Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Braganca
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After graduating from Baylor University in 2020, I moved back home to Austin and decided to take a few gap years before applying to medical school. During my first gap year, I took a pilates class and instantly fell in love. Having a background in dance growing up, it felt natural and familiar right away.
Recently, Austin has seen a surge of run clubs, creating a strong sense of community where people can work out together and make new friends. While studying at a coffee shop one day, it all clicked- I could create that same kind of community through Pilates. And from there, The Sculpt Society was born! I spent hours brainstorming names, designing logos, and planning events to bring women in Austin together through Pilates!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a new business or brand is always a little scary. I wanted to make sure everything I created felt authentic- a safe space where everyone feels welcome. Our first event is just 3 weeks away on April 5th, but it’s been months of hard work and even some tears to get to this point. I’ve poured so much into making sure that everything is perfect for our official launch. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you have to take a leap of faith and invest in yourself if you want to see success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are a pop-up Pilates community focused on keeping Austin fit and fun! While there are several pop-up Pilates groups forming, most are geared toward specific groups or identities. I wanted to create something truly inclusive- where anyone and everyone feels welcome. My goal is to make this a safe space where girls can show up alone and leave with new friends.
For all of our events, we partner with local small businesses to host an after-party where people can socialize, get free goodies, and shop small. That’s what I’m most proud of, building a community where people feel supported and connected.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe perseverance has been the key to my success. As a first-generation Latina, I learned early on what it means to work hard for everything I have. Without many connections, I had to dive headfirst into this project- conducting research, reaching out to people, and advocating for myself. After all of the trial and error, it’s clear that perseverance is what got me here today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thesculptsociety.atx
- Other: TikTok @thesculptsocietyatx
