Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Blair.
Hi Kendra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Shannon and I have known each other for nearly three years, and our story really began during a 14-hour wedding shift where we were both bartending at the same outdoor bar. We talked the entire day, and from the very beginning it felt aligned with one of those rare moments where you just know you’re meant to build something together. At the time, we didn’t know what that something was, but we knew business ownership together was in our future.
Over the following year, we began exploring ideas. Our backgrounds are deeply rooted in hospitality; we both managed restaurants, so naturally, we gravitated toward concepts in that space. We talked about everything from bone broth powder to opening an Australian-style café inspired by brekkie culture and a fresh, garden-to-table atmosphere. Health, wellness, and community were always central themes, even if the exact format wasn’t clear yet.
Everything changed when Shannon had the opportunity to travel to Australia on a sabbatical. She’s always been an avid runner, but after injuring her ankle just before the trip, she turned to Pilates while she was there. She loved it, but felt like she was missing the cardio component until she discovered STRONG Pilates in Byron Bay. She became a member for a couple of months and immediately fell in love with the format, the energy, and the results.
While there, Shannon connected with the studio owners and, coincidentally, the co-founder of STRONG Pilates, who was living in Byron Bay at the time. Over coffee, she shared her excitement “I have to bring this to Austin, this is exactly what Austin needs.” His response? STRONG was actively expanding into the U.S., and Texas was one of the first markets. San Antonio would become the first studio in the US.
I still remember the FaceTime call when she told me. She said, “I think we need to pivot.” It immediately made sense. We had always been passionate about health, wellness, and fitness, and we were both ready to move away from late nights in hospitality and toward something more aligned with how we wanted to live. We traded late nights for early mornings and we couldn’t be happier.
From there, we got to work. Shannon returned home, and we dove headfirst. Today, we’re proud to be the 101st STRONG Pilates studio worldwide and the 6th in the United States. What started as a conversation behind a bar turned into a shared vision and now, a community we’re incredibly grateful to build every day.
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?
Like anything meaningful, the road hasn’t been perfectly smooth, we hit constructions delays, had to change our opening date twice and ended up opening with our studio not fully done. Alot of leaning into the process and growing from the experinces. There are always ups and downs, especially in the early stages. One of our biggest challenges has been simply reaching as many people as possible in Austin and building awareness around STRONG Pilates. Austin is an incredible fitness city people here genuinely value movement and wellness but it’s also a very saturated market with so many amazing options. Being part of that environment is exciting and inspiring, but it also means working harder to make sure people know who we are and what makes STRONG unique.
Now that we’ve been open about five months, there have definitely been moments during the opening process that felt tough or overwhelming. In those moments, we constantly come back to our “why.” The community we’re building here is truly special, and the support, energy, and commitment of our members is what keeps us going. At the end of the day, that community is the most rewarding part of this journey and it reminds us that every challenge has been worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Strong Pilates – Central Austin. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
STRONG Pilates is an Australian born fitness concept that has expanded to the United States within the past year, and we’re proud to bring that energy and innovation to Austin. At its core, STRONG is more than just Pilates. It’s a high-intensity, low-impact training method designed to build strength, endurance, and longevity.
Our classes are Pilates-inspired and cardio-infused, combining precision movement with heart-pumping conditioning and intentional strength training. We specialize in progressive overload, helping members build real, sustainable strength over time, not just a good sweat for the day.
What truly sets us apart is our equipment. Our studio features 11 Rowformers, which combine a reformer with a rowing machine, and 8 Bikeformers, which pair a reformer with a conditioning bike. This unique setup allows us to deliver a full-body workout that challenges the cardiovascular system while remaining low-impact and joint-friendly.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the balance we strike between intensity and accessibility. STRONG is challenging, but it’s also welcoming, supportive, and adaptable to all fitness levels. Our goal is to help people feel strong physically and mentally. While fostering a community that celebrates consistency, effort, and progress.
Ultimately, we want readers to know that STRONG Pilates is strength you can feel. Built to support long-term health, confidence, and performance, both inside and outside the studio.
How do you define success?
To us, success is intentional. It’s in the small moments, watching someone walk into class after a hard day and leave feeling lighter, stronger, and more confident than when they arrived. It’s seeing members show up consistently, celebrate their progress, and surprise themselves with what their bodies are capable of.
Success also means building a space where people feel seen, supported, and safe to challenge themselves. A place where movement becomes something people look forward to, not something they feel pressured into. When our community trusts us with their time, their bodies, and their journeys, that’s something we never take lightly.
If STRONG can positively impact people’s lives physically, mentally, and emotionally. With creating a community that people genuinely feel connected to, that’s how we define success.
We have had four members who have joined the 100 club at Strong which means they have come to 100 classes since we have opened. Hearing a member say she has never been this consistent before is just as big a win for us as it is her.
Pricing:
- Intro offer: 15 days for $69 offer ends Febuary 12th
- $319 for unlimited memberships
- $209 for 8X/ Month Membership
- $114 for 4X/ Month Membership
Contact Info:
- Website: https://strongpilates.co/location/central-austin/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong_centralaustin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strong.centralaustin/
Image Credits
Photos by Elysia Vickas
