Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clarissa Shepherd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Clarissa, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I developed my self-esteem from my nana. She told me from the time that I was little that I am beautiful and the best. She told me to always walk with my head held high and to never dim my light for anyone. I got my confidence from dancing at night clubs. You have to be able to perform in front of a bunch of people who will judge you. You have to have thick skin and it takes a certain level of confidence to do that.

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 am a master trainer for Club Pilates. My job is to help people start new careers through movement. I also teach Pilates to moms, kids and athletes which is super fun. I’m one of those people who is blessed to have a career I absolutely love. I also do interactive storytimes in my community and beyond as I wrote one of the first kids Pilates books called ” Sage Does Pilates”.
I am currently doing family fitness class on Dec 1st in Falls Church Va, followed by an adult Pilates class on behalf of Toys for Tots on December 8th. It’s donation based.
I really love helping families become active together and finding ways as it a great way to bond.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I needed to know how to brand myself. With so many Pilates teachers in the world I especially know its important to learn how to stand out. I highly recommend being authentic and knowing who resonates with you the most. Its better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond.
I needed to understand that there’s power in community. The more you’re willing to help others the more likely it will come back to you 10 fold.
Learn your craft. Learn every aspect of the business you’re trying to get involved in. Be a sales associate, manager, teacher, admin. Learn every hat so you can dominate in your field.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Give me space to learn and grow. My parents loved me and there’s no denying that. I remember being 20 years old in college and I didn’t have enough money for rent and my car window got busted into. I asked them and they didn’t have it either as it was close to Christmas time and I had to figure it out.
At the time I was upset but overall I’m glad they did it because it made me realize the only person that can save you from a situation is yourself and no one else. There is some beauty in figuring some things out and utilizing your resources.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pilatesmamiii.com
- Instagram: @pilatesmamii
- Facebook: pilatesmamii
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-shepherd-a61127b2/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PilatesMamii/playlists

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