Meet Alana Gillis

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alana Gillis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alana, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

When you find yourself on a journey where you’re the only one that looks like you, clarity and persistence are everything — you have to know what you want and you can’t take no for an answer. If there’s a will, there’s always a way.

Along my journey, I’ve learned the importance of finding mentors and building a community of people you admire — whether they’re peers walking the same path or individuals who have already accomplished what you aspire to. You have to find a community that will support you and believe in you. It is through these relationships and showing up with confidence that you can create representation.

It isn’t always easy, sometimes it feels like carrying a weight on your shoulders, especially if you’re the first in your family or community to break new ground. But that’s why remembering your “why” is so important. Confidence, support, and resilience are what open new doors — not just for yourself, but for those who will come after you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Shop Pyrros is a Pilates grip sock brand built on the belief that function and style should go hand in hand. What started with our debut Slouch Pilates Grip Sock in signature ivory has grown into a full collection of essentials designed to support women through every part of their day, from the reformer to the street. Each piece is created with intention: to help women feel confident, strong, and stylish before, during, and after their workouts.

Beyond the products, what excites me most is the community that has formed around Shop Pyrros. As a Pilates instructor, I draw inspiration every day from my craft and from the people I teach. That perspective fuels my design process and deepens my mission: to create representation, celebrate movement, and make women feel seen and supported in their wellness journey.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about expanding our essential collection, partnering with those who embody the spirit of the brand, and continuing to grow a space where health, wellness, and confidence are at the center.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, community, and representation.

First, resilience has been everything. Building something new isn’t easy — you’re going to hear no more than once, face setbacks, and carry the weight of being the first in some spaces. What matters is continuing to show up, remembering your “why,” and letting challenges sharpen rather than discourage you.

Second, community has been invaluable. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mentorship doesn’t always come from someone years ahead of you — sometimes the most powerful mentors are the peers walking alongside you. I’ve been fortunate to connect with a network of female small business owners and fellow Pilates instructors. The encouragement, knowledge-sharing, and support we’ve exchanged has been a game-changer. My advice for those starting out: don’t be afraid to ask questions, share what you know, and build genuine relationships. You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn, and teach, just by connecting.

Finally, representation has shaped my perspective and my purpose. Often, I’ve been the only one in the room who looks like me, and I’ve learned how important it is to not just take up space, but to create space for others. Representation takes confidence, persistence, and support — but it’s also what opens doors for those who come after you. For anyone just beginning, know that your presence matters. The more you show up authentically, the more you expand the possibilities for others too.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill confidence and discipline from a young age. They always encouraged me to take up space and to believe I was capable of whatever I set my mind to. Quitting was never an option in our household — they didn’t accept excuses, and because of that, I had no choice but to show up as the best version of myself.

That mindset carried me through some of my proudest accomplishments, whether it was earning my Pilates certification or completing my accounting degree at the University of San Diego. Looking back, I’m so grateful for the foundation they gave me. Their constant belief in me not only built my confidence, but also taught me that discipline and consistency are what truly open doors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shoppyrros.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoppyrros

Image Credits

Sydney Leanne Hickey @sydneys.eye