Meet Lauren Inkley | Pilates Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Inkley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, why did you pursue a creative career?
I think it chose me just as much as I chose it. I’ve always connected to the arts. Dance was my favorite. Growing up I was a dancer and fell in love with the art form so much it became my profession. The best part about having a career in the arts is that it never felt like “work”. It was absolutely brutal at times physically and mentally demanding, but I always felt blessed that I got to take the path of adventure with my career as a dancer. Not everyone gets that opportunity. I am extremely grateful for it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After graduating with a BFA in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University I moved to New York City where I danced professionally for 10 years. My career as a professional dancer definitely had its challenges. What I’m most proud of is that I always put the hard work in and never took the easy way. A career in the arts is not for the faint of heart in my opinion. You must learn to get used to things not going the way you want and be able to acclimate. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that you can’t control the outcome of anything, but you can control the way you present yourself to others. That took me far in my career. I also was taught the meaning of professionalism at a very young age. That was a big part of my training as a young dancer. It has helped me in my life so much. I have my teachers to thank for that. It’s something I admire and look for in the people I work with now.

My time as a professional dancer prepared me for my career in the fitness industry with Pilates. I always want my clients to feel as though they get the best from me when we work together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Gosh that’s hard since there are so many options!

I also have to admit I’m not someone that goes out a lot. I love being at home with my husband cooking dinner and cozying up to our pup. But if I had to choose a couple places….

Restaurants

Roze Pony (Belle Meade)
It’s always a hit for brunch/lunch and the service is outstanding.

Lockeland Table (East Nashville)
Great dinner spot and also great for a date night.

Henrietta Red (Germantown)
Always seasonal and love the oyster selection if you are an oyster lover like me.

Etch (Downtown Nashville or Franklin at the Factory

Mas Tacos (East Nashville)
My favorite taco spot in Nashville

Cocktails

The Patterson House (Downtown Nashville)
One of my favorite cocktail bars in town. Great atmosphere and never disappoints

Coffee

Barista Parlor (Germantown)

Crema (Downtown Nashville or Brentwood)

Honest Coffee Roasters (Franklin in the Factory)

For shopping and other activities I love the 12 South area and Downtown Franklin area.

I love the Franklin area especially around Leipers Fork. Southhall is a beautiful little get away for a staycation or a day to enjoy the spa and their beautiful restaurant.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many I could list to thank for helping me along the way. My family is everything and they have always supported me throughout my career. I’ve had some incredible teachers that have guided me along the way and I’m truly grateful to them. But the one person that has consistently pushed me to continue to believe in myself and my abilities is my husband Scott. Im so fortunate to have a partner like him in life.

Website: https://www.vitallinkpilates.com

Instagram: @lauren.inkley @vital_link_pilates

Image Credits
Becca Mitchell
Brian Guilliaux