Boutique pilates studio ŌNDA Pilates Ltd secures Start Up Loan to bring community-focused wellness to Durham
ŌNDA 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.
Founded by former dance teacher Kayleigh Oborka-Letman, ŌNDA Pilates Ltd was born from a passion for making movement accessible while creating a welcoming community where people of all ages and abilities can connect through wellness.
After working as a dance teacher in Newcastle, Kayleigh was encouraged to incorporate wellbeing into her teaching, introducing students to activities such as yoga and pilates. Seeing first-hand the positive impact these sessions had on young people’s wellbeing inspired her to explore how movement could benefit a much wider audience.
Alongside teaching in schools, she went on to deliver pilates and yoga classes in leisure centres across the North East, gaining valuable experience before deciding to establish her own business. In January, Kayleightook the leap into entrepreneurship and chose Durham as the home for her first studio, recognising an opportunity to bring a bespoke pilates experience to the city centre.
Launched at the end of May, ŌNDA Pilates offers hot mat pilates, yoga and specialist classes designed to welcome a diverse range of clients. With sessions including ŌNDA Restore for older adults and ŌNDA Power, tailored specifically for men, the studio aims to make movement enjoyable and accessible while fostering meaningful connections between its members.
Designed as an intimate boutique space, the studio encourages clients to get to know one another and build friendships, creating an environment that combines high-quality instruction with a strong sense of community.
The £17,500 Start Up Loan enabled the business to purchase specialist pilates equipment, fit out the studio and create a welcoming space ahead of opening its doors.
Since launching, the business has begun developing partnerships with local organisations, including plans to work with Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham to offer wellness sessions for corporate guests attending conferences and events. The studio is also preparing to launch new initiatives, including a community running club, while exploring additional partnerships with local businesses and expanding its programme of classes and wellness events.
Kayleigh Oborka-Letman, founder of ŌNDA Pilates Ltd, 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. ŌNDA 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.”
Shannon Donaghy, Start Up Loan manager, at Business Enterprise Fund added: “ŌNDA 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.”