entrepreneurial approach.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I originally majored in Classical Music Composition, (studied at Chung-Ang University in Korea and Syracuse University in the U.S.)

Most of my life has been devoted to studying and teaching classical music. Altogether, I have taught music for about seven years — first in Korea, and later as a private music instructor in the Frisco and Plano ISD districts.

Currently, I am pursuing my second bachelor’s degree in Nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington, where I am in my junior year. I continue my studies while actively teaching Pilates, allowing both fields to complement and enhance each other. Nursing has given me a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the healing process, while Pilates provides a way to apply that knowledge through movement. Together, they form a meaningful bridge between science and the human experience, helping people strengthen not only their bodies but also their overall well-being.

I was first introduced to Pilates in my twenties, but it wasn’t until 2020 — when my son was three years old and we were in Korea during the pandemic — that I truly fell in love with it. During that time, my mother helped take care of my son, which allowed me to focus on myself for the first time in years. As I immersed myself in Pilates, I began to see profound changes in my posture, alignment, and overall energy. Experiencing those transformations firsthand completely captivated me, and that’s when I decided to pursue my first Classical Pilates certification in Korea.

After returning to the U.S., I earned my Peak Pilates certification — one of the most globally respected programs in the world — and soon began teaching at Life Time Fitness. It was a major step in my career and an invaluable learning experience that helped me grow as both an instructor and a person. Following Life Time, I joined Equinox, another premier fitness company, where I focused on private instruction and personalized client training. Later, I expanded my experience into group settings by teaching with Club Pilates and BodyBar, allowing me to refine my communication, cueing, and energy management for larger classes. Each chapter shaped me into a more adaptable and well-rounded instructor.

Alongside my Pilates career, I have continued to model — a journey that began in 2007 when I won first place in the Elite Model Look Competition, hosted by the world-renowned Elite Model Management Group. That experience opened many doors for me and laid the foundation for a long-term career in modeling. Today, I am represented by Wallflower Management as a professional talent, and I have worked with a variety of major brands including JCPenney, The Container Store, Hydro Flask, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, among others.

Through modeling, I developed a strong understanding of body awareness, posture, and movement — but also the importance of balance, nutrition, and overall wellness. Over the years, I’ve studied and practiced different approaches to maintaining health — from mindful eating and conditioning to skin and hair care — seeing them all as part of holistic self-care. That accumulated knowledge has become an essential part of my teaching philosophy today. I guide clients not only in movement but also in building a healthy and confident relationship with their bodies, embracing both physical and emotional well-being.

Now, I see myself as a personalized Pilates instructor — one who designs each session around a client’s unique body, emotions, and lifestyle. My teaching blends structure with creativity, and discipline with warmth. Over the years, I’ve built lasting relationships with clients who have trained with me through many seasons of life. Those connections continually inspire me to create programs that are sustainable, restorative, and truly life-enhancing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a close friend came to visit me, I would start the morning at Summer Moon Coffee in Frisco — it’s one of my favorite spots to enjoy a quiet coffee and brunch. Around lunchtime, we’d head to Dallas to visit the Dallas Museum of Art and see if there’s any special exhibition or event happening that day.

After that, we’d walk over to Klyde Warren Park, where I’d love to grab something delicious from one of the food trucks and enjoy the city energy together. In the evening, we’d have dinner at one of Dallas’s well-known sushi restaurants — or maybe at my favorite spot that always feels special.

We’d end the night back at my home, finishing the rest of the wine and talking for hours — just enjoying the warmth of good conversation and friendship.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely — I genuinely believe that no journey is ever a solo one. I’m incredibly grateful to the people who helped shape mine. First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge my mentors and fellow instructors from my early days at Life Time Fitness and Equinox. Working alongside such skilled and passionate professionals set the foundation for the standards I hold myself to today.

I also want to thank my clients — both past and present — who believed in me, trusted the process, and encouraged me to leap into running my own business. Stacy Li, the owner and director of Prime Music Institute, inspires me a lot. Also, her feedback, loyalty, and word-of-mouth support gave me the confidence to grow independently.

And finally, I want to recognize the countless entrepreneurs and wellness professionals who generously share their experiences and knowledge — whether through books, podcasts, or social media. Hearing real, honest stories about building something from the ground up was a huge motivator for me, especially in moments of doubt.

This isn’t always easy, but having people in your corner — even if they’re not in it — makes all the difference.

Website: https://narapilates.com

Instagram: nara_pilates_

Image Credits
nara lee

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