Meet Emmalee Silva

We recently connected with Emmalee Silva and have shared our conversation below.

Emmalee, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

I like to play it safe and have control. I would actually consider myself the exact opposite of a risk taker! But when a little dream was placed on my heart, I knew I’d have to take a big risk. It is so easy to think of a million reasons why you shouldn’t… but all it takes is one reason to say yes! That one reason for me was the feeling inside. I had to trust my intuition, make a plan, and get started. In 2022, I created my own brand and opened a Pilates + Barre Studio. Here are 2 of my suggestions to take that risk-
1: Start small. You’ll have plenty of time to grow + expand! Starting small gave me peace of mind financially, and also gave me that sense of control I need 😉 I made sure to stay within my budget and eliminated any extra financial pressure. I was the only employee for the first couple years! That was only possible because I started small.
2. Action over thinking. Of course its important to have a solid plan, but overthinking will paralyze you. You need to start with an action! That first small step will build the momentum you need to keep moving forward. And remember to take one step at a time. Even the smallest actions will have you moving in the right direction!
Ask yourself “Will I look back at this later with regret that i didnt give it a try?”
If the answer is yes, then you owe it to yourself to try! I read a quote once that whas stuck with me. It said “There is no such thing as failure. You either win or you learn.”

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?

In 2022, I opened the first Pilates + Barre Studio in my area. Over the years, that little studio grew from having just a handful of classes on the schedule, with me as the only instructor, to now a full schedule with a team of the best instructors! This year in 2025, I opened a second studio location! Control Fitness is not your typical big box gym. Our classes are small and intimate, with instructors that are highly trained and deliver personalized classes. We are more than just workout classes, we have built a community based on connection + support!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Believe in yourself! It all starts within. You need to have faith in yourself first and foremost. Your mindset is so important and is such a powerful tool. Use it to build yourself up! Tell yourself “yes, you can!”
2. Keep learning! Knowledge is power. No matter what field or industry you are in, you need to continue your education! Earning new certifications is a great way, but I highly suggest learning from others in your industry. Find a mentor!
3. You are who you surround yourself with. You need to have an army of positivity around you!

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I can very easily feel overwhelmed. Here’s what I do to feel in control again-
1. Write it out- I write down everything that is weighing on my mind in a notebook. That simple act of moving the info out of my brain and onto paper is so freeing! I can now see it all in front of me.
2. Prioritize- based on the things I’ve written down, I organize it into what is most important to least important.
3. Create checklists- I work my way down the prioritized list and physically check the box once completed
4. Movement- movement is medicine! Exercise is literally proven to reduce stress and anxiety! Move every single day!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.controlfitnesspilates.com
• Instagram: Controlfitness.pilates

Image Credits

Jen Martin Photography