From Tiny Home to Thriving Pilates Studio…
If you’ve ever dreamed of opening a Pilates studio but thought you needed a big commercial space, think again.
I turned a tiny home in rural East Texas into a fully equipped Pilates studio that now earns over $23,000 a year — part-time — with minimal expenses. I recently shared the full story with DollarSprout, a leading small business and side hustle site.
Why I Chose a Tiny Home Pilates Studio
After my divorce, I wanted simplicity. No commercial leases, no exhausting schedule, and no burnout. Just a place to teach Pilates the way I believe in — focused on the powerhouse — and to breathe.
The answer was right in my backyard: a tiny home I had purchased years earlier, before tiny homes became trendy.
That small space became Elmwood Place Pilates — a boutique rural Pilates studio surrounded by gravel paths, gardens, and quiet.
My Part-Time Pilates Income Model
Today, my tiny home Pilates studio brings in about $23K per year. I only teach part-time, yet the income easily covers:
The $350/month loan on the tiny home
Utilities and basic upkeep
Property maintenance
Because I already owned the equipment from my Houston studio, The Good Space Pilates, my startup costs were minimal.
What Makes My Pilates Studio Work
💡 Key decisions that kept my costs low and results high:
Starting with what I had — My reformers, Cadillac, and props were already paid for.
Online booking system — Using Squarespace lets clients book, pay, and sign waivers online.
Teaching from the powerhouse — I focus on the TA, pelvic floor, glutes, inner thighs, diaphragm, and lumbar multifidus, so clients get long-term results.
Nature-based setting — Clients love the calm, private atmosphere — something big city studios can’t always offer.
Why a Low-Cost Pilates Business is Doable
If you’re starting from scratch, you don’t have to spend $20K on equipment or rent a downtown space.
A low-overhead Pilates business can start in:
A renovated garage
A rented office space
A backyard studio or shed
Even a shared location with another instructor
Always check zoning rules, parking, and insurance requirements before you open.
My Advice for Starting a Tiny Home or Rural Pilates Studio
Study the method fully — If you’re teaching Pilates, invest in a comprehensive certification like Peak Pilates®.
Use what you’ve got — Don’t wait for the perfect space; start with a safe, functional one.
Keep it personal — Know your clients’ names, goals, and progress.
Automate systems — Digital booking and waivers save hours each week.
Read My Full Feature in DollarSprout
You can read my complete story here:
How This Pilates Instructor Turned a Tiny Home Into a $23K Studio
Let’s Connect
If you’re curious about starting your own Pilates or wellness studio, I offer Peak Pilates® certifications in Houston and Palestine, retreats, and my Motion of Emotion™ program.
📍 Follow me on Instagram: @thepilatescowgirl
🌐 Coming soon: thepilatescowgirl.com
