Hidden Gems: Meet Michelle Deer of Coterie Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Deer. 

Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My love for fitness was the driving force to me finding and falling in love with Pilates. I used to lift weights, TRX, Spin, cross fit all the go-hard stuff and needed something to counter the crazy. Yoga was not for me so I tried Pilates. It was not so focused on breath but still gave me a good stretch, so I continued with classes. Started working 1-1 with a trainer and discovered it could be so much more than stretching, there was strength involved too.

One day the trainer asked if I had any interest in becoming an instructor myself. Talked to my hubby and within a few days, I was starting Pilates training with McEntire Education.

Training opened a whole new world for me, I feel in love with learning about the body. How it moves, how it heals, and so on. I just kept training, yoga, bio cords, Neuro brain training, cancer specialist and so much more…

I worked with a few studios but saw a need for one in my hometown of Jackson as no one here was offering Reformer classes, just private sessions.

Talked with a colleague about it and she pushed me to open my own studio, where I rented her name for the first few years. This helped me get on my feet as she had all the business stuff lined up. After a few years, I decided to branch out on my own and “open” Coterie Jackson.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, my where do I start?

1. My hubby was recovering from a back surgery that led into other health issues all while I was navigating training weekends, apprentice time, my real job, and home life

2. I had ZERO money to do this, went to the bank, and asked for a personal loan of $20k to get started, they approved!! I could now buy equipment and open doors

3. Finding the happy medium on paying contractors AND paying bills. I could now see both sides and continue to do my best to be as fair as I possibly can.

4. Locating the perfect space, there have been a few. Each One has made me more grateful for the others.

5. I have discovered that sometimes you need to allow those who are better at things to just do them. Saves time and money in the long run

6. While doing all of this, I have continued to work my day job 15-20 hours per week, maintain the house, and teach at the studio.

7. Pandemic- hardest but most rewarding one yet. The pandemic opened my eyes to the rat race I was living, to different ways could pivot my work and personal lives to make it more manageable without the daily stress.

My business pivoted to online which has been amazing for us, we moved to our current location which has also been a blessing.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What started out as we just did not have the space, ended up being what we are known for today. A small intimate space with small group classes allowing the client the most personal experience in group exercise classes.

Our specialty is teaching the body functional movement to help with daily living and post PT rehab, with our specialties ranging in Pilates, Strength Training, Yoga, and our very own Eating Psychology Coach.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Nothing is set and there is always another way to do things, always!! If you don’t find another way, you will be left behind. Pivot!

Pricing:

• Unlimited Virtual Classes- $85 month
• Drop-in studio classes: Mat- $13 & equipment $27

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.coteriejackson.com
• Instagram: Coteriejacksonmi
• Facebook: Coterie Jackson

Image Credits
Loveland Farms Photo