At the core of Kore...

Confession: Aside from being a Pilates teacher, I am an enormous branding geek.

I've had a career in marketing, and I have always been fascinated by the integration of business, psychology and artistry when it comes to creating a 'world', a message and a collection of stuff that evokes a certain feeling or vibe in people...

Therefore when I set about creating Kore Pilates, I knew it wasn't going to be 'put some mats out in a room and slap a name on it.'

I revelled in digging into the 'why' behind everyhing. I challenged myself to consider the best way to subliminally portray the ethos and the reasoning behind our movement practice.

I've always left it fairly subliminal to be honest, I value subtlety over overtness. It's very chic. But if you're interested, here's some of the behind-the-scenes of what makes Kore, Kore...

The starting point: what's the point?

Before getting on the the fun stuff - we gotta think about they why. What are we doing, who for, what're the values and the ethos at the core (Kore) of the brand?

Without the soul, the superficial stuff is empty...

The History

Kore Pilates originated in about 2011 when Sarah taught mat & equipment classes in gyms, studios and halls around Hampshire. After a foray into a marketing career, Kore returned, in Sherborne just after lockdown.

The Sherborne reformer studio opened its doors in April 2022.

The Mission

Our mission at Kore Pilates is to offer a safe environment in which to empower individuals to achieve optimal health, wellness & confidence through the practice of Pilates. We provide a supportive, inclusive space where clients can strengthen their bodies, minds and sense of

community. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to providing a positive experience and supporting each person on their unique health journey.

The Goals

• Be well-known across Dorset & Somerset as a fantastic Pilates Studio

• Genuinely and notably enhance the wellbeing of Kore Pilates clients

• Have a consistency booked out / wait-listed weekly schedule of classes

• Provide a fun and valuable experience for clients and instructors alike

• Branch out into other ways to provide wellness experiences: talks, workshops retreats, collaborations and events

• Provide a 'third space' to foster a sense of community, new connections, collaborations and let's be bold: friendships.

Our Values

Safe & Warm

The studio should be people’s ‘happy place’

Clients should feel calm, safe and welcome.

Deeper than surface level

Not just a physical workout - but a place to practice some mindfulness, and consider (even if

subtle) a deeper sense of wellbeing.

Community focused

A way to find, and cultivate new connections within the local community. Providing a sense of community and ‘team’ or ‘collective’ of like-minded people.

Balanced, nuanced and well-rounded

Not Pilates police! But promoting a well educated, broad, nuanced and balanced approach to Pilates, and even movement and health.

Still wimme?

Okay: the visual stuff....

The Brand

The name Kore:

• As in your physical ‘core’ referred to heavily in Pilates.

• Also suggests a deepness, the centre (we go deeper than the superficial, more mindful and spiritual than most.)

• Koré in greek is a maiden, specifically the statues of young women draped in cloths - referencing a feminine energy and often displaying an aesthetic physical strength and beauty. (suggesting Pilates will make you feel lie a greek goddess!)

• When I first taught as a young baby Pilate steacher, that's the name I chose, it's a nod to Kore phase 1 (around 15 years ago!!)

The colour palette

I wanted colours that felt very warm.

Earthy, natural, slightly feminine (the pink) with some touch of luxury (golden and navy accents)

The logo

• An apple is suggestive of the name Kore / core. An apple core.

• Specifically, where the seeds are....where seeds are planted and nourished. Representing growth / development...

• An apple is commonly representative of health.

• Referencing the greek undertones: giving an apple in greek mythology is though to symbolise giving / showing your love to someone. I wanted it to be a subtle symbol of showing / giving love to yourself. (going to Kore Pilates as an act of self care)

• Apples are synonomous with Dorset / Somerset, where the studio was born!

The Aesthetic

Images to nod to the undertones of the ancient greek aesthetic and symbology of physical strength and luxury.

There is bank of icons (in gold, blue and black) which are used in branding, on merch, on the website. Each have a deeper symbolic meaning, but also tie into the overall brand aesthetic, creating a

visual that is (hopefully) instantly recognisable as Kore Pilates.

Colours and fonts are also used to build consistency and familiarity.