Tammy-Jo Hunter on Scaling to Five Pilates Studios
One of the things we love most about our Studio Pilates studio owners is the diverse range of professional backgrounds they each come from. Tammy-Jo Hunter, a qualified physiotherapist, was initially drawn to opening a Pilates studio through her interest in the human body. After doing her research and taking just one class, she quickly discovered that Studio Pilates was the most compelling option.
Tammy-Jo took her first steps into studio ownership in late 2021, opening the doors to her first studio in Canberra, ACT. Since then, she has continued to identify demand for Reformer Pilates across the city and has expanded her portfolio steadily, much to the delight of Pilates lovers in Canberra. In January 2026, Tammy-Jo welcomed her fifth studio, Studio Pilates Wright, marking an incredible milestone in her journey and making her the first franchisee with the highest number of studios in the global Studio Pilates network.
Her latest opening at Studio Pilates Wright was met with excitement from locals, who fully booked out the entire opening weekend with waitlists in place. This is a reflection of the momentum Tammy-Jo has built in her communities, and the continued demand for a Reformer Pilates workout that is accessible for all fitness levels. Her growth speaks not only to her incredible leadership and commitment, but also to a turnkey business model designed to support consistent, long-term expansion when backed by the right systems and team.
We caught up with Tammy-Jo to hear more about her journey scaling to five studios, the lessons she has learned along the way, and her advice for those considering their first studio or future multi-studio ownership.
Q: What systems or structures have been most helpful in allowing you to successfully scale to five studios?
A successful studio is not just about what happens on the Reformer. It is also built by the Sales Team and the Studio Manager. A whole team approach is required. With over 20 years of experience, Jade and Tanya Winter and their team at Studio Pilates Global Support Office have refined the process for sales, customer care and engagement. We have not spent time reinventing the process. We trust it, we train our teams in it, and we quality control its application.
Q: How do you maintain consistency in client experience as your studio portfolio grows?
As above, we trust, follow and quality control the application of the process provided by Studio Pilates. With five studios, all crew are recruited and trained to follow these guidelines. Our crew are amazing and share our vision for providing an ultimate client experience.
Q: What would you say to someone considering opening their first Studio Pilates studio today?
When you buy into the Studio Pilates franchise, you are buying into a family-owned business that has been built on over 20 years of refinement. The support you receive from the Global Support Team is worth every cent invested. The investment mitigates the risk associated with a fledgling business.
Q: And what advice would you give someone thinking about multi-studio ownership?
It is not for the faint-hearted. Surround yourself with the right people, which is easier said than done. It takes significant effort to build and nurture an amazing team. Do it knowing that your efforts are changing lives and have the potential to unlock opportunity and reward.
Q: What is your favourite part about being a Studio Pilates franchise owner?
Having an amazing team and community that value what we do. Engaging with clients and hearing their stories first hand about how attending our studios has changed their lives. Participating in an ever-growing international network with like-minded franchisees who we see at the annual Studio Pilates conferences.
Q: What is your favourite piece of client feedback you have received?
There are so many stories I could relay. It never grows old to hear how great our instructors and sales team are in helping our community. Being thanked for providing a welcoming environment that supports physical and mental wellbeing warms my heart every single time I hear it.
Tammy-Jo’s journey highlights what is possible when a franchise model is built to support long-term growth. With proven systems and ongoing support, Studio Pilates continues to create opportunities for franchisees to grow with confidence!
If you are inspired by Tammy-Jo’s story and are curious about what studio ownership may look like for you, you can learn more about Studio Pilates franchising at studiopilates.com/franchising. If you are ready to speak with the team, simply book an obligation-free call here.
