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PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA REID
Jessie’s journey with Heartcore began in 2007 when she spotted a gap in London’s fitness scene. With her vision and dedication, the first studio quickly became known as ‘London’s best kept secret’. Her innovative Heartcore Method and the bespoke Coreformers, designed by Jessie herself, have been pivotal in transforming the lives of many.
Through Heartcore, Jessie has built more than just a fitness brand; she has fostered a community centred on positivity and personal growth. Jessie’s dedication to holistic wellness continues to inspire and empower everyone who walks through Heartcore’s doors.
In her latest venture, Jessie has introduced an infrared mat studio in Bayswater, designed to enhance physical and mental well-being through deep, penetrating heat therapy. This innovative approach not only aids in muscle recovery and detoxification but also promotes relaxation and stress relief, aligning perfectly with Jessie’s holistic wellness philosophy.
We wanted to find out from Jessie how being the best version of ourselves on the inside, helps project our most confident and stylish-selves on the outside.
You started your career as a designer. Can you tell us more about that time of creativity and how you ended up pivoting into personal training?
Creativity always played a big part in my life and still does. My mum had this innate ability to make the most simple things look incredible. She taught me that real beauty is about finding who you are and having the courage to express yourself accordingly. I ended up as a graphic designer in the ad world, enjoying the intensity and hype of that industry (at least that’s what I told myself!). Until one day, I noticed just how unhappy, unhealthy and disconnected I felt from the things that brought me joy. Nothing made my heart sing, and I decided it was time for a big change. I left Germany with nothing but a backpack to my name, and never returned. After a year of travelling and living in Australia, I landed in LA and that’s where it all started to take shape. I realised my love for people, my desire to make a difference and empower others through movement and my passion to create meaningful, transformative experiences.
What does female strength mean to you?
The ability to embody love, to trust your intuition, to act with courage, to always strive for greatness and to show up with respect and integrity, for yourself and the people around you.
Can you discuss the importance of internal strength being the driver for our physical strength?
I think Buddha summed it up pretty perfectly: “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”
What inspired you to start Heartcore, and how has your vision evolved over the years?
Originally, I started Heartcore because I couldn’t find a community or place where I felt inspired to move, knew I’d get results, felt welcomed and free of judgement. In the fitness world, that can be hard to find; especially 20 years ago. While our promise to transform your body hasn’t changed, our approach is more holistic, more considerate and truly embracing the connection of mind and body through various touch points. And we never sit still at Heartcore; we have our very own interpretation of a Pilates reformer – the Coreformer – we’ve launched infrared heated mat classes (as well as online classes) to further deepen the mind body connection, our teacher training is one of the best in the industry, and we run international retreats to bring our community together in magical places… with much more to come!
How does feeling great internally influence how we present ourselves externally?
When we feel great, we carry a different energy around us. We stand tall and balanced with both feet on the ground. We keep our heads high and our eyes to the sky. We breathe deeply and are therefore calmer. We stand in our power. That’s what’s so great about Pilates, we build lasting strength from within. It’s incredibly powerful and everyone can learn it.
What advice do you have for women struggling to balance fitness with their daily lives?
It’s important that we understand that movement is not a luxury but the key to life. In movement we unlock emotions, tension and find a way back to ourselves. We move our inner body while working the outer body, we strengthen our muscles, bones and cells today for a healthier tomorrow. We show up for ourselves so we can show up for others with love, strength and integrity.
When we don’t prioritise ourselves, we will sooner or later fall into a hole of resentment and frustration. We can’t give anymore because we have forgotten how to give to ourselves. I’ve been there and let me say, it’s not a good place to be.
Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour to spare, commit to moving every day with the intention of improving the relationship within yourself, to get out of your comfort zone, to clear your head and to build your discipline muscle – and be proud of yourself for showing up.
Can you talk about the importance of female support in achieving fitness goals?
From clearing taboos to striving for greatness, women are stronger when we come together.
What are your favourite creative practices outside of Pilates?
I love horses, they’re the most incredible teachers. And I love to hike/run in nature.
What does female empowerment mean to you, and how do you embody it?
As human beings, we need one another to feel safe, strong, empowered – it‘s this deep rooted sense of belonging. We need environments where we’re encouraged to be ourselves, to be real, to put down our guards so that we can truly see and support each other. I try to lead by example. To show that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about embracing our strengths and working on our weaknesses. And to realise that tomorrow we get to try again.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career, and how did you overcome it?
Over the two decades I’ve been running this business, Heartcore has taught and challenged me in so many ways, like pursuing your vision even when no one else is seeing what you’re seeing, not giving up when the going gets tough (and the going gets tough a lot!), not feeling ashamed of your mistakes, trusting your instincts, practising patience, listening when you’d rather not, appreciating the small wins, understanding that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, laughing more and most importantly – staying true to who you are.
How do you think fashion and fitness intersect in promoting a healthy lifestyle?
Both are ways of expressing yourself, of feeling confident in your own skin. Real beauty shines from within.
How has your experience of living in different cities influenced your approach to style?
Hugely. Everywhere I go, I love to learn how nature influences the choice of colours, fabrics, cuts… and then play with it, mix it up and make it mine.
Do you have a particular fashion piece that is important to you?
I think there is something really special about jewellery – in particular I love pieces that tell a story, use natural materials and reflect various places, roots and cultures.
How does a Borgo de Nor piece make you feel when you wear it and do you have a favourite piece from our collection?
The traveller suit! It’s feminine and sits incredibly well. And I love how the print is telling a story from past travels around the world. It feels like me!
How would you describe Borgo de Nor?
Bohemian. Feminine. Sexy.
