Sticky Notes

Honeycomb Studios

Ever wondered what it's actually like to build a fitness business from the ground up? Meet Rosie and Leila, two Pilates instructors who crossed paths at a London studio and discovered a shared vision that was too powerful to ignore. This podcast—Sticky Notes—is our real-time chronicle of building something from nothing. We're relatively new teachers stepping into entrepreneurship, balancing Rosie's big-picture dreaming with Leila's pragmatic planning. We're challenging fitness industry norms, particularly the narrow concept of a "Pilates body," and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome regardless of how they look.  Join us weekly as we document every decision, meeting, and milestone. Whether you're interested in Pilates, entrepreneurship, or simply enjoy witnessing the unfiltered journey of two women betting on themselves and their vision—we're glad you're here for the ride.

  1. 11/10/2025

    How We Let Go, Start Over, And Turn A Scary Move Into Purpose (Ep. 13)

    The hardest part of moving? It's not the boxes. It's figuring out which parts of yourself don't make the trip.  We're swapping notes on what it was like to leave London—the goodbyes that stretch on forever, and how a student strike almost killed my visa but ended up giving me an extra month that completely changed everything. Rosie landed in Utah, and Leila in Riyadh. The girls quickly dive into the realities of working in the Middle East: sponsorship rules, why company control in the Gulf can box you in, and just... life. Then we talk about what it actually takes to build a life from scratch.  Freelance freedom is great until you realise how much you miss those random co-worker moments. A quiet studio is perfect for work, but it doesn't always fill you up, you know? So we get into how you find your people on purpose—5 a.m. run clubs, working from coffee shops, classes that feel like gathering spaces. We also get into something bigger: Leila's dreams of creating space in the Middle East for women to run, lift, do HIIT, and still have access to classical Pilates. It's not about throwing out the method—it's about expanding what strength looks like and who gets to be strong. And we pull back the curtain on Honeycomb Studios. Why we kept pricing simple, why there's a small paywall (to protect people's time, honestly), and what we're actually building: an oral history archive, real cross-studio learning, fewer gatekeepers in classical Pilates. If you're moving, trying to balance love and work, or just trying to find your people in a new place—this one's for you. And if it lands, we'd love it if you could follow the show, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and leave a review. Your feedback literally shapes what we do next.

    1h 35m
  2. 10/14/2025

    Chasing our Dreams with SABLE ROWE (Sarah McCurrach) (Ep. 12)

    The episode starts with a cheese debate and lands somewhere far more meaningful: we’re reshaping Sticky Notes, racing toward the Honeycomb Studios launch, and welcoming our friend Sarah - an opera-trained singer forging her solo singing project, Sable Row - for a candid, funny, and unfiltered look at building a creative life.  Sarah opens up about body image, early diet culture, and the hard lessons of keto at sixteen. We trace the arc from chasing smaller numbers to chasing stronger habits: lifting, cycling, 10Ks, and the quiet pride of finishing what you start. The conversation turns on a key shift - confidence rooted in consistency and community rather than size - and the mental clarity that follows when training becomes a lifestyle. If you’ve wrestled with yo-yo habits, comparison, or the pressure to “look the part,” this one will land. We also get practical about creative branding and social media without selling your soul. Sarah and Leila break down how to post sustainably on TikTok, why authenticity beats perfect edits, and when to outsource vs DIY. Along the way, we talk team dynamics, dreaming big vs. doing daily, and how the right people become the net under every leap. There’s a teaser for Birdies & Bombs, a golf-fitness venture with a wild origin story we’ll unpack in part two, and a promise to keep this space playful: yes, a theme song is coming (Thank you Sable Rowe). If you’re a creator, founder, instructor, or just someone trying to build healthier habits and a braver life, press play, share this with a friend, and tell us the one big scary goal you’re daring to say out loud. And if this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and help us grow this little world.

