We recently connected with Jaqui Howard and have shared our conversation below.
Jaqui, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Growing up with a single mom, I learned resilience early on. Watching her work tirelessly to provide for us, she became my ultimate role model, showing me that strength isn’t about never falling—it’s about always getting back up. She faced challenges with such grace and determination, and that taught me to do the same. From her, I learned that resilience is rooted in love, in self-belief, and in never giving up on your dreams, no matter how many obstacles come your way. She gave me the courage to push forward in life, and that strength is something I carry with me in everything I do.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a Black Pilates instructor, I’ve made it my mission to bring Pilates to communities that have historically had limited access to it. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers, making wellness both affordable and accessible to everyone who wants to invest in their health. Pilates is powerful—it’s about building strength, both physically and mentally—and I want people to feel that power within themselves, no matter where they come from.
I’m also expanding my journey by becoming a health coach, so I can guide others more holistically. I want to help people not just in movement but in all areas of their wellness, supporting them in finding balance and health in their lives. This path is my way of giving back and uplifting others, using the lessons I’ve learned from my own journey.
All my services and events can be found at Spycepilates.com!
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?
Looking back, three things really shaped my journey: resilience, empathy, and a dedication to continuous learning. Resilience helped me push through every challenge—being able to get back up and keep going is essential, especially when building something new. Empathy taught me to truly listen and understand the needs of the community I serve; knowing how to meet people where they are is just as important as any technical skill. And finally, continuous learning has been key. In wellness, there’s always something new to explore, whether it’s movement science or nutritional insights, so staying curious and committed to growth is crucial.
For anyone starting out, my advice is to practice resilience by setting small goals and following through, no matter what. Build empathy by spending time with those you want to serve—listen and learn from them. And never stop learning; invest in yourself with books, courses, and conversations with other professionals. These habits will keep you grounded and growing at every stage.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who is open-minded, committed, and willing to invest in their personal growth. They don’t have to be an expert or super fit—what matters is their openness to trying new things and pushing past their comfort zone. I love working with people who are curious about wellness and who recognize that true health is a journey, not a quick fix.
An ideal client is someone who values the importance of movement and is motivated to make positive changes in their life, even if they’re small steps at first. I’m especially drawn to clients who may have felt overlooked by traditional wellness spaces, who are looking for a place where they feel seen, supported, and empowered. I’m here to meet them where they are, and together, we’ll build the resilience and strength they need to reach their goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Spycepilates.com
- Instagram: @jaquihoward
Image Credits
Profeshie
