Jinia Kalappa’s Journey: From Corporate Life to Pilates and Wellness in Mysore
Amidst the center of Mysore, where trends in fitness are still unfolding, Jini’s Pilates and Wellness Café is a symbol of determination, love, and creativity. What started as a dream to open a school turned into a revolutionary wellness space, blending fitness with a healthy lifestyle.
Jinia always aspired to open a school that focused on life lessons rather than just academics. However, she quickly realized that establishing a school demanded substantial financial investment and extensive infrastructure, which she was not prepared for at the time. Determined to carve a different path, she pursued an MBA in Human Resources and stepped into the corporate world, working in Malaysia for an events management company.
A passionate basketball player in school, Jinia’s love for sports followed her into adulthood. However, a game in Malaysia took a tragic turn when she suffered a serious fall. The misdiagnosis and improper medical treatment that followed left her unable to walk. A doctor recommended an injection behind her knee, but instead of relief, it worsened her condition. Faced with uncertainty and unable to find the right solution, Jinia made the tough decision to return to India.
After extensive research, she met Dr. Ajay Hegde, who advised her to try specific exercises. Slowly, she regained mobility, but strenuous activities like dancing or playing sports still triggered pain. It was during a trip to Mumbai for a wedding that a friend suggested she try Pilates as a means of strengthening her body.
Taking her friend’s advice, Jinia explored Pilates in Mumbai and immediately felt a difference. Realizing its potential, she decided to pursue a certification course under the renowned celebrity trainer, Yasmin Karachiwala. Initially, she took a two-month course to aid her recovery, but as she experienced remarkable improvements, she quit her corporate job to undergo a six-month certification course in Mumbai.
While training, she noticed a gap—post-workout, there were no easily accessible healthy food options. This observation led to the idea of combining a Pilates studio with a wellness café. She envisioned a space where people could work out, relax, and enjoy nutritious meals after a long day.
With a clear vision in mind, Jinia faced her biggest challenge—funding. When she approached her parents, they were hesitant and suggested she return to corporate life. But her determination never wavered. She scouted multiple rental properties and finally found the perfect place. However, legal complications made it difficult to secure the location. One day, she saw a contact number outside the building, made a call, visited the property, and immediately booked it by paying an advance.
Transforming the space into what it is today took immense effort, from renovations to acquiring the necessary government approvals for food and fitness operations.
Introducing Pilates to Mysore
When Jini’s Pilates and Wellness Café finally opened in October 2023, Pilates was still a new concept in Mysore. While 50% of visitors were already familiar with it, the other half had never heard of it. Many were skeptical about the pricing, comparing it to gym memberships. Jinia had to educate people on how Pilates differed—each session was guided by a trained instructor with personalized workouts. Unlike fast-result fitness programs, Pilates focused on posture correction, deep muscle engagement, and long-term wellness.
Clients who committed to the process saw remarkable results—improved posture, relief from chronic back pain, and enhanced mobility. However, some expected instant results and left disappointed, not realizing that true transformation takes time and consistency. Jinia emphasized that combining multiple fitness routines like Zumba or strength training with Pilates too soon could hinder progress, as the body needs time to adapt.
To create a holistic experience, Jini’s café introduced a kid-friendly environment, making it a space where families could relax. While initially focused on healthy food, she later introduced items like kids friendly menu to cater to children from January 2025. The café is also pet-friendly, adding to its inviting and homely ambiance.
Marketing played a crucial role in spreading the word. From newspaper ads to social media campaigns, Jinia experimented with various methods, with Instagram proving to be the most effective. She also organized events to engage the community, one of the first being a petfriendly “Paw and Paint” event. Though it had a slow start, last-minute bookings turned it into a success. Other unique events followed, like “Brew and Groove” to Party with Coffee, which initially seemed unconventional but gained popularity.
Jinia’s journey was not without setbacks. One of her biggest challenges came in April when heavy rains damaged the café’s roofing. She had pledged her gold to fund the construction, only to see it collapse under extreme weather conditions. The disaster not only affected her financially but also led to flooding in neighboring homes. Despite the setback, she found a way to rebuild and move forward.
Another challenge was managing staff. Internal conflicts led to several employees being let go, forcing Jinia to step up and manage operations herself. She ensured that she knew every aspect of her business—whether it was preparing food or leading a Pilates session—so that she was never entirely dependent on others.
Jinia takes inspiration from her experiences, friends, and clients. She believes that women, especially as they age, should prioritize fitness and flexibility. She dreams of expanding her studio, with plans to open two more locations—one in Coorg. She also envisions creating a career path for young Pilates trainers and, if funding allows, still hopes to open a school focusing on life lessons.
Looking back, she wishes she had received better career guidance. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a pilot but was unaware that she needed a science background. Later, she was selected as an air hostess for Qatar Airways but withdrew due to her mother’s concerns after the Malaysian Airlines tragedy.
For Jinia, success is about peace of mind—going to bed without worries and having quality family time. She dreams of the day her business runs smoothly without her constant involvement.
Jinia’s biggest advice to young entrepreneurs is: don’t jump into something without research. Work on building skills first. Before starting her business, she ensured she could handle every role, from cooking to training. Relying entirely on others can be risky. She compares entrepreneurship to being thrown into water—one must learn to swim and adapt to survive.
Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the courage to chase one’s passion. Jini’s Pilates and Wellness Café is more than a business—it’s a place that embodies her journey, struggles, and triumphs. Whether through fitness or food, she continues to inspire and impact lives, proving that with determination, dreams can become reality.
Rapid fire questions answered!
Get a glimpse into Jinia Kalappa preferences, quirks, and entrepreneurial spirit. Let’s go!
• Tea or Coffee? Coffee!
• Sweet or Savory? Savory, always.
• Early Bird or Night Owl? Definitely a night owl.
• Mountains or Beaches? Beaches, for sure.
• Introvert or Extrovert? Extrovert through and through.
• Ever sent an email you regretted? Nope, not one!
• Work from home or office? Office vibes all the way.
• Believe in work-life balance? Absolutely! It’s non-negotiable. Otherwise, what’s the point?
• Closed a deal over coffee? Many times!
• Invest in a startup? Yes, if the opportunity is right!
• Forgotten a name immediately? Yes, it happens!
• Networking vs. Skills? Both are essential; you can’t have one without the other.
• Worked through vacation? Yes, the hustle never stops.
• Start another business? Absolutely! Dreaming of a school and multiple studios.