Atlanta native Jharde Johnson is determined to create a safe and inclusive community in the fitness and wellness space, and she’s doing it through Pilates. On Monday, Nov. 10, the Pilates instructor will open the doors to her first studio, Grnd Pilates. Located in Mechanicsville, it is the only Pilates studio and Black-woman owned studio in the historic neighborhood.
For Johnson, her passion and love for Pilates transcends beyond a trend. The Atlanta Voice spoke with Johnson about feeling underrepresented in Pilates, creating community in her hometown, and the grind behind opening her first studio.
The Atlanta Voice: In a few days, Grnd Pilates will open its doors. How are you feeling?
Jharde Johnson: “Amazing. I feel like I’m living in answered prayers. This is our first studio location, but we’ve been in business for almost five years, doing a pop-up structure throughout Atlanta. We’ve been building community for over four years, and now we have our first home…