Motherhood has a way of making you rethink your priorities. For Alessandra Haybittle, it was the moment she realized her corporate career was keeping her from being the kind of mom she wanted to be. She had spent over 20 years working for multinational companies, tackling big challenges and achieving career milestones. But the long hours meant she was missing out on precious moments with her daughters.
Alessandra knew she needed a change. She wanted to create a life where she could be fully present for her family while still pursuing work that she was passionate about. That desire set her on a journey to redefine what work-life balance could look like.
The Turning Point: From Corporate to Entrepreneur
Alessandra’s decision to leave the corporate world wasn’t easy. After years of working at companies like AmBev and Bunge, she was used to a fast-paced, structured environment. However, the rigidity of a traditional 9-to-5 schedule made it difficult for her to be there for her daughters in the ways she wanted.
The idea of starting her own business gave her hope. Entrepreneurship offered the flexibility she needed to design her work schedule around her family’s needs. She could drop her daughters off at activities, be home for dinner, and still build a career she loved.
Alessandra chose to focus on Pilates because it combined her passion for wellness with a clear purpose: helping others feel good in their own skin. Starting this business wasn’t just about her professional goals—it was about building a life that worked for her family.
Why Pilates Became Her Passion
Alessandra has always enjoyed sports, so when she thought about starting a business, fitness seemed like a good choice. She views Pilates not just as an exercise, but as a way to encourage people to focus on their health and well-being.
Pilates also felt personal to her. It’s about strength, balance, and resilience—all qualities she values deeply. She wanted her studios to be more than just a place for exercise; she wanted them to be a supportive community where clients could celebrate their progress and feel proud of their achievements.
Lessons From Corporate Life
While motherhood pushed Alessandra to leave the corporate world, her years in marketing taught her lessons that proved invaluable as a business owner. Working at large companies taught her the importance of planning, setting goals, and staying focused on execution.
One of the most important things she carried into her Pilates business was the idea of following through. For her, a good plan means nothing without action. She used these skills to build her studios, from financial planning to creating systems that would help her business grow sustainably.
Creating a Community
One thing that sets Alessandra’s Pilates studios apart is the strong sense of community she’s built. For her, fitness is about more than just physical results. It’s about connection—helping people feel like they’re part of something bigger.
To encourage this, she came up with creative ways to keep clients engaged and motivated. For example, she introduced the “Elite Club,” where clients are celebrated for milestones like attending 50 or 100 classes. These small gestures make clients feel valued and keep them coming back.
She knows that building loyalty isn’t just about offering great services, it’s about making people feel like they belong. That sense of belonging has been a big part of her studio’s success.
Finding Balance in a Busy Life
Alessandra runs several Pilates studios, mentors other entrepreneurs, stays active as an athlete, and is a mom. This keeps her busy. She has learned to manage her time by focusing on what is most important.
It’s not always easy for her. Sometimes one part of her life needs more attention than others. Instead of trying to be perfect, she focuses on being present and doing her best in each moment.
Her way to find balance is simple: prioritize what matters and let go of the rest. Whether she is spending time with her daughters, helping a client reach fitness goals, or taking care of herself, Alessandra approaches each day with purpose and passion.
Conclusion: A Life Built on Purpose
Alessandra’s journey shows that it’s possible to create a life that works for you, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone. By leaving the corporate world and starting her own Pilates business, she found a way to balance her role as a mother with her professional ambitions.
Her story is a reminder that work-life balance doesn’t have to mean choosing one over the other. With courage, planning, and a clear sense of what matters most, it’s possible to build a life where both your personal and professional goals can thrive.
Through her studios, she isn’t just helping people get stronger physically—she’s inspiring them to live fuller, more balanced lives. And in doing so, she’s created a career that truly aligns with her values.
