Despite struggling in the face of multiple lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis, a woman is celebrating 10 years since her Pilates business opened.

Nikki Avron, 46, from Abbots Langley, launched Encore Pilates on September 14, 2013, as a fully qualified clinical Pilates teacher.

Nestled down a quiet lane in Dronken House, High Street, Kings Langley, blink, and you would miss it, but for those in the know, it’s a core part of their health.

Watford Observer: Nikki Avron from Abbots Langley.Nikki Avron from Abbots Langley. (Image: Nikki Avron)

Nikki said: “I couldn’t have chosen a better community to be part of.

“It’s a small village and everyone is so passionate here about maintaining independent businesses. It’s essential to have that community support.”

She added: “People here really respect their wellbeing.”

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the single mother of twin girls, now 18, who, like many business owners, struggled when Covid lockdowns hit.

While she qualified for government grants to help pay the studio’s rent, she had to rely on universal credit to feed her and her teenage daughters.

She added: “It impacted my clients too. One woman in her 50s has MS. She used to see me every week and then it abruptly stopped.

"Over the summer of 2020 I could do some home garden visits, but by then she had lost all ability to walk.

“After working together, she was back on her feet and walking.”

But it was when the cost-of-living crisis hit that Nikki, who previously owned Aviv dance studios in Watford, really began to struggle.

She said: “It’s been so difficult, balancing on the edge of a cliff. With a business, that’s a scary place to be.

Watford Observer: The studio is in Dronken House, High Street, Kings Langley.The studio is in Dronken House, High Street, Kings Langley. (Image: Nikki Avron)“Your profit margins get smaller, and you have to make some tough decisions.”

Nikki said she “battled” in her head and decided to put prices up by 5% because inflation had risen.

“But things have started to improve slightly in the last six months,” she said.

Nikki added she was “proud” to have reached the 10-year mark but is also saddened when she looks at the high street and sees multiple businesses have gone.

She said: “I have high standards and the business will survive through word of mouth. I am so grateful I have had the community supporting me.”