Meet Stephanie Perry of D Method in Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Perry.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Southern California where being active was a way of life! Both my parents were very active and still are to this day. My entrance into the fitness industry started with competitive soccer and gymnastics. I was the only 4th grader alive that asked for their parent’s credit card to order workout VHS tapes (yes VHS) off infomercials. I would have sleepovers where the main activity would be to do workout videos. I very clearly remember doing a Cindy Crawford workout video where she was on the roof with her trainer. There was an amazing skyline and Seal’s “Crazy” was playing in the background while she was doing leg lifts. That was the moment…I knew I wanted to be in the fitness industry.

Freshman year in college, I began taking Pilates. The first time I saw the Pilates equipment it was love at first sight! I knew I had to learn to teach it. I finished my Pilates certification during my sophomore year in college and have been teaching ever since. I graduated from TCU in December of 2003 with a plan to attend graduate school for Psychology. I will never forget the day I called my parents and said “Mom and Dad, what would you think if instead of going to graduate school I tried to create a business teaching full-time.” They had the best answer, they told me, “Honey, if anyone can do it…YOU CAN!”

For the past 16 years I have taught in Fort Worth and have had the privilege of having many studio owners as my mentors who helped me learn many lessons along the way. I love business. I love people. I love fitness. Opening my own studio blends all my passions. I’ve always been my own boss but teaching under the roof of someone else’s studio. I found I was continually hitting the ceiling at each location I was operating out of. My husband said it best, he said “Honey, you are going to hit the ceiling at every place you go until it’s your own ceiling.” So, I opened D Method to share my passion with Fort Worth.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Parts of it have been smooth and parts of it have been…shall we say a bit bumpy. I’ve had the benefit of learning from many great mentors and witnessing firsthand what works and what doesn’t work. I have gone from just me, to now employing 10 instructors and we are still growing. Anytime you grow there are struggles. I have always weighed all of my decisions carefully and followed my instincts. People haven’t always agreed with my decisions along the way but I would make every single one over again.

Please tell us about D Method.
D Method is an upscale boutique fitness studio that offers Pilates, Barre and Bounce in private and group settings. The purpose of our method is to set, and then redefine, the standard of the ultimate feminine body.

D Barre is a challenging synergy of strength training, stretching, and cardio (the missing component in traditional barre techniques). The result is an hour-long “sweatsation” that simultaneously strengthens and lengthens your muscles to trim, tone, and refine your body with grace and elegance.

D Bounce was created for clients in search of a lower-impact workout that still delivers all of the slimming, cellulite-eliminating results of her barre classes. D Bounce combines moves from Pilates and barre, plus high-intensity cardio, all performed on the Bellicon rebounder (think trampoline, but oh so much better). It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s the ideal option for anyone limited by tender joints, or just looking to break away from the mainstream workout routine.

What makes our studio different is our dedication to our clients. I want every client to know that they matter when they walk through the door. I notice if someone is missing from their normal class. I want all clients to feel pampered and special. If this is the one hour clients are giving to themselves I want them to feel that they are special. Expert instruction is not enough.

In addition to the studio’s expert instruction, it has a friendly, welcoming and chic atmosphere that leaves you wanting to spend time there! Just like we all want to work out in pretty things (don’t tell me a new pair of workout pants doesn’t motivate you), we all want to work out in a gorgeous atmosphere. We have three shower suites stocked with luxurious, high-end amenities so you have everything you need to get ready for your day or a night out on the town after your workout. No details are left neglected. You all deserve it!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
That’s easy. I don’t think I would do anything differently. I have made mistakes but I learned from every one of them and am a better business owner, instructor and person because of every one of them.

Pricing:

• 1st D Barre or D Bounce class- $15
• Introductory Pilates Lesson- $45

Contact Info:

• Address: 1289 Hemphill St., Suite 101
  Fort Worth, TX 76104
• Website: www.dmethod.com
• Phone: 817-810-9850
• Email: info@dmethod.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/dmethodfw
• Facebook: facebook.com/dmethodfw

Image Credit:
Rachel Peters

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