Dear 2024,

As I sit down to reflect on the year, I can’t help but marvel at how much growth and transformation it has brought me—both personally and professionally. This year marked my return to work after maternity leave and has proven to be an exercise of rediscovery and resilience.

Balancing the demands of motherhood with my passion for teaching Pilates was no small feat. There were mornings I’d show up to the studio with barely enough sleep, my mind oscillating between cues for breath work and mental notes about teething remedies. Yet, in those moments, I found a deeper understanding of the body’s capacity to adapt and thrive under pressure.

Professionally, this year reaffirmed the importance of grace. As a Black woman, I’ve learned to embrace the duality of standing firm in my identity while giving myself permission to pause and rest. It’s easy to feel like you must carry the weight of representation on your shoulders, but I’ve realized that thriving doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means doing less, but with intention and care. Pilates has taught me that strength doesn’t come from brute force; it comes from alignment, intention, and consistency. These lessons have informed how I approached setbacks, and grow from them.

My daughters have taught me the value of presence. Whether it’s being fully present during a Pilates session or soaking in the sweetness of a giggle-filled dance party in our living room, I’ve learned that quality always outweighs quantity.

One highlight of the year was reconnecting with my clients. Many of them are women who, like me, are navigating the layered experiences of identity, wellness, and work. We found strength in sharing stories—of triumphs, frustrations, and the unrelenting pursuit of balance. As a Black woman navigating the wellness space, which often feels underrepresented and underinclusive, I am reminded that PILATES IS FOR EVERY. BODY and that the Pilates studio is more than a space for movement; it’s a space for community and healing.

A key lesson I’ve carried into 2024 is the power of boundaries. Motherhood has taught me that “no” is a complete sentence, and Pilates has shown me that strength comes as much from knowing when to let go as from knowing when to push. Together, these lessons have shaped how I show up in every space—more present, more grounded, and more authentically myself.

Being a mother has also redefined what leadership looks like for me. My daughters don’t just see me as a founder or instructor—they see me as someone striving, growing, and sometimes stumbling but always standing back up. That, I hope, is the legacy I leave them: resilience and the permission to chase their dreams unapologetically.

So here’s to a year of growth, gratitude, and finding strength in the stretch. To all those balancing careers, dreams, and families: Keep breathing through it all.

As I look toward 2025, I carry a deep sense of gratitude and ambition. My goal is to continue making wellness more accessible, inclusive, and transformative. To my fellow entrepreneurs, Pilates instructors, and creators—especially Black women—know this: your vision matters, and your voice is necessary. Let’s continue to breathe through the tough moments, celebrate the victories, and build spaces that reflect the world we want to live in.

With love,

Jessica

Keep Up With Jessica: Passage Pilates |Instagram |

@jessicabaconfever