    1h 3m
  3. 09/08/2025

    What's That Thing Called? Breaking Down Pilates Equipment for Beginners (Ep. 11)

    Ever looked at a Pilates studio and wondered what all those strange contraptions are called? You're not alone! In this comprehensive equipment guide, we demystify the classical Pilates apparatus that intimidates newcomers and even confuses some regular practitioners. The reformer typically gets all the Instagram glory, but there's so much more to explore. We explain why the reformer dominates social media (it looks cool in photos!) and what distinguishes a classical reformer from contemporary versions. But the real magic happens when you venture beyond this familiar territory. The Cadillac—nicknamed after the luxury car brand because it was considered the finest piece of equipment—offers incredible versatility with its trapeze, bars, and springs. Meanwhile, the tower provides many of the same benefits in a more space-efficient package. We share personal experiences with each apparatus, from Rose's revelation on the ladder barrel that solved her back pain to Leila's challenges staying squared on the high chair. The Wunda Chair and High Chair might be small, but they pack a serious punch by forcing you to support your full body weight rather than reclining on a comfortable carriage. And don't overlook the smaller accessories—the Foot Corrector that gives Leila "a spring in her step" after running, or the Baby Chair that provides gentle rehabilitation for spinal issues. What makes classical Pilates truly special is how these pieces work together as a system. Struggling with teaser on the reformer? Work on other apparatus might unexpectedly help you master it. Each piece provides different feedback that strengthens your understanding of the movements and your body's capabilities. Whether you're a dedicated reformer enthusiast looking to branch out or completely new to Pilates, this guide will help you navigate the equipment landscape with confidence. Ready to explore beyond your comfort zone and discover what these magical machines can do for your practice?

    53 min
  4. 09/01/2025

    Adapting to Change: Time Zones, Transitions, and Taking Leaps (Ep. 10)

    Celebrating our milestone 10th episode with candid conversations about personal victories and professional evolutions! We've grown from having just our moms as listeners to approaching 300 downloads – proof that consistency truly pays off when building something meaningful. Leila shares her exhilarating experience completing her first 10K race at Wembley Stadium, finishing in under an hour despite challenging hills that had her "seeing white lights" at one point. The inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere contrasted with her previous competitive racing experiences, creating a uniquely wholesome environment that celebrated runners of all levels. Meanwhile, Rose has been embracing new teaching opportunities in Salt Lake City while managing her role at Pi across multiple time zones. After an initially frustrating navigation mishap (turns out grid systems can be confusing!), she participated in a studio photoshoot that landed her front and center in promotional materials – likely for years to come. Her excitement about teaching Wednesday evening equipment and mat classes is palpable. We dive deep into the progress of Honeycomb Studios, our digital platform for the Pilates community that's been evolving since our very first conversation at a team dinner table. After numerous iterations, we're thrilled with the split-screen website design that perfectly captures our vision for Honeycomb Studios and Hex – connected but distinct entities that complement each other beautifully. If all goes according to plan, we'll be launching within the next month! Life transitions are a central theme as Leila prepares for a significant move, compiling lists of London essentials to stockpile before departure, while Rose balances life between Utah, Michigan, and upcoming trips to California and Alaska. Through it all, we're learning that consistency, patience, and flexibility are essential ingredients for success – whether in running that extra kilometer or building a digital platform from scratch. Join us next week as we shift to more informative content, breaking down classical Pilates equipment terminology that might have gone over your head in previous episodes. Have questions or topic suggestions? We'd love to hear from you!

    51 min
  5. 08/25/2025

    When Your Bank Says Your Business Is About To Disappear (Ep. 9)

    Ever had that moment when your carefully constructed business plans come crashing down with a single notification? That's exactly what happened when we woke up to an email from our bank informing us that our company, Honeycomb and Co-Collective Limited, was "due to be dissolved." Talk about a startling way to begin your day! This episode takes you behind the scenes of our virtual address fiasco – a cautionary tale about the perils of cutting corners when establishing your business fundamentals. What started as an attempt to protect our privacy by using a virtual business address quickly spiraled into a bureaucratic nightmare that nearly cost us our entire company registration. We share the frantic emails, the questionable responses from the address provider, and ultimately how we managed to save our business from disappearing entirely. Beyond our near-dissolution drama, we discuss the practical realities of early-stage business decisions. How necessary is it to have everything perfectly established from day one? We reflect on our joint bank account benefits, debate content creation timelines, and explore the possibility of launching our website in phases rather than waiting for absolute perfection. The conversation reveals our different approaches to crisis management – one partner's panic balanced by the other's pragmatism – and how these complementary responses strengthen our partnership during challenging moments. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or well along the path, our candid behind-the-scenes look at business mishaps offers both practical wisdom and reassurance that even the most alarming setbacks can become valuable learning experiences.

