How I got my job as… the founder of this Dubai pilates studio
This week, we speak to Victoriia, Founder of Balans Studio, a boutique fitness & recovery studio located in Dubai Marina.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
From starting off with a job at the Duty Free Store, to launching her own pilates and fitness studio in Dubai, while also juggling her role as a mom, Victoriia has. come. along way as the now founder of Dubai’s most coveted pilates studio.
To delve, into her journey further, Emirates Woman sat down with to see how her journey began.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Art and sports. I was always creative and loved expressing myself in different ways. Even then, I stood out with my ideas and my way of looking at things differently.
What was your first job?
My first job was as a sales assistant at Warsaw Airport in a Duty Free Store. I was fascinated by air hostesses, especially the Emirates crew. They always looked so fashionable, elevated, and almost unattainable. I dreamed of becoming one, and that ambition eventually brought me to Dubai.
What brought you to Dubai?
Emirates Airlines, which I was a part of for over six years. Dubai’s energy and international community inspired me to build something meaningful here.
What inspired you to enter the wellness space and launch Balans Studio?
Working as cabin crew, I always stayed physically active—you simply have to in that job. The lack of routine can be harsh on your body. I noticed many women felt uncomfortable or even intimidated to go to the gym, and that inspired me to create a space just for us: a safe, welcoming, and uplifting environment where women can feel empowered, supported, and confident. Balans Studio was born out of that idea—wellness not just as a workout, but as self-care and balance.
Talk us through the concept.
Balans is a boutique fitness and recovery studio offering a mix of fitness classes including Pilates (mat and reformer), TRX, aerial, and more, as well as recovery options like cold plunges, sauna, and muscle treatments. We focus on quality and grounded feelings; everything is carefully selected, from award-winning organic hand-picked matcha to sustainable Balans mats made from rubber trees. Our goal is to make fitness more than just an exercise; it’s a state of reconnecting body and mind.
What are the key elements of your role?
I oversee everything, from curating the best instructors and wellness products to ensuring every client feels personally cared for. A big part of my work is creating and executing the vision for a beautiful and welcoming space, building the community, hosting events, and supporting my team.
Talk us through your daily routine.
I’m a new mom, so balancing motherhood and running a studio requires organization; otherwise, it can become chaos. I start my day very early with physical activity—Pilates, cardio, cross-body training, or at least a stretch—followed by either matcha or coffee. Most of my day is spent working on the studio, either on-site engaging with clients and the team or brainstorming new events and community initiatives. And in between all of that, I juggle my favorite role: being a mom.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow the same footsteps?
Be prepared to work hard and stay consistent. Wellness is about values and authenticity. Build something you truly believe in; people can feel genuine energy.
Tell us more about the brand and its offerings.
At Balans Studio, we believe in functional luxury. From natural rubber yoga mats to grip socks and our signature Balans Bag, every piece is designed to complement an active, wellness-focused lifestyle.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Build a community, not just a business.” People come back for the way you make them feel, not just for what you offer.
And what is the worst?
“Wait until the perfect moment.” There’s no perfect time to start anything—if you wait too long, the opportunity passes.
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Starting a boutique wellness studio in a city full of options was intimidating. The challenge was to stand out while staying true to my vision, which meant investing in quality, creating a unique concept, and building trust with every client step by step.
What’s the future of the brand?
Balans Studio will continue growing as a wellness community, expanding into more events, training programs, and eventually new locations. But no matter how big we grow, the focus will always be on personal connection and quality.
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