Leading Lady: Stephanie Main

{SS}: What is your current profession?

{SM}: Currently I have multiple jobs – being a mom of a 2 year old boy, a Pilates Instructor at Equilibrium S tudio and a fashion / fitness blogger.

To give you a little background, I was a competitive swimmer for about 15 years and when that was over I wanted to continue in the fitness world but didn’t know where to turn.

Fitness has always been incredibly important to me and always made me feel better about myself but didn’t know it could be a career, so when a co-worker suggested I try Pilates and get my Pilates certification, I jumped at the chance. At the time I was training for a marathon and was having some low back pain. Once I started my Pilates training, I fell completely in love and haven’t looked back since. I’d only wish I knew about the benefits of it sooner, for example – my back became so much better and it hardly ever bothers me anymore.

{SS}: Tell us about your typical day.

{SM}: Every day is different for me. I wake up early before my little guy wakes up to get my workout in. After Nathan wakes up things are constantly moving. We have breakfast together with a much needed (decaf) coffee for me, then we start out on our day; whether it’s grocery shopping, play dates or some kind of activity like swimming, open gyms, playgrounds, beaches or parks there is always something to do. After lunch Nathan goes down for a nap and I either go off to teach Pilates or get some blogging done. I’ll browse Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat to learn more Pilates exercises or to look at fashion pictures to see who is wearing what. I’m always trying to learn new things for my Pilates clients and try new fashions for the blog.

{SS}: What do you love about your job?

{SM}: I love the community that is at Equilibrium. I am able to meet great people and work alongside amazing instructors. I am constantly learning something new. I love that I am able to work with such incredible people who keep my mind expanding and pushing me to do more. I love helping my clients find their fitness potential and helping them feel better. I also really enjoy that I get to help my clients achieve something for themselves and learn about their lives and their journey. It’s very inspiring to be working with clients who each have their own unique story!

{SS}: Any advice to those starting out in your profession?

{SM}: Just do it. Start today, there is no reason to wait. Put in the work and be committed!

{SS}: What would you tell your 23 year old self?

{SM}: Be brave and start now. Don’t wait around for things to happen, you need to make things happen for yourself. Honestly there is no time like the present! You’ll thank yourself later for starting now. I wish I’d know that it’s ok to take more risks and do what you love. I would have started my blog sooner but I just kept telling myself, “not now, maybe later, who will read it?” But it was something I really enjoyed so why not at least do that for myself. I had been making scrapbooks of outfits I’d cut out from magazines for years – then, I finally committed and started my blog – which took me years to do! Don’t hold back on something you love doing. Who knows could turn into your career.

{SS}: Where do you, personally, get your daily news fix?

{SM}: Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and my iPad news apps that I’ve set up so I don’t miss anything.

{SS}: What do you do to make you feel beautiful, confident and ready to take on anything?

{SM}: What makes me feel ready for the day is to get my workout in. I love to sweat out any problems, clear my head and take some time for myself. I always feel renewed and ready for the day after a good workout. I really think it’s the kickstart I need to go.

I also need to get dressed for the day. When I’m home with my son and at the studio I wear athleisure wear all day (which I LOVE) but sometimes it’s nice to just put a little makeup on as well.

{SS}: What is your “Style Archetype?”

{SM}: Edgy

{SS}: Who is your style icon?

{SM}: Kate Hudson. Her style, her career, her energy

{SS}: Where do you find style + fashion inspiration?

{SM}: I love to find inspiration all around. I love going through Instagram looking at other bloggers outfits and style. I also look through magazines, like Instyle, Peoplestyle Watch and Us weekly, as well as watch “How-To” Style videos on YouTube.

{SS}: What is your power song?

{SM}: Currently… anything by Shawn Mendes, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeren.

{SS}: What is your power outfit or accessory?

{SM}: I have two power looks. First would be my favorite black Marc Fisher over the knee boots that go with everything, are comfortable and make me feel put together and powerful. But on the other hand I love my Fabletics leggings, a graphic t-shirt or sweatshirt, moto boots and a leather jacket.

{SS}: Who inspires you and why?

{SM}: The other instructors from Equilibrium. My family. My friends.

{SS}: What are YOUR words to live by?

{SM}: “If you do not go after what you want, you will never have it. If you do not ask, the answer will always be No. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.”

“Work hard, Dream big”