    22 min
  6. 08/18/2025

    Transitions, Haircuts, and New Beginnings: Navigating Life's Next Chapters (Ep. 8)

    When physical changes mirror inner transformations, what emerges? Leila's new bob haircut becomes a powerful symbol of personal evolution – not just a practical choice for a Pilates instructor, but a declaration that her outer appearance now aligns with her inner self after two years of significant change. Meanwhile, the challenges of relocating across continents reveal themselves as Rosie adjusts to Salt Lake City life after leaving London behind. From navigating gigantic grocery stores with "infinity aisles" to grappling with American tipping culture and finding community in unfamiliar terrain, every aspect of daily existence demands adaptation. The pursuit of new fitness communities – from Pilates studios to running groups – becomes a crucial bridge between past and present. As these parallel journeys unfold, both hosts reflect on the profound impact London has had on shaping their identities. "It broke me down and then rebuilt me," Leila shares, contemplating her impending departure from a city that transformed her. The freedom and anonymity of metropolitan life created space for exploration impossible elsewhere, especially during formative years. Yet timing matters, as they embrace the wisdom to "leave the party while still having fun." This episode captures the essence of transition – the vulnerability, the excitement, the nostalgia, and the anticipation of what comes next. Whether it's a haircut symbolizing personal growth or a move across continents opening new doors, these changes reveal our capacity for reinvention while maintaining our authentic selves. Join us for this heartfelt conversation about embracing change while honoring the experiences that shaped us. What transitions are you navigating? We'd love to hear your stories of change and adaptation. Share your experiences with us and join the conversation!

    1h 17m
  7. 08/04/2025

    Beyond the Scale: Our Personal Fitness Evolutions (Ep. 7)

    What if our biggest limitations are the stories we tell ourselves? "If I say I'm not a runner, I'm not a runner. But if I say I'm a runner, I damn well am a runner." This transformative mindset shift lies at the heart of Rosie and Leila's deeply personal conversation about their fitness journeys. From drastically different starting points – Rosie as a competitive coxswain who was always athletic, and Leila who actively avoided PE class whenever possible – they trace their evolving relationships with movement, body image, and self-perception. Their stories reveal how cultural pressures, family dynamics, and social environments profoundly shape our relationships with our bodies, often in ways we don't fully recognise until years later. Leila candidly shares her experience with disordered eating patterns that were unfortunately reinforced by well-intentioned compliments, while Rosie reflects on the unique pressures of being weighed regularly as a teenage athlete. Yet both have arrived at a place where they celebrate what their bodies can do rather than obsessing over how they look – a journey that required consciously reframing their approach to fitness. The conversation takes surprising turns as they discuss how F45 training transformed Leila's relationship with exercise by removing decision fatigue, how running has opened up new ways to explore London, and why the "body trust" philosophy has been revolutionary for both of them. "Your body will tell you what you need," Rosie shares, quoting advice from her mother. "Sometimes that means you need a cookie and sometimes it means you need a salad – and both of those things are equal." Ready to challenge your own self-limiting beliefs about fitness? Listen now and discover how shifting your perspective might open doors you never thought possible. What story are you telling yourself that might be holding you back?

    1h 11m

About

Ever wondered what it's actually like to build a fitness business from the ground up? Meet Rosie and Leila, two Pilates instructors who crossed paths at a London studio and discovered a shared vision that was too powerful to ignore. This podcast—Sticky Notes—is our real-time chronicle of building something from nothing. We're relatively new teachers stepping into entrepreneurship, balancing Rosie's big-picture dreaming with Leila's pragmatic planning. We're challenging fitness industry norms, particularly the narrow concept of a "Pilates body," and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome regardless of how they look.  Join us weekly as we document every decision, meeting, and milestone. Whether you're interested in Pilates, entrepreneurship, or simply enjoy witnessing the unfiltered journey of two women betting on themselves and their vision—we're glad you're here for the ride.