Posted:09-November-2026
Interview with Carly Dean, PILAT3S Putney Franchisee
- Name: Carly Dean
- Location: Putney, London
- Franchise: PILAT3S Putney
- Date launched the franchise: 20th July 2026
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a PILAT3S franchise?
Before purchasing the franchise, I worked in the beauty industry, where I gained valuable experience in looking after clients and building relationships.
A couple of years ago, I discovered Reformer Pilates and quickly fell in love with it. I loved the exercise, the atmosphere and the positive impact it had on my mental wellbeing. It made me realise what a fantastic business opportunity it could be, not only to do something I was passionate about but also to bring those benefits to others.
That’s what led me to approach PILAT3S and explore the possibility of opening my own franchise. One of the things I love most about being a business owner is the opportunity to build a welcoming, close-knit community where people can come together, feel good about themselves and make lasting connections.
Can you also tell us about PILAT3S?
I own and operate PILAT3S Putney, a Dynamic Reformer Pilates studio in southwest London. We offer a fresh approach to Reformer Pilates, combining expertly designed workouts, carefully curated music and in-studio technology to create an engaging and motivating experience.
Our studio opened this summer and features 17 Reformers, as well as a dedicated PT room. Our aim is to create more than just a place to exercise – we want to build a welcoming community where people feel motivated, supported and excited to come back.
Why did you go down the franchise route?
I was attracted to the idea of running my own business while having the backing of an established brand and an experienced team.
Starting a business independently can be quite daunting, particularly in an industry where brand positioning, operations and customer experience are so important.
Franchising offered the opportunity to combine the independence of business ownership with an established concept, proven systems and ongoing support.
What also appealed to me was PILAT3S' 12 Pillars framework, which provides a structured approach to building and running the business. Having clear foundations, systems and guidelines across the different areas of the operation gave me confidence that I would have the right tools and support to establish and grow the studio successfully.
Why did you choose PILAT3S over other opportunities?
PILAT3S stood out because of its distinctive concept and seamless integration of technology into the studio experience. The combination of dynamic workouts, curated music and the proprietary Jukebox system creates a unique, engaging and consistent experience for members, while making studio operations more efficient.
I was also impressed by the brand's vision, the people behind it and its growth potential. It felt like an opportunity to join a forward-thinking business while building something of my own locally.
What does a typical day or week look like for you?
No two days are the same, especially when you're building and growing a new business.
As the Franchise Partner, my role is to oversee the overall performance and development of the business, working closely with our Studio Manager, Sian, who leads the day-to-day running of the studio and supports the team.
My week involves reviewing business performance, monitoring sales and revenue, overseeing operations and working with the team to ensure we consistently deliver the experience our members expect. I also dedicate time to local marketing, building relationships within the community and exploring opportunities to grow our presence in Putney.
Ultimately, it's about balancing the commercial and operational side of the business with the people and community at its heart. I want to make sure we're not only running a successful studio but also building a welcoming community that our members genuinely want to be part of.
How well did the initial training prepare you to run the business?
The initial training provided a strong foundation and helped me understand the operational side of the business, the brand standards and the systems we would be using.
What I particularly valued was having access to people with experience who could guide us through the different stages of setting up and launching the studio. There is naturally a lot to learn when opening a new business, but having a structured approach made the process much more manageable.
What regular support do you receive from the franchisor?
We receive ongoing support across all areas of the business, including operations, marketing, technology, training and business development.
Communication is very frequent, with responses usually coming the same day or within 48 hours at the latest. This makes a real difference, as questions can be addressed quickly and we can keep things moving without unnecessary delays.
Were the initial costs broadly what you expected?
As with any new business, there are several elements to consider when planning the initial investment, and it is important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved from the outset.
In terms of performance, we have been really encouraged by the response since opening. Our first week exceeded 300 visits, and our first Saturday reached 96% capacity. We have also seen strong demand through ClassPass.
Within our first couple of months, we had built up to approximately 35 classes per week, generating over £20,000 in revenue in our latest month. These early results have been very encouraging and give us confidence in the potential of the business.
What surprised you most after becoming a PILAT3S franchisee?
Probably how quickly the studio became part of the local community. We knew there was demand for Reformer Pilates, but seeing the enthusiasm from members and how quickly people started incorporating classes into their routines has been fantastic.
