Meet Leslie Lawson | Pilates Studio Owner & Instructor

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

Hi Leslie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Without risk there is no growth! In 2008, in search of warmer weather and a more relaxed lifestyle, I left a successful freelance career in television in NYC, and moved to Miami. Several months later we were in an economic downturn and of course, I questioned my decision, It wasn’t easy, but little by little, I started to meet people and pick up small freelance gigs. In 2016, after leaving a contracted job at Univison Deportes and re-habbing a botched shoulder surgery through stem cells and Pilates (which I started practicing in 2001), I made the decision that I wanted to help people (particulary those with injuries) while having more control over my destiny. In November of that year Renegade Pilates was born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As you grow a business, adaptation is key! However, It is important to make sure to never lose sight of your purpose and vision. From the beginning I’ve wanted Pilates to be accessible to all. While I’ve learned the hard way that it’s not always possible, we have developed several systems to include as many people as possible. By offering a limited amount of partial scholarships to those affected by the pandemic and other socioeconomic conditions, working closely with physical therapists, and hiring highly skilled and compassionate instructors we can include a more diverse group in our open level classes. We have also partnered with a 5 star international resort and are working hard to expand our concierge service where clients can work out in the privacy of their home, work or hotel room. Now more than ever it is important to pivot. If a class or idea is not catching on, don’t be afraid to get feedback and try something new! In 2020 we’ve added Take It To The Mat Pilates over Zoom and Pilates with Pets!

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.
I definitely like to keep it local. There are so many hidden gems on Miami’s Upper East Side and the surrounding areas. Favorite daytime activies include Miami Beach (just over the 71st Street Causeway), discovering art and shopping in Wynwood and Buena Vista, admiring the peacocks in El Portal, walking the canal just off NE 82nd Street, or a visit to Pelican Harbour. Painting ceramics at home from Artsy Hive is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, particularly if you have children. Favorite local cafes include La Social, Cream Parlor, Mr. Mandolin located in the iconic Vagabond Motel, the food hall and happy hour at The Citadel and for late night fun there is always something going on at The Anderson!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to all of our loyal and dedicated students and our hard working and talented instructors, Galina Obuhov and Julia Malvido. Even though I am a sole proprietor, I alway use the term “we”. Without our teachers and clients we would cease to exist. It it only in unison that we truly are #teamrenegade.

Website: www.renegadepilates.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renegadepilatesmiami/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renegade-pilates/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilatesMiami419