Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Chen Smith.
Hi Jean, 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?
I discovered Pilates more than 25 years ago after a serious running injury sidelined me from the sport I loved. As a marathon runner, I was frustrated that I couldn’t run, but Pilates became the bridge that helped me rebuild my strength, improve my balance and stability, and ultimately return to long-distance running. That experience completely changed the way I viewed movement—not just as exercise, but as a way to move through life with greater strength, confidence, and resilience.
At the time, I was living in New York City and working full-time as a fashion buyer, commuting long hours while pursuing my comprehensive Pilates certifications through Balanced Body. Teaching began as a passion alongside my corporate career, but over time it became something much more meaningful. I loved helping people feel stronger, recover from injuries, and discover what their bodies were capable of.
Today, I own Studio Cloud 9 Pilates in Corvallis, Oregon, where I’ve spent the past decade working with clients of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. Alongside teaching, I’m also a freelance travel and wellness journalist, and I love that both careers center around the same goal: helping people live healthier, fuller lives. Whether I’m teaching on the Reformer or writing about wellness and travel, I’m passionate about inspiring people to move well, explore often, and take care of themselves—inside and out.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true of most meaningful journeys. When I first started teaching Pilates, I was balancing it alongside a demanding full-time career as a fashion buyer in New York City. I would work long days, then head to teacher training or teach classes in the evenings and on the weekends because I truly loved it.
Opening my own studio brought a whole new set of challenges. As a small business owner, you’re not just the instructor—you’re also the marketer, bookkeeper, customer service representative, and everything in between. The most rewarding part has always been watching clients become stronger, regain confidence, and discover what their bodies are capable of. Seeing those transformations reminds me that every challenge has been worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about www.studiocloud9pilates.com?
Studio Cloud 9 Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio in Corvallis, Oregon, built around the belief that quality always comes before quantity. The name “Cloud 9” was chosen with intention. In today’s busy world, we’re constantly rushing from one commitment to the next, often putting ourselves last. I wanted to create a space where people could slow down, step away from the demands of everyday life, and spend an hour caring for their bodies and minds without watching the clock. My hope is that every client leaves feeling stronger, more balanced, and just a little lighter—as though they’re walking out on cloud nine.
With just four Reformers, I intentionally keep classes small so every client receives personalized instruction and feels truly seen. We specialize in precision-based Pilates, focusing on proper alignment, thoughtful movement, and helping clients build strength, balance, and confidence that carries into everyday life. Whether someone is recovering from an injury, training for a race, or simply looking to move and feel better, my goal is to create an environment where people of all ages and fitness levels feel supported, challenged, and empowered.
In addition to owning Studio Cloud 9, I’ve spent the past 14 years as a freelance journalist writing about travel, wellness, and lifestyle for national publications. While the work may seem different, both careers share the same purpose: helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Whether I’m teaching Pilates or telling stories that inspire readers to travel, move, and care for themselves, I’m passionate about creating meaningful experiences.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built over the past 10 years. Many clients have been with me for years, and there’s a genuine sense of encouragement, kindness, and connection in every class. Pilates should never feel intimidating or impersonal, and every client is far more than just a name on the schedule. Watching people become stronger, gain confidence, and discover what their bodies are capable of is the greatest reward—and the reason I continue to love what I do.
www.studiocloud9pilates.com
www.jeanchensmith.com
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that’s been most important to my success is genuinely caring about the people I work with. I want every client who walks through my doors to feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged—not intimidated. I take the time to understand their goals, meet them where they are, and help them progress at their own pace.
I believe there’s always something new to learn, and I’m committed to constantly growing as an instructor.. Whether it’s continuing my education, refining my teaching, or finding better ways to help my clients move, I believe there’s always room to grow. That combination of genuine care and a commitment to excellence has shaped both my business and the community we’ve built over the past 10 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiocloud9pilates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiocloud9corvallis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiocloud9pilates/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-chen-smith-33173a45/
- Other: https://muckrack.com/jean-chen
