Some of the best things in life begin on the most ordinary of days. Studio Libra was born from one of those moments—unexpected, serendipitous, and completely life-changing.
It all started when I, Carina Olim, a passionate Founder / Pilates student and someone who has always been drawn to balance and well-being, stumbled upon a property in Monte Estoril. The moment I saw it, an idea was planted in my mind—this place would be perfect for a Pilates studio!
The thought alone filled me with excitement. I adore Monte Estoril—it’s a place that has always given me a deep sense of peace and belonging. Something about it feels like home, and the idea of creating a space dedicated to wellness in a place I love so much felt absolutely right. I immediately called my realtor and scheduled a visit.
The Road to Finding the Perfect Space
The property was beautiful, but for a number of reasons, it wasn’t the right fit. Still, I wasn’t ready to let go of the idea. Once the seed had been planted, I couldn’t unsee it—I had to find the perfect place to bring this vision to life.
So, I kept searching. I saw a few other spaces, but none of them felt quite right. Shops in Monte Estoril are hard to come by, and for a while, it seemed like I might have hit a dead end. But just when I thought I had exhausted all options, something incredible happened—a new property became available.
This time, I felt an even stronger pull. Before even stepping inside, I had a feeling this was it. We scheduled a visit, and from the moment I walked through the gate, I just knew. As we climbed the stairs to the first floor, that feeling only grew. When we finally stepped inside, I turned and said, “This is it! This is exactly it!”
I could already see it all coming together in my mind—where each room would be, how the concept would unfold, the feeling people would have the moment they walked in. I could see people experiencing the space just as I had imagined it—with a sense of awe, peace, and belonging.
A few days later, everything was set. On October 1st, I signed the contract, got the keys, and Studio Libra officially had a home. And funnily enough, just like me, Libra is a Libra.
Bringing Libra to Life
The moment I had the keys in my hands, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Every detail was carefully thought out—from choosing the best Pilates equipment to recruiting a team of passionate professionals, from creating a vision board to watching it all come to life. I wanted to ensure that every element of Studio Libra reflected the same comfort, quality, and tranquility I had envisioned from the start.
As the project took shape, something truly special happened—everyone who stepped inside felt the magic of the space. Every single professional I interviewed was blown away and immediately excited about the possibility of being part of it. Every day that passed, I received new validations that this place was special and that it was here to make a real difference.
The Grand Beginning
We had our soft opening on January 6th, and the response was beyond anything I could have hoped for. The silence, the energy, the setup—everything felt exactly as it should. Every person who walked through our doors understood the concept, the feeling, and the intention behind Studio Libra. Seeing that recognition in people’s eyes was deeply rewarding.
Since that day, the validation keeps coming—with every client who joins us, every person who shares how Studio Libra has impacted their life, and every glowing piece of feedback we receive.
A Story of Taking Risks and Following Your Heart
I share this story because I want Studio Libra to be more than just a wellness space. I want it to be an inspiration—a reminder that it’s never too late to start something new, follow your intuition, and take risks.
The best things in life often come when we least expect them, and the greatest opportunities often lie just beyond our comfort zones. Had I not followed that first spark of inspiration, Libra wouldn’t exist today. Taking risks, trusting the process, and believing in yourself are at the heart of living a fulfilling life.
We are putting our hearts and souls into this project, and our greatest hope is to reach as many people as possible—to help them on their own journeys to balance, health, and self-care. Whether you are looking to move better, feel better, or simply take time for yourself, we are here to support you.
This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you.
Come visit us and start your journey today!