A Stafford pilates instructor, who rebuilt her career after a serious illness, has opened the town’s first fully equipped Pilates studio.
Emma Davey, founder of Nourish Pilates, has launched her studio at the Stafford Business Innovation Centre (BIC) run by Staffordshire County Council. This follows her recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a condition that forced her to step away from a career she loved.
Before her illness, Emma had spent 13 years teaching dance but, in 2010, she became so unwell she had to stop working completely.
Pilates played a major role in her recovery and inspired her to retrain as an instructor. She qualified as a comprehensive pilates teacher in 2022.
Speaking about her new studio at Stafford BIC, Emma said:
“When I first viewed the BIC, I was struck by how welcoming it felt. The staff and other tenants have made me feel right at home. Having a dedicated studio here has allowed me to expand beyond matwork and reach more clients with equipment-based sessions that can be truly life-changing.
“The support from the BIC team made the leasing and setup process much smoother than it might have been elsewhere. They are consistently approachable and helpful, which means you never feel alone and, as a solo female business owner, that is a huge bonus for me.”
Nourish Pilates now offers group matwork classes at two venues in Stafford, as well as private, duet and semi-private sessions at the BIC studio.
The new studio allows Emma to provide equipment-based sessions using specialist apparatus including a Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Wunda Chair and Spine Corrector.
Emma is also qualified to support people recovering from injuries or managing long-term health conditions, including neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. She is also a Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Post-Operative Rehabilitation Specialist.
Emma said:
“Teaching specialist populations is incredibly rewarding. I often work alongside physiotherapists and osteopaths to make sure each client receives the support they need.
“But what I love most is the clients themselves. I know everyone by name, whether it’s in a group class or the studio. It’s a genuine honour that people choose Nourish Pilates to be part of their lives.”
Part of Staffordshire County Council’s network of enterprise centres, the BIC provides affordable and flexible workspace for start-ups and growing businesses.
Emma said the centre’s welcoming environment, excellent location, accessible parking and helpful staff made it the ideal place to grow her business.
Martin Murray, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Emma’s journey is inspiring and shows how determination and passion can turn a personal challenge into a thriving business.
“Our enterprise centres provide flexible and supportive spaces for businesses to grow, and it’s fantastic to see Emma bringing such a valuable health and wellbeing service to the local community.”
Staffordshire County Council runs eight enterprise centres across the county, offering affordable office space, workshops, meeting rooms and hot desks.
To find out more or enquire about workspace, visit Enterprise centres | Staffordshire County Council.
