Hannah Riley’s path from corporate life to the Pilates studio has been shaped by more than a career change. It has been a deeper shift toward building a life rooted in connection, well-being, and intention. In this conversation, Hannah reflects on what it means to create community, trust yourself enough to take risks, and redefine success in a way that feels both sustainable and deeply your own.
Learning Community by Finally Letting People Show Up
What role has community played for you in your life and your leadership?
I didn’t grow up with a strong sense of community. I didn’t have a lot of friends, I didn’t go to church, and I didn’t play sports, so I didn’t really understand what community was. I just knew it existed.
Even when I went to college, I thought maybe I would join a sorority because, in my mind, that was the only way to build community. I ended up making amazing friends without doing that.
When I moved to Philly, I knew I wanted to keep building community. I could see how important it was and how much it made me feel welcomed. It was a community of women where I was learning from people who had lived very different lives than I had. We were still able to come together, be friends, and learn from each other.
It was really cool to see people uplifting each other. I started to notice how friends bring you into rooms, recommend you, and think of you. Even something simple, like a client offering to take me and my cat to the vet, made me realize, this is community.
It is something I am still learning. I am learning what it means to be part of a community and how to show up for others. For a while, I thought I didn’t have a community, but I had to ask myself, who was I showing up for? It has really been a process of understanding how important community is and how to build and maintain it.
Why We’re Craving Real Connection Again
What are you seeing when it comes to trends in community and showing up for each other?
I think community is coming back around. When we were growing up, there was a strong focus on individuality. It was about how you succeed and how you do better on your own. It also became very easy to cut people out of your life.
Social media played a role in that. I remember life before Instagram and after it. Before, you didn’t always know what people were doing. After, you could see everything, and it changed how people thought and compared themselves.
For a while, people were focused on showing the highlights of their lives. But in the last few years, I think people have started to realize they are missing real connection, especially after moving away from friends or their hometown.
Now I see more groups forming and more intentional ways to connect. People seem to want deeper relationships again. I think it is growing, although my perspective might be shaped by the fact that I didn’t grow up with a strong sense of community.
Choosing Experiences Over a Life That Just Looks Good on Paper
What does a life that you love look like for you?
For me, it came from seeing people work hard and still feel unhappy. I saw people in jobs and relationships they didn’t actually enjoy, and I always wondered why. We only have one life and a limited amount of time.
The pandemic also shifted my perspective. Being stuck and unable to connect with people made me think more about how I want to spend my time.
Of course, there are practical concerns. I think about whether I will be able to afford a house or bigger life goals. But instead of saving every dollar for the future, I sometimes choose to spend money on experiences that make me feel fulfilled now.
For example, I might spend a weekend going to different events that each give me something different. Maybe one is peaceful, one is social, and one is creative. I am trying to understand what actually makes me feel happy and fulfilled, especially with the time and money I have.
Protecting Your Energy So You Can Actually Show Up
What are the habits that you have to allow yourself to get to where you are?
Therapy has been a big one for me. I have had a standing therapy session every Monday at 4 p.m. since moving to Philly, and I have been going since my freshman year of college. Having someone to check in with regularly helps me stay aware of my mindset.
I also make a point to check in with friends. I try to schedule at least one or two hangouts every week or every other week.
Alone time is essential for me. If I don’t schedule it, I get overwhelmed. I am actually an introvert, so I need that time to recharge. I used to feel bad about needing space, but now I accept it.
I also go to bed early, around 9 p.m., which can be funny on weekends when people want to go out. But I have found what works for me, and I stick to it.
Turning Fear Into a Plan You Can Actually Follow
What do you think keeps women from taking the risk to pursue opportunities?
Fear is a big factor when pursuing new opportunities, especially fear of the unknown. For me, making a big change was a gradual process. I started by surrounding myself with people who were doing things differently, even if they still had full-time jobs.
I asked a lot of questions. I talked to people about practical concerns like health insurance, income, and lifestyle. I made sure I understood what the transition would look like before making a decision.
I also made sure I had enough information to feel secure. I spoke to studios I worked with and figured out what my income could look like. Even though I knew the first few months would be difficult, I prepared as much as I could.
Having supportive people around me made a huge difference. At the same time, I reached a point where I realized my job was affecting my mental health. That clarity made the decision easier.
Not Everyone Is Meant to Stay Close and That Doesn’t Mean They Don’t Care
What has been a really hard lesson for you?
A hard lesson has been realizing that I am not everyone’s best friend, and that is okay. People can still care about you and show up for you in different ways without being in your life all the time.
It was difficult for me when I wasn’t invited to things or when conversations slowed down. I used to take it personally. Over time, I realized that relationships can look different and still be meaningful.
Someone you only see occasionally can still value you deeply. That was something I had to learn and accept.
Trust Yourself Sooner and Take Up More Space
If you could give younger Hannah advice, what would you tell her?
I would tell her that everything is going to be okay. Trust the people who show up for you and trust yourself.
When I was younger, I often ignored my instincts because I wanted to feel accepted. I would remind younger me to trust her gut and not change herself just to fit in.
I would also tell her it is okay to speak up, even if you are wrong. I used to be afraid of saying something incorrect and being judged. Now I am more comfortable expressing my thoughts and learning through conversation.
And honestly, I would tell her to share her personality more. She didn’t need to hold back just to feel liked.
About Hannah Riley
After trading the corporate 9–5 for the Pilates studio, Hannah Riley knows firsthand the power of reconnecting with your body in a fast-paced world. Her own journey from corporate life into wellness shaped her belief that caring for your physical well-being is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Hannah is passionate about helping people feel stronger, more grounded, and more connected to themselves through movement. Her teaching style blends challenge with ease, creating sessions that are equal parts energizing, approachable, and fun, always with room for a good giggle.
As she grows her work, Hannah is excited to build community through Pilates-centered events that bring people together in movement, connection, and wellness.
