Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanise Hatcher.
Hi Jeanise, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Jeanise Hatcher. My journey has been anything but conventional, but through every twist and turn, God has continually reminded me that His plans are far greater than my own.
For 22 years, I was a professional dancer—fully immersed in movement, creativity, and expression. Deep down, I always knew I’d one day own a dance or fitness studio. But when my dance career abruptly ended due to injuries, like so many others, I found myself on a completely different path—one I never expected.
Instead of the fitness world, I stepped into Supply Chain Operations, where I spent 12 years climbing the corporate ladder and working for some of the world’s most recognized Fortune 500 companies, including major tech firms. But in 2020, I reconnected with movement and discovered the transformative art of Pilates. I loved it so much that I planned to build a small home studio, get certified, and grow from there.
But once again, God had bigger plans. In September 2023, I had the unexpected opportunity to purchase Zenergy Pilates from a retiring owner. The studio came fully operational—with instructors, staff, systems, and a loyal member base. It was a turnkey business, and I simply had to step in and carry the torch forward.
At the time, I wasn’t yet certified, so I continued working my 9-5 in tech while managing the studio during evenings and weekends. That rhythm worked—until February 2025, when I was laid off. At that moment, I had a choice: chase another corporate job or finally surrender to the calling that had been stirring in my heart for years.
I chose surrender. I chose to rededicate my life to Jesus, to movement, to health, and to the belief that all of these passions—faith, fitness, and food—were meant to come together in purpose. Today, I’m a full-time entrepreneur, small business owner, and currently pursuing my classical Pilates certification through Peak Pilates.
This is only the beginning, and I’m trusting God every step of the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can only wish the road had been as smooth as it may seem from the outside—but the truth is, it’s been anything but.
That first year was full of challenges, starting with earning the trust of both the instructors and clients as their new leader. One of the biggest hurdles came from my decision to keep the previous owner on staff for a transitional year. Despite the warnings from SBA advisors and legal counsel not to do so, I didn’t fully understand the risks at the time. Looking back now, I would never make that decision again.
There were definitely power struggles, imbalances, and even moments of blatant disrespect. While she ran a tight ship, our leadership styles couldn’t have been more different—she was a Baby Boomer, I’m a Millennial. It became clear that we operated in two completely different worlds, and unfortunately, we had to part ways before the year was even over. That transition led to client turnover and revenue loss, which was tough.
At the same time, I was still working full-time in tech and trying to manage the studio during off-hours. I had to start hiring help—marketing, cleaning, admin support—but that brought its own set of headaches. I went through three different marketing people with no return on investment, burned through time and money with the wrong hires, and saw a revolving door of instructors and front desk staff.
By the end of 2024, I finally felt like I had my dream team in place—after a long year of trial and error. Then in 2025, the building and equipment started breaking down, which affected the client experience again. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like I was on a hamster wheel at times—burning the candle at both ends just to stay afloat.
But honestly, this is the beauty and the grind of entrepreneurship. Every setback became a lesson, every mistake an opportunity to grow. And now, business is trending upward. We still have work to do, but I’m more confident than ever in our direction and excited about the future.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Zenergy Pilates?
Zenergy Pilates is a true Classical Pilates studio, proudly serving the Austin community since 2009. Over the years, the studio has transitioned through three different owners—but what has remained constant is the fiercely loyal clientele who continue to show up and keep our doors open. That unwavering support is a testament to the quality of care, instruction, and community we’ve built.
What truly sets us apart is our boutique-style experience. Each group session is intentionally capped at just five reformers, allowing our instructors to provide focused, hands-on guidance. This ensures every client is seen, supported, and safely progressed through our classical levels when they’re truly ready—minimizing the risk of injury and maximizing results.
In addition to our Pilates offerings, we’re proud to be the only Pilates studio in Austin that offers in-house nutrition support, including personalized meal planning to support a holistic wellness journey.
And one more thing we’re incredibly proud of: Zenergy is the only Black woman-owned Pilates studio in Austin. That representation matters, and we’re honored to create a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and empowering for all.
We offer a range of services including group classes, private and semi-private sessions, with flexible options for memberships or à la carte pricing. Plus, new clients can take advantage of special intro offers during their first month with us—an easy way to explore what we’re all about.
At Zenergy, we don’t just focus on fitness—we focus on alignment, strength, confidence, and whole-body wellness. Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Advice for those just starting out:
Bet on yourself. It’s completely normal to feel scared or unsure about your next move—don’t let that stop you. In the beginning, resist the urge to spend money on hiring help until your growth truly calls for it. Embrace the learning curve and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Those hard lessons are what build your strength and resilience.
What I wish I knew starting out:
The importance of consistent marketing. You can’t rely solely on existing clients to stay, even if you’re told they’re loyal. The truth is, many are loyal to specific instructors—not necessarily the brand. Without a strong marketing strategy, it can feel like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel: gaining new clients just to replace the ones leaving, instead of actually growing. Retention is everything. Market like your business depends on it—because it does.
Pricing:
- Mini Sapphire 4 sessions Per Month – $134 Per Month
- Sapphire 8 sessions Per Month – $239 Per Month
- Diamond unlimited sessions Per Month – $359 per
- 4 Private Sessions – $326 Per Month
- 8 Private Sessions – $610 Per Month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zenergypilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenergypilates/profilecard/?igsh=MW5vdnU0dmkwb2dycA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenergypilates/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zenergy.pilates?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
