Ep 1: 'People of WE THE EARTH' — stories from our community
Introducing “People of WE THE EARTH” — a series that explores how mindful living, conscious choices, and personal well-being can create a positive impact on the world.
In this edition, ‘The Energiser Bunny’, Richenda Huang shares her journey to her vocation and the experiences that have shaped her into the woman she is today.
Can you share a little about your journey into the world of Pilates and what inspired you to start your business?
I first tried Reformer Pilates while living in Dubai, and I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with it. When I moved to Banjarmasin, Kalimantan, I quickly realized there were no Pilates studios here. The desire to bring something I love to a new community became an aching need. So, I decided to start my own studio and share my passion with the fitness community we’re building in Banjarmasin.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you find balance between work and personal life?
My day starts at 5:30 a.m., and I’ve never had the same day twice since expanding and welcoming partners into our business. Back when it was just a small studio with two reformers, I used to teach 8-10 sessions a day, which eventually led to two hospital visits in just four weeks! It was a beautiful yet challenging time—I was trying to meet everyone’s expectations, including my own impossible standards. I saw myself as limitless, and while I still believe that with all my heart and soul, I’ve learned to recognise when it’s time to rest.
The busier I am, the more crucial it is to find moments to quiet my mind. We’ve quadrupled our team in less than four months, which means setting up new systems, continuing to teach Pilates to my loyal students, and searching for new investor partners to spread my joy of movement. Some days, it can feel overwhelming. When that happens, I drop everything and let the wheels turn on their own. When I’m ready, I come back stronger.
How would you define the word ‘conscious’? What does it look like in your day-to-day life?
To me, being conscious means being aware, being ALIVE, feeling everything—not being numb. It’s about being lit! In my daily life, it means stepping into a higher self when I feel overwhelmed by impatience, anger, or frustration. I CHOOSE to be aware of the journey I’m on, of the people we choose to LOVE through our company AGAPE, which means unconditional love. It’s about being mindful of every little thing I’m grateful for and understanding the impact of my words and actions on my community and those around me.
Owning a Pilates chain means multiple studios with air conditioning running all the time. When we turn off the AC, the rooms get stuffy and take a while to cool down again. It does bother me, so we do our best to keep the temperature at a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius to reduce energy waste!
Please share any small changes you’ve made in your personal life that have had a big impact on your overall sense of well-being.
Taking a moment to pause before making a decision has been a game-changer. I’m a high D, with almost no S in my genes, so I tend to make decisions quickly. While this has benefited my business most of the time, learning to take a pause before making emotional decisions has helped me and my husband avoid many pitfalls.
What advice would you give to others in your field who are looking to make their practices more eco-friendly?
Embrace technology, print less, and treat your equipment with love. Make it last because our reformers went through a long journey and a lot of carbon emissions to get to us!
If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
We The Earth's sweatshirt and Lululemon leggings!
You’re not at work, where would we find you?
In Bali, either in the kitchen or watercolour painting.
Looking ahead, are there any new green goals or projects you’re excited about pursuing?
We’re still pushing forward with opening more studios across Indonesia and Asia. But I think it’s high time I started a healthy, sustainable café for the community around me! I’m really excited about that :)
You can check out Richenda's studio at Agape Movement and her pilates journey on instagram.