Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Virden. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Provision Studio owner Margaret Virden, originally from Montgomery, AL, fell in love with Pilates in college, taking classes all four years until she graduated and moved to D.C. She tried many different workout classes during her four years in D.C., but Reformer Pilates always remained her favorite. On weekends she began traveling to New York City to train at Pilates Academy International under world-renowned instructors and educators. Margret is now a master instructor on all Pilates apparatuses. She eventually returned to the South to work in Starkville, MS, as a Pilates instructor and would go on to create Accelerate with Lacy Arant, owner of Midtown Pilates. Because Margaret is passionate about helping individuals transform their relationship with exercise and healthy living to find balance in life, she has now opened her own studio in Homewood, AL. Provision Studio will turn 5 in April 2023.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think any small business has a smooth road. But with those bumps and curves you learn, adapt, and grow to become a better business and a better owner. We started in a 1300-square-foot building that was old. It was a great starting space for the business; however, it came with its issues. With one small bathroom, we had plumbing issues weekly if not daily – and that was a huge struggle. Within a year and a half, we were busting out the seams. Which was a great problem to have, but also one that can ruin your business quick if clients were unable to get into classes or schedule privates because we did not have space. We found a space right across the street, and we were able to expand into a 3000 sq/ft building. However, that was in January of 2020. And for the first 2 months, it was great – and then Covid hit. This was one of my biggest learning experiences I have had to date (I am sure like most other business owners). We pivoted from in-studio classes to fully online classes all in one day, and we were the first in Birmingham to offer online classes. We were closed to the public for about two months, and we had to figure out how to keep the bills paid (on a much bigger space with higher rent) and still maintain memberships. Proud to say we made it through, and now are bigger and stronger than we ever have been.
We’ve been impressed with Provision Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Provision Studio is a fitness studio that offers a low-impact exercise program to provide you with the strength, flexibility, and muscle to build a stronger you for everyday life. Through our Pilates, Weights, Stretch, and cardio classes, we offer a healthy combination of cardio and toning to create the perfect fitness balance. We offer group and private training. We are known for having safe but effective movement – meaning you will come and not get hurt, but still effectively strengthen and change your body for the good.
We offer Pilates Reformer, Weight Training, Stretch, and Cardio Circuit training, which sets us apart from most studios because of the variety we offer to our clients. We also have highly trained and educated instructors. I think those two combined is what I am most proud of. We can offer the variety that we do because of our highly trained instructors and deliver a high-quality class.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I think success right now for me looks like knowing I am where I am supposed to be professionally and genuinely enjoying what I do (even though there are hard days), being consistent in my prayer life and walk with God, and taking the time to enjoy my personal life (going on trips, spending times with friends and family, and exercising so I feel strong and healthy).
Pricing:
- First Class is Free
- Intro 3 week Unlimited + one private session for $189
- $30 drop-in class, $80 drop-in private
- Memberships range from $159-$279
Contact Info:
- Website: www.provisionstudio.com
- Instagram: provisionstudiobhm
- Facebook: Provision Stuido (provisionstudiobhm)
Image Credits
Mary Blan Moore Photography
