Funding helps Pilates studio take shape

A boutique wellness studio has opened in Durham city centre after securing £17,500 to support its launch.

ŌNDA Pilates Ltd, founded by former dance teacher Kayleigh Oborka-Letman, received the funding through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, with support from Business Enterprise Fund.

The loan was used to purchase specialist Pilates equipment and fit out the studio, which opened at the end of May.

Offering hot mat Pilates, yoga and specialist classes, ŌNDA aims to make movement accessible to people of different ages and abilities while creating a community around health and wellbeing.

Its programme includes ŌNDA Restore, aimed at older adults, and ŌNDA Power, which is tailored specifically for men.

Kayleigh moved into entrepreneurship after working as a dance teacher in Newcastle, where she began incorporating yoga and pilates into her teaching.

She subsequently delivered classes at leisure centres across the North East before identifying an opportunity to establish a bespoke pilates studio in Durham.

Kayleigh said: “Teaching dance introduced me to the incredible impact that movement can have on people’s wellbeing. 

“When I began incorporating yoga and Pilates into my lessons, I saw first-hand how much confidence, calm and connection it brought to the students. 

“ŌNDA Pilates is about so much more than exercise. 

“I wanted to create a welcoming community where people feel supported and build genuine connections. 

“The Start Up Loan gave me the confidence and financial support to turn that vision into reality, allowing me to invest in equipment and the studio space needed to create the experience I had imagined.”

Since opening, ŌNDA has begun developing partnerships with local organisations as it looks to expand its reach.

Plans include working with the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham to provide wellness sessions for corporate guests attending conferences and events.

The business is also preparing to launch a community running club and is exploring further partnerships with local companies alongside expanding its programme of classes and wellness events.

Shannon Donaghy, start up loan manager at Business Enterprise Fund, added: “ŌNDA Pilates is proof of how a founder can transform their passion and professional experience into a thriving business. 

“Kayleigh had a clear vision for creating a welcoming wellness community in Durham, and it has been great to support her through the Start Up Loans programme. 

“We look forward to seeing the business continue to grow through new partnerships and expanded services.”

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