Vanessa Motte’s Prescription for a Life Well Lived

Who is Vanessa? And what experiences, values, and moments have shaped the woman you are today?

I am a passionate entrepreneur, mother, and fitness advocate. I’ve always been driven by a deep curiosity about human connection and well-being. Growing up, I was inspired by strong women and guided by parents who instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience. Moving to Lisbon marked a turning point, fueling my dream of creating something meaningful—a community where health and empowerment go hand in hand. Life’s challenges, like balancing motherhood with running a business, have shaped me, teaching me to embrace imperfection, manage high levels of stress, and prioritize what truly matters.

What was the moment when you realized you wanted to transform the Pilates scene in Lisbon? How did you know this was your calling?

Fourteen years ago, I discovered dynamic Reformer Pilates in London and was immediately hooked. It became a core part of my life, practicing three times a week as a passion outside of my marketing career. When I moved to Lisbon, I was eager to continue this practice but quickly noticed a gap in the Pilates offerings.

The studios I visited were excellent, with experienced professionals, but their focus was primarily on clinical and physiotherapeutic Pilates.

I wanted to introduce something different: a dynamic, fun, and community-oriented method—a blend of classical Pilates with a high-intensity, low-impact, full-body workout. Something that would not only build strength and flexibility but also energize and inspire. It was clear to me that Lisbon was ready for this transformative Pilates experience!

Can you share a defining moment in your entrepreneurial journey—both a high point that fueled your drive and a challenging moment that taught you resilience?

The most defining moment was the day I actually started the project! For years, I had been dreaming about it—an ideal vision I kept postponing, either because I couldn’t find the time or perhaps lacked the courage to take the leap. Then, one day in October 2022, during a brief conversation with a friend over Sunday lunch, something clicked. That conversation shattered my fears, and when I got home, I opened a blank notebook and decided, “I’m doing this, no matter what it takes!”

A particularly challenging moment came with the opening of our second studio in a new area of Lisbon I wasn’t very familiar with. It took time to truly understand the audience, reach out to them, and help them discover our unique method. But once they stepped into the studio, they were here to stay! Today, Saldanha has become an incredibly dynamic and supportive community, and we are so grateful to be part of it.

How has your definition of success evolved over the years? What does success mean to you today?

Success used to mean hitting financial goals or milestones, but now it’s more about fulfillment. It’s seeing clients leave a session stronger and more confident, watching my team grow professionally, and having time for my family while pursuing my passions. Today, success is about balance, impact, and creating something that uplifts everyone involved.

Through Reformer Pilates, we help women build physical strength, which translates to confidence and mental resilience. I see women in our studio redefining their relationship with their bodies—shifting from judgment to appreciation.

As a mother and a business owner, how do you manage to balance your personal and professional life? What advice would you give to women aspiring to do the same?

Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about prioritization. I’ve learned to set boundaries and be present, whether I’m with my sons, Sacha and Noah, or leading my team. I rely on structure, like planning my weeks in advance, both professionally and personally. I admit I struggle to leave room for flexibility and spontaneity, but I hope to get there with time.

My advice to women is to stop striving for “having it all” at once—focus on what matters most in each moment and surround yourself with a supportive network.

What does creativity mean to you as both a fitness enthusiast and an entrepreneur? How do you bring creativity into your business?

Creativity, to me, is about problem-solving and innovation. It’s finding ways to keep our classes fresh and exciting, whether through new techniques or unexpected collaborations. It’s also about creating a brand identity that resonates deeply with people. I love weaving my passion into the business, from designing welcoming spaces to curating empowering experiences for clients.

Prescription focuses on empowerment—how do you see your work impacting women’s lives, both physically and mentally?

Empowerment is at the heart of Prescription. Through Reformer Pilates, we help women build physical strength, which translates to confidence and mental resilience. I see women in our studio redefining their relationship with their bodies—shifting from judgment to appreciation. Our classes also foster a sense of community, where women support and inspire one another. That collective energy is transformative.

For someone standing on the edge of starting their own business, what advice would you give them to help push through their fears?

Start small, but start! Fear often stems from overthinking, so break it down into actionable steps. Surround yourself with mentors or peers who inspire you and remind you of your potential. Remember, no one has all the answers at the beginning—it’s about learning and evolving as you go. And most importantly, trust in your vision. If it excites you, it’s worth pursuing.

Fear often stems from overthinking, so break it down into actionable steps. Start small, but start! Trust in your vision. If it excites you, it’s worth pursuing.

With the studio expanding to new venues, what excites you most about this next phase of Prescription’s and your own journey?

I’m thrilled about the opportunity to reach more people and create new communities that thrive on health and connection. The project to bring Prescription’s unique energy to new areas of Lisbon and even new cities is particularly exciting, even if the challenge is daunting at times.

Personally, this growth challenges me to keep evolving as a leader and entrepreneur, which is both humbling and exhilarating.