Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Ciantar.
Hi Kendall, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Kendall, and I am the owner of RLVÉ Pilates Fitness in downtown Howell. RLVÉ officially opened its doors on January 8th, 2026, but its story began long before that: back in 2018.
In 2018, I was introduced to reformer Pilates at Wayne State University, where I was earning my BFA in Fine Arts. As a dancer, Pilates was required cross-training- but it quickly became so much more. I fell in love with the similarities between Pilates and ballet: the precision, the control, the stamina. There was something really powerful about it, something that stayed with me long after class ended.
The following year, I began my certification through Equilibrium. It took nearly a year to complete (especially through the uncertainty of COVID) but I was determined. I knew this work mattered. Training online taught me an invaluable lesson early on: how to communicate clearly, how to guide movement with words alone, how to teach without ever needing to steal focus.
In 2022, I graduated from WSU and leapt- heart first- into the world of Pilates. My schedule quickly filled across seven different studios, teaching close to 35 hours a week. I loved it, but I also knew a life like that wasn’t sustainable forever.
In 2023, RLVÉ Pilates Fitness was born, scribbled into existence with pen and a crumpled piece of paper. At the time, it was just a concept, a quiet promise to myself that I would someday begin… and finish. I had no idea how soon that day would come.
In January of 2025, I opened a one-room private reformer studio with a single apparatus. Less than a year later (and with the help of another incredible instructor) that one reformer became four, and the space grew just a little bigger.
Now, standing at the edge of 2026, RLVÉ has become a full studio, with five (almost six) reformers, nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown Howell. I couldn’t be more excited for the long, curving road ahead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Creating RLVÉ has definitely not been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s part of what has made RLVÉ what it is today. I started very small in Brighton in January 2025 and eventually moved into a brick-and-mortar space in Downtown Howell. Since then, I’ve been building almost every part of the business myself. From teaching classes morning and night, to marketing, social media direction, client communication, scheduling, and finding creative ways to fund and grow the studio.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing growth while still maintaining the quality and experience I envisioned for RLVÉ. I’ve had to make difficult decisions along the way, including leaving studios I genuinely loved teaching at in order to fully commit to building something of my own. That was a huge, very scary, leap, but I knew I wanted to create a studio experience that felt personal while helping clients build real strength, confidence, and lasting change.
Another challenge has been growing slowly and sustainably. I’m currently in the process of adding another reformer and beginning the search for a reliable, passionate instructor who aligns with the culture and experience I’m trying to build. Because RLVÉ is such a small studio, every detail matters, and I’ve been trying to trust my gut and take my time with the process.
There have definitely been long days and moments of uncertainty, but seeing the community grow around the studio and watching clients become stronger and leave class beaming with confidence has made everything worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about RLVÉ Pilates Fitness?
My background in ballet heavily influences both the atmosphere and teaching style at RLVÉ. The name comes from the ballet term relevé, meaning “to rise,” representing the strength and transformation I hope clients experience in the studio.
I specialize in anatomy-focused reformer Pilates that emphasizes control, alignment, balance, and strength. Inspired by ballet and choreography, my classes are designed to flow seamlessly, with each movement transitioning into the next like a dance. I’m most known for creating an experience that feels both athletic and precise.
What sets RLVÉ apart is the level of personalization and attention to detail. With a smaller reformer studio, I’m able to focus closely on form, cueing, and the individual experience of each client while creating an environment that feels welcoming and motivating.
What I’m most proud of is building the studio completely from the ground up and watching a strong community form around it. Seeing clients of all ages grow stronger, more confident, and more connected to their bodies through movement has been the most rewarding part of the journey.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is watching clients come into class feeling low-energy or unsure of themselves, especially when I introduce a more advanced movement like reverse-facing teaser and they immediately think, “there’s no way I can do that.” But through intentional cueing, proper progressions, and building their confidence throughout class, they end up doing the exercise flawlessly without even realizing it. Seeing that moment when they recognize what they’re capable of is the most rewarding part of what I do.
It’s my favorite “I told you so” moment as an instructor because they leave feeling strong, accomplished, and genuinely proud of themselves.
Pricing:
- $25 first time drop-in
- $40 drop-in
- $140 4 pack group classes
- $240 8 pack group classes
- $279 unlimited group classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rlvepilatesfitness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlvepilates?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575841280823&sk=directory_basic_info&fb_profile_edit_entry_point=%7B%22feature%22%3A%22profile_directory%22%2C%22click_point%22%3A%22pencil_edit_directory_section%22%2C%22additional_metadata%22%3A%7B%22section_type%22%3A%22basic_info%22%7D%7D
