Q&A with Jetset Pilates Multi-Unit Franchisee Zhana Gali

Name: Zhana Gali

Title: Multi-Unit Developer

Brands: Jetset Pilates

Units: 9

Years in franchising: 2 years

Why did you choose to franchise with a service brand?

I’d been a member at another Pilates studio for years with a more contemporary style, and enjoyed it. But the day I tried Jetset Pilates, I canceled my other membership. It’s as much for the mind as it is for the body, and I immediately knew this was a brand I wanted to be part of.

What really drew me in beyond the workout is how much Jetset puts people at the center of everything. The instructors and the staff are the heart of every studio, what makes each location tick, and what creates a community. How the brand elevates each person in the studio to become the best version of themselves was important for me. How to lead and develop people, build strong teams, solve complex problems, and manage risk while thinking strategically about systems was a core of all I have been doing for over a decade. Doing it all now, having learned from the experience, and being aligned with the brand was super important for me when I was looking at different franchise opportunities.

Entrepreneurship had always been on my mind, especially during my MBA at Emory University, but I wasn’t sure exactly what that would look like. Trying Jetset gave me clarity: this was a method I truly believed in and wanted to share. I started as a client, then became a three-unit developer, and now building the largest franchise platform with 10 studios soon to open and close to 150 people on the team.

What different skill sets are required for franchising with a service brand?

When I first started opening Jetset studios, I quickly realized that this business is really about people, rather than processes, systems, or numbers. Every studio is driven by the team you build. Finding the right instructors, managers, and studio leads, mentoring them, and creating a culture where they feel supported and inspired has a direct impact on the client experience. I’ve seen many times that when your team is energized and confident, the studio hums, clients feel it, and loyalty grows naturally. Emotional intelligence, leadership, and communication aren’t just nice-to-haves; they are what keep the heart of the business beating.

At the same time, running multiple studios taught me that operations can’t be an afterthought. Although each location has its own timeline, market, and challenges, certain systems, scheduling, training, inventory, financials, and performance tracking need to be in place from day one. I learned that you can’t just copy-paste your approach from one studio to another; you must understand the nuances, roll up your sleeves, and tailor solutions to each community.

What I love most about franchising a service brand like Jetset is the balance of the art of people and culture combined with the science of operations. When you get both right, every studio runs smoothly, clients thrive, and the brand grows authentically. It’s hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see the impact in every class, every week, across multiple communities.

What are the advantages of choosing a service brand?

Jetset is built around real connections and real impact. At its core, it’s a service brand that becomes part of people’s lives, not just their schedules. Clients come for the workout, but they stay for how it makes them feel, both physically and mentally. That sense of belonging and transformation creates deep loyalty and a community that grows naturally and sustainably.

From a business standpoint, Jetset offers the rare combination of inspiration and structure. The brand is aspirational, modern, and culturally relevant, yet supported by thoughtful systems and strong leadership that allow owners to scale with confidence. It’s a model that encourages consistency without sacrificing individuality, which is essential when serving different communities and markets.

What are some keys to being able to operate multiple franchises at the same time?

It really comes down to planning, people, and staying connected. Having strong leaders in each studio is essential, but so is making sure you have the right corporate resources and a skilled team in place before moving forward. I’m very intentional about assessing staffing, leadership depth, and support needs for each location, because growth only works when the team is set up to succeed.

I also believe in regular touchpoints and staying close to the process. I make it a point to understand every step of development for each studio, from build-out to opening, because even though the milestones may look the same, the timelines and challenges are often very different. Every market has its own dynamics, and every studio serves a unique community, so you can’t treat it as a copy-and-paste model. The systems provide the foundation, but it’s the people and the thoughtful, location-specific decisions that allow each studio to thrive while still delivering the true Jetset experience.

What are some of the top ways in which you have been able to market and promote your business?

For me, being present in the community is everything. Yes, digital marketing and social media matter a lot, and I’m very active there, but the real growth comes from showing up locally. Getting to know the neighborhood, talking to people in nearby buildings, and forming real relationships with local businesses makes a huge difference.

I’ve found that organic growth happens when you focus on collaboration rather than hard selling. Cross-promoting complementary businesses, hosting community events, and building personal relationships allow people to discover Jetset in a natural, authentic way. When clients feel a true connection to the studio and the people behind it, they don’t just join, but they stay and bring others with them.

What would you recommend to anyone considering a service brand?

My advice is to go all in. Do your due diligence, trust the systems, and commit fully to the brand and its standards. Success comes from investing in people, culture, and consistency. For those willing to lead, stay engaged, and think long-term, Jetset offers an exceptional opportunity to build a scalable business with real impact.