In Spring 2024, I qualified as a Pilates instructor - something I had wanted to do for a while after attending classes myself for years, but everything else took priority over the years! 

At the time I didn't have a definite plan - I wanted to hold Pilates sessions and start slowly as opportunities arose. Shortly afterwards I was offered to hold sessions through Island Pilates as the business was opening a new studio in Porthaethwy and was looking for more trainers - and so I went for it! I started by holding about 2 sessions on Thursday evenings. It was important to me that I could offer some sessions in Welsh. 

I was also, at the time, working full-time for Mudiad Meithrin as Head of the training department, and enjoying developing plans and workforce of the early years sector. 

By that summer the Pilates work was increasing, more sessions were available and Thursday evenings were now full of sessions. 

So we decided that I needed to consider what I wanted to do to get the best of both jobs and both worlds (+ keeping a balance between being a busy mother!) as the demands of doing a full-time job and trying to develop the business can be a challenge. 

This is when I contacted Siân - I came across her Instagram profile, and arranged to have a chat - I immediately felt comfortable talking to Siân at our first meeting, and being able to discuss things in Welsh was very important to me. 

Siân listened, made sure she understood the situation and so I was able to openly discuss my vision for developing the work, and the different options I had to consider. It was equally important that I was able to discuss my concerns and obstacles step by step. Siân's own experiences, her understanding of my situation, her empathy and her sense of humour were an important part of the discussion and it helped every step of the way, in coming to a decision about how I wanted to shape my future. 

In April this year, I went down to 3 working days with Mudiad Meithrin in order to be able to do 2 days in the studio in Porthaethwy teaching on the mat, on the Reformer and a few schools have now contacted me to hold sessions for children as well. 

Without Siân's support I'm not sure if I would have taken the risk - and I'm so glad I did - even though it took a little time to adjust - and realise that Thursday morning is now my time! It's a big change after working full time for over 25 years and having constant salary security every month. Talking through everything is important for you to be able to make the decision that's right for you. 

If you have a seed of an idea and a passion to follow your dream - but not quite sure where to start, arrange a chat with Siân - you won't regret it!  

Thank you Siân for your support x