Amanda Freeman always knew her entrepreneurial spirit would manifest itself in some form or another. So when the C.E.O. and founder of SLT found her fitness calling in the workout described as “Pilates on crack,” she credited a cocktail of passion, perseverance, and good karma for making her dreams come true. “I entered a hot industry, found an unparalleled workout, identified the right market, and recruited amazingly talented people. I’ve been very lucky, but I hope the best is still yet to come.” —Jennifer Henderson
Her beauty beginnings: “I started out as a trend forecaster and left to pursue an entrepreneurial venture in a white space I had identified as an emerging trend: the rise of well-consciousness. It was while running that business that I stumbled upon the fitness equipment I use at my studios. I fell in love with the machine and the workout and felt compelled to open my own place.”
Her work ethic: “I have a very strong work ethic, if I do say so myself. When I’m passionate about something, I’ll work tirelessly, wear many hats, get my hands dirty, and grind it out.”
Her workout: “SLT isn’t for everyone, but it’s unique because it’s the one workout that can get the results most people are looking for: a strengthened, lengthened, toned physique in a low-impact, but super-challenging environment.”
Her success secret: “There is no one formula, however, a combination of grit and luck are the keys to my success.”
Her style: “Bohemian comfort chic. Given that I work in fitness, my go-to outfit is workout clothes: a black pair of capri leggings, a fun-patterned sports bra, and a comfy, loose white tank top.”
Her must-haves: “I’m never without a tube of Aquaphor to keep my lips moisturized. I’m old-school when it comes to planning, so I have a Smythson of Bond Street daily planner to document all of my to-dos. And ever since being pregnant, I’m in the routine of taking Smarty Pants vitamins every day.”
Her beauty: “I tend towards a more natural definition of beauty: I like low-maintenance, simple, healthy skin and body care.”
Her obsessions: “I love boats and being out on the water. And my newest obsession is my daughter, Flynn. Does that count?”
Her maxim: “‘More, worse!’ When I was in business school, I was exposed to many successful women who had thrived professionally, but at the expense of their personal lives. One woman said she’d decided to do ‘less, better,’ and focus on being amazing at her work and not have children. After seeing so many successful women who were unhappy, I decided I wanted to do ‘more, worse.’ I don’t have to be the best mom or C.E.O.; I want to be as good as I can be, but I don’t want to miss out on anything.”
Her next step: “We recently brought in private equity partners to help grow SLT from 10 studios to more like 25 in the next few years. And personally, I look forward to raising my daughter and continuing to invest in female-founded businesses that interest me.”