A Durham entrepreneur has launched a new boutique pilates studio after securing funding to help turn her vision of a community-focused wellness space into reality.
Kayleigh Oborka-Letman opened NDA Pilates in Durham city centre in late May with a £17,500 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.
The Business Enterprise Fund helped her pay for studio equipment, refurbishment and a welcoming space for clients.
Durham entrepreneur Kayleigh Oborka-Letman (Image: Supplied)
Ms Oborka-Letman said: "Teaching dance introduced me to the incredible impact that movement can have on people’s wellbeing.
"When I began incorporating yoga and pilates into my lessons, I saw first-hand how much confidence, calm and connection it brought to the students.
"NDA Pilates is about so much more than exercise.
"I wanted to create a welcoming community where people feel supported and build genuine connections.
"The Start Up Loan gave me the confidence and financial support to turn that vision into reality, allowing me to invest in equipment and the studio space needed to create the experience I had imagined."
Ms Oborka-Letman, a former dance teacher from Newcastle, introduced pilates and yoga to her students after being encouraged to focus on wellbeing.
NDA Pilates studio (Image: Supplied)
After seeing the classes boost young people’s confidence and mental health, she began teaching pilates and yoga at leisure centres across the North East before launching her own business.
NDA Pilates offers hot mat pilates, yoga and specialist classes for different groups.
NDA Restore is aimed at older adults, while NDA Power offers men a high-energy workout.
The sessions make movement accessible, enjoyable and inclusive while helping people build friendships.
The studio plans to launch a community running club and explore more local partnerships.
Shannon Donaghy, start up loan manager at the Business Enterprise Fund, said: "NDA Pilates is proof of how a founder can transform their passion and professional experience into a thriving business.
"Kayleigh had a clear vision for creating a welcoming wellness community in Durham, and it has been great to support her through the Start Up Loans programme.
"We look forward to seeing the business continue to grow through new partnerships and expanded services."
A spokesperson for the British Business Bank said: "NDA Pilates Ltd, a boutique pilates and yoga studio offering inclusive wellness experiences in the heart of Durham, has secured a £17,500 loan through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, with support from Business Enterprise Fund, to support the launch of its first studio."
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NDA Pilates is also developing partnerships with local organisations and businesses.
The studio plans to work with Durham’s Radisson Blu Hotel to offer wellness sessions to corporate guests at conferences and events.
Oborka-Letman said the Start Up Loan gave her the confidence to launch the business and create a space that reflects her vision.