These BFFs love for pilates spurred them to start a business together

When Tanisha Khan and her best friend Sarah Ibrahim started Sunday Pilates Club, they focused on what they believed mattered most – branding. It wasn’t just about selling a product, but building a meaningful circle where like-minded women could feel seen, connected and celebrated. “That was our eureka moment: We weren’t just starting a brand. We were creating a community,” she shares.

While doing their research on grip socks, the overwhelming response from the people they spoke to was that style was just as important as form and function. That struck a chord with Tanisha, sparking the idea behind Sunday Pilates Club, which was to create Pilates accessories that blended aesthetics with real, everyday functionality. The brand now carries grip socks, wrap tops, sweaters and duffel bags, to name a few. She sums up: “I’ve always believed that when you look good, you feel good. And I want every woman who wears our pieces to feel confident, strong, and yes, look really good doing it.”

Why is it important that we support local activewear brands?

It’s a direct investment to your own community. Every design is purposeful, intentional, and made with like-minded individuals in mind. The best part? Not everyone will have what you’re wearing as we work with limited quantities.

What inspires your designs, and do you align it with current activewear trends?

I get inspired by my everyday life. Sometimes, I’ll see something I love, and sometimes, Sarah spots something that catches her eye. It could be a mood, a moment in nature, a new routine we’re enjoying, or even a sport we’re currently into, like tennis or padel. Inspiration shows up in small, unexpected ways. A lot of our ideas are shaped by the people who support us.

How do you balance fashion and functionality in your designs?

We always start with function first. Whether it’s for Pilates, lounging or running errands, the piece has to work well before anything else. From there, we build the aesthetic around it because style should never come at the cost of performance. From the logo to the embroidery to the overall branding, every detail is intentional. We want every piece to feel just as good as it looks.

How do you test your designs for durability and functionality?

Before we launched the brand, we tested over 12 different samples. Even after our first collection, we knew we wanted to keep improving. With every drop, we pushed to make our socks better – sourcing from different factories, tweaking details, and never settling until it felt right. It actually took us six months to find what we now call the perfect pair of socks. It took time, a lot of trial and error, but now we can proudly say that we’ve created a pair of Pilates grip socks that truly bridges both function and form. And now we can’t wait to create more pieces, be it grip socks, sweaters or other things.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become an activewear designer?

My biggest tip? Stay close to your community. Talk to them. Ask what they want to see. Notice what they’re loving, and actually listen. The people who support your brand are everything, so create with them in mind. Give them what they connect with, while still staying true to your own vision and creativity. It’s a balance, but when you get it right, it’s magic.

What sets Sunday Pilates Club apart?

We built Sunday Pilates Club with our Pilates girls in mind – always listening, evolving, and creating pieces they actually want to live in. What we care about is building a brand with a fiercely loyal, genuine support system that feels seen, heard, and part of something special. What also sets us apart is our “per-drop” collection basis. Our collection starts with a story – inspired by dreamy destinations, romantic palettes, and little moments that feel like magic.

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