Meet Kellie and Ellie and their team of inspirational teachers and find out how it all began........ Kellie grew up in the dance world and after spending many years at dance and theatre school, in 1991 she trained to be a fitness instructor. Although, this taught her about anatomy, physiology and fitness it wasn't creative enough for her and so in 1999 Kellie trained to become a Pilates Instructor. A meeting of minds..... In 2003 she opened her own studio, where two years later she met Ellie, a Physiotherapist who was training to become a Pilates Instructor. Ellie attended Kellie's classes. The two of them instantly hit it off, sharing a sense of humour, the occasional glass of wine and passion for Pilates. Ellie had grown up as a competitive swimmer and was highly motivated; she had discovered Pilates due to her love of exercise and the fact that Pilates rehabilitation was in vogue for the treatment of back and pelvic pain. Ellie began to rent a treatment room and studio space from Kellie and both girls developed an extensive and loyal clientele. The studio that Kellie was renting was bursting at the seams and so the girls decided to join forces and rent a space together. A collaboration..... It was obviously meant to be as a week later they found the perfect building on Reeds Farm. From that point the girls became team Hummingbird, and with the help of a supportive landlord, had a barn renovated to house two purpose-built studios and treatment rooms, to which they have now added additional rooms. Initially, the studios hosted a few yoga classes but after the demise of a local yoga company, the girls made a home for a number of yoga classes and teachers. What started as a small business was growing at a rate beyond its structure and so the decision was made to rebrand and redesign the business so that they could continue to meet the needs of their clients and teachers, and grow at a sustainable rate. Also, both girls and most surprisingly to all who knew her, Ellie, were reaping the benefits of yoga practice inspired by a new teacher Susan Myers. Susan really wanted to be part of what the girls were trying to create and helped to drive the business forwards. Yoga became a core element of the newly redesigned business and Susan became part of the inspirational new team that the girls had developed. The new team of teachers had a diverse range of experience within Pilates, yoga and life, enabling the company to offer a variety of classes, knowledge and experience. A new direction..... Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga was born 1st October 2013 after many non yogic late nights. The aim was to have the best teachers, who shared the community ethos and passion for teaching, to offer a wide range of small group Pilates and Yoga classes and ultimately to create a fantastic place spend time in. With this aim the business was rebranded. The Hummingbird Centre became Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga LLP to reflect the needs of clients' and their ambitions to become a leading Pilates and Yoga brand. The main wish was to create a community of teachers, staff and clients. To create a space that made people feel good from the moment that they stepped through the door. A vibrant, energetic place that helps people to thrive! The future..... The future is bright. Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga will continue to evolve. We will continue to support a community of teachers and hope to train new teachers. We'd love to host guest teachers to inspire a new generation. Kellie will complete her mindfulness meditation course and hopes to travel abroad to complete her yoga teacher training to mark a new chapter in her personal development as a teacher. Ellie will complete her Masters degree. The team will look for new adventures, taking Pilates and Yoga retreats abroad.
The girls are also looking to develop a new Pilates and Yoga clothing line and are planning their next new venture....