Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Hockaday.
Hi Olivia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started teaching Pilates full time about 10 years ago, in Raleigh NC after graduating from the design school at NC State. I had a background in dance and always knew I’d return to the movement world eventually. I moved to Austin in 2020 and taught at multiple studios before finally deciding to branch out on my own. I serendipitously met my former business partner, Ann Arnoult and joined her as a partner before she retired. The business grew and evolved and through a rebrand in late 2023, Moogie opened its doors in spring of 2024.
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?
As smooth as possible??? While I am grateful to feel super clear on my passion and I’m a tenacious goal oriented person, the biggest (and repeated) lesson is that the majority of things are out of your control. Moving to a new city during a pandemic and at the time, in person fitness was cancelled, I was terrified if my career had a future.
Sometimes hard work and a good idea isn’t enough and that has felt frustrating at times. Building strong relationships, being open to hearing “no”, knowing there is always a pivot – are some of the ways I’ve navigated the struggles.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Moogie is a contemporary Pilates studio based in Hyde Park in Austin, TX. Our clients range from 20s-90s and we focus primarily on privates and small groups. We really teach to the bodies in front of us and aim to really teach the Pilates method with integrity and an emphasis on safety. I am really proud that our clientele is so broad and everyone feels relaxed and comfortable in our studio. It really feels like an environment where folks are leaving empowered; they show up eager to learn and find more awareness in their bodies.
Moogie was my childhood name and Pilates text often nods to childlike movement and being present. My hope is that whether someone is 25 or 85, injured, pregnant, etc; they are able to connect with their body with curiosity. To me, being present, playful and happy is really important to a movement practice.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Essential Anatomy 5 is this insane anatomy app that I use every day. It’s 3D and you can strip the layers of muscle down to the bone, see connective tissue, etc. I love it. I nerd out over this all the time and use it with clients and to learn more in my own body!
Really big on listening to autobiographical books, they’re perfect for my commute or while I do chores. I really love learning about other peoples stories, how they got from point A to point B. I enjoy fiction too 🙂 a nice escape is wonderful.
I really like to unplug and enjoy movies/shows with my partner. We both work in fitness and it’s nice to balance that out with watching a film or show that has nothing to do with our work.
Social media and connecting with my teaching peers are always a great resource (in the right dosage 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moogiepilates.com
- Instagram: @moogiepilates
