Former dance teacher Kayleigh Oborka-Letman has opened boutique wellness studio ŌNDA Pilates in Durham city centre after securing £17,500 Start Up Loans support.
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.”
Kayleigh approached TEDCO Business Support and began working with Business Solutions Adviser Mark Johnston through the Durham StartUps programme funded by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. Mark said:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Kayleigh as she has brought ŌNDA Pilates to life.Throughout our discussions, I have been impressed by her passion, professionalism and commitment to creating a welcoming and accessible studio in the heart of Durham. She has built a fantastic business that reflects her vision and dedication, and I am delighted to see it getting off to such a positive start.”
You can find out more about Kayleigh’s services at the ŌNDA Pilates website.
Considering how to finance your new business? Guest blogger Lee Vickers, Regional Director at Business Enterprise Fund, recently put some thoughts together specially for TEDCO clients – read his article here Why business lenders care less about your big idea than you think.
Durham StartUps is part of the Enterprising Durham Framework and provides entrepreneurs with access to a broad range of business support in County Durham. This project is funded by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
