Today is American Business Women’s Day. I started my own Pilates business is 2015, and I’ve learned so much, made all kinds of mistakes, and grown more confident in my abilities since then. In addition to teaching clients, running my business means wearing several hats: accountant, social media manager, janitor, handy-lady, and inventory guru just to name a few.

While I find myself wearing many different hats each week, one thing has remained true during these past few years: running a small business takes a village — and a community. It wouldn’t be possible for me to run Northwoods Pilates without the support that I have from my husband, family, clients, and friends.

Here’s just a short list of things that people have helped me with over the years for absolutely nothing in return beyond my deepest thanks:

• Built equipment
• Sewed props
• Installed flooring/painted walls/replaced ceiling tiles
• Liked/commented/shared posts
• Videotaped/wrote reviews
• Provided childcare
• Shared feedback and business ideas
• Met with me over coffee to discuss the business
• Collaborated with the business for events/referrals

I’m so thankful for all of the love, support, ideas, sweat, and maybe even a few tears that have been shed during these early years. I look forward to growing with you all as the business continues to evolve.