We were lucky to catch up with Beth Adas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Beth, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I didn’t have some big epiphany—it happened gradually, through a mix of life experience, unexpected changes, and a growing sense of what felt meaningful.
After more than 20 years in event planning, the pandemic forced me to slow down and reassess what I wanted from my work and my life. Around the same time, I was dealing with personal health issues and was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune condition in 2019. Yoga had always been something I turned to, but during that period, it became essential—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. That experience pushed me to get certified to teach, especially for people going through similar challenges.
When I found out the studio I’d practiced and taught at for years might close, it felt personal. I couldn’t imagine the community losing that space. So—with a lot of support from my husband and daughter—I stepped in and bought the studio in May 2022.
Owning and running the studio wasn’t part of some long-term plan, but it’s turned out to be something I care deeply about. I get to create a space where people feel better—stronger, calmer, more connected—when they leave than when they arrived. That feels like a purpose worth showing up for.
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?
I own Balance Yoga + Pilates, a boutique fitness studio in Glen Ellyn, a western suburb of Chicago. We offer yoga and Pilates in a welcoming, community-focused environment. What makes our space special isn’t just the classes—it’s the people. Our studio is rooted in connection. We focus on helping clients feel better in their bodies, more balanced in their minds, and more supported in their lives.
Most of our clients are women between 30 and 70 who are navigating a lot—work, family, stress, aging, maybe injuries or health concerns. Our classes are intentionally small so clients get personal attention and feel truly seen and cared for.
What’s most exciting to me is watching someone who walks in feeling unsure or overwhelmed slowly build strength, confidence, and a new relationship with their body. That transformation never stops inspiring me.
We currently have intro specials for both yoga and Pilates to help new clients get started. These are a great way to explore what feels best for your body and build a sustainable movement routine.
We are also planning a community event this fall focused on supporting women through peri-menopause and menopause—something we talk about often in the studio and want to bring more awareness and resources to so women feel empowered during this chapter of life.
At its core, Balance is about helping people take care of themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally—in a way that feels grounded, supportive, and sustainable.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were adaptability, relationship-building, and staying connected to my “why.”
Adaptability has been key. My career took an unexpected turn—from over 20 years in event planning to owning a yoga and Pilates studio. That shift, along with navigating the pandemic and my own health challenges, taught me that things rarely go as planned. Being able to pivot, stay open, and keep learning has helped me grow in ways I never expected.
Building genuine relationships has also made all the difference. Whether it’s with clients, teachers, or partners in the community, I’ve learned that connection is everything. People want to feel seen and valued. If you show up with consistency and care, trust grows—and so does your business.
The third piece is knowing your “why.” Owning a business is challenging. There are highs and lows, and moments where you question everything. But coming back to the purpose behind it—to create a space where people feel stronger, more supported, and more at ease—keeps me grounded.
My advice? Ask for help. Don’t try to do it all alone. Put yourself in rooms with people who have gone down this path before. Listen to their stories. Learn from their experiences. Surrounding yourself with people who *get it* can give you clarity, confidence, and support.
And above all—stay curious. Ask questions. Be okay with not having it all figured out right away. Just keep showing up and learning as you go.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, one of my biggest areas of growth has been becoming a certified Pilates teacher. I recently completed my Reformer and Mat training and have been actively teaching while continuing to build my confidence and voice as a teacher. It’s stretched me in all the best ways—learning to see the body differently, adjusting in real time, and staying grounded while guiding clients through movement. I never imagined that I could complete 330 hours of training in 9 months while also running a business. I will continue my training for the other Pilates apparatus in 2026, and I’m excited to keep growing.
Alongside that, I have also been doing a lot of internal work. Owning a business comes with constant challenges—decisions that affect others, navigating change, and the pressure to keep everything running smoothly. Therapy has been a huge part of my personal growth this year. It’s helped me get clearer on what I need, how to set boundaries, and how to stay true to myself when things feel hard.
I’ve also leaned more than ever on my mentor— someone who has walked similar paths as a business owner. Her support and perspective have been incredibly grounding. This year reminded me that growth isn’t just about learning something new—it’s also about unlearning old patterns, asking for help, and doing the work to stay aligned with what matters most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.balanceyogapilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balanceglenellyn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balanceglenellyn
Image Credits
Sarah Merryweather Photography
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