We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Barbaro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, 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?
Resilience is something that’s developed over time, shaped by life experiences, especially during childhood. Growing up as a figure skater taught me discipline and grit. I’d wake up before the sun to practice—an hour of skating followed by an hour of patch. Patch was this rigorous exercise where we’d have to trace perfect figure eights on the ice, over and over, balancing on one foot. While it was tedious, it built an incredible foundation of mental strength and perseverance.
Beyond skating, being the eldest child came with its own set of responsibilities and pressures that naturally cultivated resilience and the drive to succeed. While I believe there may be some genetic factors, life circumstances shape resilience far more. It’s one of the most essential skills to have because life will inevitably throw challenges your way, and bouncing back is key.
A pivotal moment for me was in my late 30s, transitioning from a successful tech career to becoming a full-time mother. I felt an intense identity paralysis during that time, but my resilience pushed me to reinvent myself. That transition fueled my passion to start a Pilates business, especially after noticing gaps in the wellness industry. I saw how much “unwellness” existed within the wellness world, and I became determined to create something that truly aligned with the well-being and acceptance that was missing.
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’m the owner of Pilates Lab, a boutique studio in Ventura that’s more than just a place for movement. Pilates Lab is the first Pilates biohacking concept, offering a unique blend of challenging reformer classes alongside advanced wellness treatments like whole-body red and near-infrared light therapy and NuCalm neuroacoustic meditation. Our goal is to provide an evidence-based approach to Pilates that incorporates functional movement and strength training, all while creating a welcoming, close-knit community where everyone feels supported.
What’s most exciting for me is how we’re redefining the wellness experience. I’ve always been passionate about helping people move better and live better. When I transitioned from a tech career to wellness, I realized how much was missing in the traditional “wellness” world—there’s often a disconnect between what’s advertised as healthy and what truly promotes well-being. I wanted to change that by offering a space that supports the whole body, both physically and mentally.
At Pilates Lab, we offer more than just Pilates classes. We integrate wellness technologies like Theralight 360+ light therapy to help with cellular repair and recovery–it has been a game-changer for many people helping eliminate inflammation and pain.
As for new developments, we’re launching a Friends and Family Founders membership for Theralight 360+, which includes two sessions per week combined with NuCalm, a fantastic way to promote recovery and relaxation.
We’ve also started offering Candlelight Reformer Slow Flow classes, which are designed to help people unwind and reconnect with their bodies in a calming, candlelit environment. The response has been amazing, and we’re already looking to add more sessions to meet demand.
Ultimately, what I want people to know about Pilates Lab is that we’re not just a studio—we’re a community. We’re here to support our clients not only in their fitness journey but in their overall well-being, and I’m excited about where this journey is taking us.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities have been resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.
Resilience: One thing I learned along the way is that resilience isn’t just about pushing through obstacles—it’s about staying true to yourself when external environments try to pull you down. I thought the tech world could be toxic, but I was surprised to find that even in wellness and movement, you encounter people or situations that challenge your energy. Do not let a bad experience derail you. There will be times when you come up against roadblocks and feel like giving up, but those are the moments when you need to step back, remember your “why,” and find a path that aligns with you. You might even have to carve out a completely new path, and that’s okay. Don’t let anyone place self-doubt or lower your high vibrational energy. Surrounding yourself with champions who support and elevate you is essential. Your wellness is influenced not just by what you eat and how you move, but also by the people you allow into your circle. Fill your life with those who uplift you—you will attract more of the energy you put out.
Adaptability: Pivoting from the tech industry to wellness required me to be flexible and open to new opportunities. Adaptability is key when navigating big transitions. My advice to those early in their journey is to remain open to change. Sometimes the path you envision won’t be the one you end up on, and that’s okay—often, the most rewarding opportunities come from unexpected directions. I never imagined I would own my own Pilates studio but, I also know, there will be times in life when new opportunities arise unexpectedly and being adaptable to trying something new could change your life…what’s the worse that can happen?
Purpose: Having a clear sense of purpose has been my compass. When I realized there was so much “unwellness” in the wellness industry, I knew I had to build something different but, I wasn’t sure what initially —something authentic and evidence-based. That sense of purpose has fueled my passion and kept me focused even when challenges arose. For those just starting out, take the time to define your purpose. It’s what will guide you through difficult times and give meaning to everything you do.
Advice for early on your journey:
Remember that resilience means pushing forward without compromising your values. Surround yourself with positive, high-vibration people who champion your success, and stay adaptable as you navigate your path. Trust that the energy you put out into the world will come back to you, and never forget your “why.”
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My greatest source of inspiration and helping me grow and thrive, in both my life and my work, is undoubtedly my husband. As a dedicated trauma surgeon at Ventura County Medical Center, he often works shifts extending up to 82 hours straight. Despite the demands of his role, his passion for his work and family is evident in his unwavering smile and the joy he takes in making a difference in people’s lives. Having a partner who truly inspires and respects me has continued to provide me the support and encouragement I need to keep going. Being a new business owner is hard. It is only natural to grapple with some feelings of inadequacy and having a teammate who supports and inspires you each step of the way is invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pilateslabventura.com
- Instagram: @pilateslasbventura
- Facebook: Pilates Lab Ventura
Image Credits
@pinkparadisemedia
@bybasepit
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
