Meet Kandace Proud | Pilates Instructor, Business Owner, Marketing Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kandace Proud and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kandace, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The decision to open a Pilates studio was really the culmination of a lot of interests I’ve had my entire life. Growing up as an equestrian, I saw firsthand how important strength, balance, mobility, and body awareness are for athletic performance. Pilates became a natural complement to that because it helps develop all of those things—not just for riders, but for athletes of any sport and really for anyone who wants to move and feel better.

When I was in high school, I originally wanted to become a physical therapist or athletic trainer. At the time, I mostly saw men in those roles on the sidelines of sporting events, and I was discouraged from pursuing that path. Instead, I went into business and built a career in marketing. But I never lost my interest in how the body works and how movement impacts performance and wellness.

That interest eventually led me to become a certified Equine Massage Therapist, and later to Pilates. Looking back, there’s a clear thread connecting all of it—I’ve always been drawn to helping people and animals move better, perform better, and feel better.

Opening Kôr Haus Pilates allowed me to bring those two worlds together. I could use my business background to build something of my own while creating a space that helps people develop strength, mobility, confidence, and longevity in their bodies. It feels like a full-circle moment that combines everything I’ve been passionate about throughout my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve spent more than 25 years in marketing, leading demand generation and growth initiatives for companies of all sizes, most recently in the startup world. While I’ve built a successful corporate career, I’ve always been interested in movement, performance, and wellness, which eventually led me to open Kôr Haus Pilates.

What I’m most proud of is having the courage to build something of my own. Leaving the security of corporate America is incredibly difficult, especially as a single entrepreneur. While a small inheritance helped me open the studio, I still work a full-time job while running the business. Building Kôr Haus Pilates has required a lot of long days, persistence, and faith in the long-term vision.

What excites me most, though, isn’t the business itself—it’s the community we’re building. Some of my favorite moments are hearing from clients who never considered themselves “fitness people” tell me they feel stronger, more confident, and more comfortable in their own bodies. We’ve seen friendships form, people try things they never thought they could do, and clients genuinely look forward to coming to class. Creating a space where people feel welcomed, supported, and empowered has been incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t usually one big breakthrough. It’s showing up consistently, building trust, and creating something people want to be part of. That’s what I hope Kôr Haus represents: a place where movement is accessible, community matters, and everyone belongs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live really close to the studio and my friend’s always want to hit up Rocky Top Tavern, a neighborhood favorite. Coors Field if Rockies are playing, Red Rocks for a show, Evergreen for a hike, you know the usual suspects. I moved to Colorado three weeks before Covid hit, so I’m still learning the city as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes, Dana Dreifus, studio owner of Whole Body Studios was a cheerleader of mine among my certification and business opening journey!

Website: https://www.korhauspilates.com

Instagram: korhauspilates

Facebook: Kôr Haus Pilates

Image Credits
Erin Boyle