What are the biggest challenges you've faced as a franchisee?
One of the biggest challenges has been managing all the different aspects of launching and growing a new business simultaneously.
From recruitment and operations to marketing, member experience and financial management, there is a lot happening behind the scenes. Finding the right balance and making sure every detail receives attention takes time.
Is there a good community among the franchisees?
Absolutely. Being part of a wider network is one of the advantages of franchising.
It is valuable to connect with other franchisees, share experiences and learn from people who are going through similar challenges. Everyone has different insights and experiences, and that sense of shared ambition makes you feel part of something bigger than your own studio.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Absolutely. Becoming a franchisee has been a huge and exciting change for me. It has given me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, take on a new challenge and build something of my own. It’s been a real learning curve, from the day to day running of a business to managing a team and building a community from the ground up.
It has also given me a real sense of achievement and purpose. Seeing the studio grow, welcoming new members and watching people build confidence and friendships has been incredibly rewarding. It’s changed my outlook on what I’m capable of and given me the confidence to take on new challenges.
How do you achieve a good work-life balance?
It is something I am continually working on, particularly during the early stages of the business.
I think the key is building a strong team, establishing clear processes and learning to delegate. You naturally want to be involved in everything when it is your business, but you also need to trust the people around you and create a structure that allows the business to operate effectively.
If you have staff, how do you retain your best staff and keep morale high and productive?
Our team plays a huge role in the success of the studio, particularly because the member experience is at the heart of what we do.
We focus on creating a positive and supportive working environment where instructors feel valued, listened to and part of the wider vision. Communication is important, as is recognising individual contributions and celebrating the studio's achievements together.
Ultimately, when the team feels motivated and genuinely enjoys being part of the business, that positive energy translates into the experience our members receive.
Can you tell us about any community involvement?
Being part of the local community is really important to us at PILAT3S Putney, and we make a conscious effort to build relationships with other local businesses and find ways to support one another.
We regularly organise events that bring people together, often incorporating a charity element to raise awareness and funds for worthwhile causes. For example, we have an upcoming event supporting men's mental health, bringing the community together while raising money for charity.
We also work closely with local businesses who generously support our events by products, vouchers and services.
We want to give local businesses a platform to showcase what they do, introduce their products and services to our members and reach new audiences. Equally, we're keen to support and promote their businesses through our own community and network. We see it as a two-way relationship where everyone benefits.
Ultimately, we want PILAT3S Putney to be more than just a fitness studio. We want it to be a place that brings people together, encourages local connections, supports other businesses and makes a positive contribution to the wider community.
What advice would you give someone currently considering joining PILAT3S?
Do your research, understand the business model and make sure you genuinely believe in the concept and the people behind it.
Speak to Tribute Brands, ask questions and take the time to understand what running the business will involve on a day-to-day basis. It is also important to go into it with realistic expectations: franchising provides a framework and support, but you still need to be committed, hands-on and willing to put in the work.
What qualities do you think make someone successful in this franchise?
I think you need to be passionate, proactive and people-oriented. Having a genuine interest in fitness and wellbeing helps, but you don't necessarily need to be a Pilates instructor yourself.
You need to understand your customers, build relationships, lead a team and be comfortable with the commercial side of running a business. Most importantly, you need to be committed to delivering a consistently great experience and creating a community around your studio.
What are your plans for the future?
My main focus is to continue growing PILAT3S Putney, building a strong, loyal membership and creating a fantastic community that people feel proud to be part of. I want to make the studio a real hub within the local area, where people come not just for the exercise but also for the friendships, connections and positive atmosphere.
I'm also keen to continue developing the team, introducing new experiences and finding ways to keep the studio fresh and exciting. Ultimately, I want to build a successful, sustainable business that I can be proud of and that makes a positive difference to people's lives.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
I would probably trust the process a little more… There are always things you learn along the way, and opening a business naturally comes with moments of uncertainty.
Looking back, I would remind myself that not everything needs to be perfect from day one. You learn by doing, listening to your customers and adapting as you go. Having the right concept and the right support behind you gives you a solid foundation to build on.
Interested and want to know more about PILAT3S?
The PILAT3S profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
