Behind the Business: From student to Studio M owner

Because business is all about people, this new series will spotlight the interesting individuals behind some of Sonoma Valley's most popular businesses. Have a suggestion for an upcoming profile? Email editor Emily Charrier at [email protected].

When Susan Aslin first walked into Studio M over a decade ago, she was just a former dancer excited to take a Pilates class.

Founded by Madeline Black 20 years ago this month, Aslin became a regular student at the West Napa Street studio. Bit by bit, she became more involved in its holistic practices, before eventually taking over the entire operation.

As a young jazz dancer in Sonoma, she performed on many local stages under the direction of her former teacher, City Councilmember Patricia Farrar-Rivas. She went on to teach a few of her own classes, and would often incorporate elements of Pilates in her warm-ups.

But she never thought Studio M's approach to fitness and health would transform, and become, her life.

She's always focused on moving her body with grace, precision and intention. Pilates, a low-impact exercise based on controlled movements that enhance balance, core strength, mobility, flexibility and mental health, is a common exercise practice for dancers, so for Aslin, it felt natural.

The studio has evolved over the past two decades, with moves to expand its space, new ownership, increased staff and the addition of more features to ensure a well-rounded approach to fitness.

This month, Aslin is taking a moment to celebrate the studio's 20th anniversary with her members. She wanted to do something for the many locals who have come to seek healing, health and wellness for two decades.

"We offer a progressive approach to fitness that transcends the idea of simply toning and strengthening isolated muscles and embraces a more integrative approach that involves intelligent movements designed to restore healthy movement patterns and inform our bodies how to function well as a cooperative whole," Aslin said.

Studio M offers group and private classes in Pilates, yoga and Gyrotonic, infrared therapies, osteopathic healing techniques, pelvic care, massage and more.

"The movements of Pilates and Gyrotonic are designed to awaken your nervous system and hydrate and mobilize your joints and soft tissue, thus creating continuity throughout your body. They also help prevent injury and promote longevity of your joints and whole body," Aslin said.

The services draw in many clients who have been injured or have joint-related pain — an experience Aslin knows well.

After getting rear-ended on Highway 12 years ago, she saw an osteopath for her neck, which ached following the accident. After years of working with the specialist, she implemented new techniques at the studio.

Aslin is passionate about creating a custom prescription of services for clients based on their goals, health and fitness. She usually begins with a body assessment for new private clients, and curates a blend of strengthening classes, therapies and whatever else Studio M can offer.

"It's all crafted and designed to help you function optimally," she said.

With Pilates catching on as a trend with younger generations, Aslin has seen more clients just looking for fitness.

"Instead of people coming in when they’re broken, they’re coming in a preventive way," Aslin said.

The business did its own stretching a few years back when Aslin moved into a larger unit inside its West Napa Street building, tripling the studio's size. Through the growth, Aslin sought to maintain the studio's boutique approach.

"I really work hard to maintain the stellar reputation that Madeline created here," Aslin said. "To carry the torch for mindful movement."

Back when Black first started, she ran the business out of her home. Black makes sure to drops in for a class here and there, and still feels like a part of the business.

At first, Aslin declined Black's offer to sell her the business — she had a 2-year-old son, and was already busy teaching classes at the studio. But the opportunity was too good.

It was the right purchase.

Since she's stepped into ownership, it's felt like the most natural thing in the world for her to be back in a studio, teaching, running a business and taking care of her body — all areas of personal passion.

She spends about two hours working on her body everyday, and is thankful that she has a profession that allows her to do so.

"We are very proud of the work we do with our clients and have such gratitude for each of them. From those who have been coming for 20 years to those who just walked in the door, this is our opportunity to honor them and celebrate Studio M, Sonoma's finest movement studio," Aslin said.

To learn more about the studio or browse the class schedule, visit studiompilates.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Rebecca Wolff at [email protected]. On Twitter @bexwolff.