Written by Bronte Mullins
My name is Bronte and I run my own Pilates business, Breathe with B. I operate in Wagga Wagga running classes for people of all ages. Whilst I do love being a Pilates instructor, I am also studying a Bachelor of Nursing on Wagga Campus. Studying nursing and running a business needs a whole other level of organisation, keep reading for an insight into how I do it.
I am only new to running my business and have been in full operation since November 2022 (prior to this I was doing a small number of classes with friends and family for the second half of 2022). Although I do love both studying and teaching Pilates, there are highs and lows of the journey, if you are interested, please read on.
![Breathe with B - Bronte Mullins.](https://charlie.csu.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bronte1.jpg)
Let’s start with the not so good bits of running a business and studying
I still work casually as well as studying and teaching, so it is kind of like having 3 jobs in a way. The con in this is that I always need to be extremely flexible, especially when I need to schedule rostered time off for study and Pilates. I am very lucky that my workplace allows me to be so flexible as well as several staff members being my clients.
Another negative aspect of running a business is that now in today’s society people expect you to always be “on”. For me, I schedule my notifications to turn off for my business at night as I like to have time to separate my personal and business life, I also stop notifications on my phone during study and learning periods.
![Connecting with nature.](https://charlie.csu.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bronte2.jpg)
…That sounds like too much for me
Now it sounds like it’s not a great idea running a business, studying and working. Trust me there are many times where I think to myself something must give and then I turn around the next week and do it all again. There are many positives to the whole business, study and work life balance.
Firstly, I love my clients they are the most fabulous people who I get to spend time with and get to know better every session. I really enjoy teaching Pilates and helping people strengthen their bodies, reaching results they want to achieve.
Secondly, I gain so much benefit from the connection with my clients when I finish a class! Not only do I get the rush of endorphins from the class we have just completed, I also get a great sense of achievement each time (kind of like a fist pump) that I am doing something I love as well as studying my dream profession.
Thirdly, I also gain benefits from teaching such as creating endorphins, having fun, exercising, socialising and a break from study and work. I find Pilates really great for creating a burn but also ending with some relaxation and stretching, this helps with the balance between exercise and rest. I also teach classes outside as well as in the studio and I really love connecting with nature.
Ways that I find balance with the chaos that I have created for myself is hanging out with my friends, family and puppy Gypsy who is the best study partner I could ask for. For those who would ever be interested in coming to a Pilates class, you can find me on Instagram.
![Bronte's puppy/study partner Gypsy.](https://charlie.csu.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bronte.jpg)