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Then: In January 2003, CityBeat stretched readers' minds and introduced them to Stacy Sims and pilates. Sims discovered pilates while working as a PR and marketing director in Cleveland and living what she called "an unhealthy life." She shaped up and took a leap of faith, moving back to her hometown and opening up a pilates studio, which was a wonderful success, leading her to open a second one in Oakley. "It's a dream come true," Sims said then, "which sounds like a horrible cliché. But it is." (Issue of Jan. 22, 2003)
Now: Stacy Sims' dreams are still coming true. Pilates — the combination of yoga, stretching and weight training — has since become a household word and Sims' clientele has grown exponentially.
"It's just continued to be remarkably abundant," Sims says, her voice bubbling. "The Oakley studio has been fantastic. In October, we moved (our first studio) into a larger space downtown." Sims ticks off other signs of growth: The studios offer classes seven days a week in both locations, they've had 30 new clients sign up for sessions in the past 45 days and she now has a business partner, Lou Buschle, to help guide her through the business side.
In addition to her success with pilates and entrepreneurship, Sims is about to become a published author. Her first novel, Swimming Naked, will be published by Viking March 29. She'll then tour the Midwest to promote the book, beginning with an appearance here at Joseph-Beth Booksell-ers. As if that isn't enough, the novel is being shopped to Hollywood directors, with the hope that it'll be picked up and turned into a feature film.
"Life is good," Sims says. "I'm just so grateful that I had the opportunity to reexamine it." She reflects for a moment. "It just keeps working, so I just keep trying."
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? updates cover stories from throughout CityBeat's 10-year history.