What obstacles have you faced throughout your entrepreneurial journey, and how have these challenges shaped the leader you are today?
Prescription Pilates was born from the observation that, in Portugal, Pilates was taught almost exclusively from a clinical perspective. I saw an opportunity to introduce a more dynamic, inspiring, and community-oriented approach that was rigorous, but also more accessible, energizing, and lifestyle-focused.
Launching this concept in a new country was a challenge. As a first-time founder and French expatriate, I had to build everything from scratch, without a defined plan, while adapting to a new system, leading teams, and managing growth. Doing all this while becoming a mother of two children led me to develop clarity, structure, and focus on what truly creates long-term value. Over time, it reinforced my conviction that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to challenge the status quo, learn continuously, and take responsibility.
Only about a third of women believe it is possible to achieve success on their own. To what extent does your story contradict this perception and what factors do you consider crucial to building like Prescription?
My story shows that it is possible, but it also highlights that “on your own” does not mean in isolation. Entrepreneurship requires autonomy, but it also requires the ability to build the right relationships, with clients, teams, mentors, and partners. Long-term success is not just about growth, but about creating a model that is resilient, balanced, and aligned with real life.
For me, the key factors behind building Prescription Pilates were having a clear vision, staying deeply connected to service quality, and remaining true to the concept even under growth pressure. Consistency, attention to detail, and long-term thinking were essential. Success is not about speed, but about alignment between purpose, execution, and values.
“Success is not about speed, but about alignment between purpose, execution, and values”.
What concrete measures should be implemented in Portugal to foster female entrepreneurship?
At an institutional level, access to funding and business education should be more inclusive and better adapted to different stages of entrepreneurship. Mentorship programs that connect experienced entrepreneurs with emerging founders can have a significant impact. Socially, it’s essential to change the narrative around success and failure and to promote visible female role models across a wide range of industries. Finally, policies that support work-life balance such as childcare support and flexible structures are not just social measures, but economic enablers.
What message would you like to leave for women who aspire to create their own project?
You don’t need to feel ready to start, you need to start to feel ready. Confidence is not a prerequisite; it is built through experience. Waiting for the perfect moment or complete certainty often means waiting indefinitely. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, stay curious, and remember that your perspective has value. The world doesn’t need more perfection; it needs more women who are willing to try.
