Pilates & Pamper was created with a simple mission—to help women feel their BEST. Meet the founders behind the vision.
Our Mission
At Pilates and Pamper, we create the ultimate cup-filling experiences and empowering spaces for women to relax, recharge, and reconnect with themselves. Through our thoughtfully curated events and retreats, we blend movement, self-care, and community, offering a sanctuary where women can nourish their bodies, minds, and souls. Our mission is to inspire holistic well-being through Pilates, pampering, and meaningful connection, reminding every woman that she is worthy of rest, renewal, and joy.
Meet the Founders
Emily Finlayson
Co-Founder, Boss Babe, Pilates Queen, Creator of Community & Energy Amplifier
There’s never a dream too big for Em, & she works hard to achieve anything she truly believes in. Her fun & infectious energy is inspiring & contagious, & she’s always there to support your own journey to better health & well-being.
One of her biggest passions is health & movement. Em’s Pilates journey started back when she was 13 yrs old to help compliment her athletics training as a National Race Walker (Fun Fact!). Since then, she has spent years & thousands of hours studying both Myotherapy & various Pilates courses. She’s been lucky enough to work at places such as the AIS Canberra (internship), & the GFC for 11 years, & has been grateful to be able to observe & be mentored by some of Australias best Pilates Teachers & Educators.
Starting Payne Therapies in Mt Duneed whilst growing her little family was her biggest business achievement; creating an inclusive, vibrant & welcoming community for all. A space where you move with purpose, you’re educated & supported by the entire, highly qualified PAYNE team. Seeing clients & friends achieve their own personal goals is one of her favourite things & she’ll be your biggest cheerleader; “keep dreaming, keep believing & keep smiling”.
Fun Facts about Em:
✨What’s your coffee/tea order? - I’m actually allergic to coffee, herbal teas are my go-to
✨What’s your fave Pilates exercise? - I love assisted roll backs, great for deep abdominal connection, but standing splits would be a close second, as it targets muscles which are great for hip strength & stability
✨What’s something on your bucket list? - Would love to spend a Christmas in Canada in the snow with my family, maybe even a 12 month stint there would be nice
✨Something people would never guess about you? - I may have been in a Burlesque stage show back in the day
✨Favourite selfcare practice? - Pilates class or going for a run is what calms my mind & brings balance to my week
Mary Thomas
Meet Mary – Co-Founder, Boss Babe, Pilates Princess, Self-Care & Wellness Visionary
Mary has always been fascinated by the human body & the power of self-care - inside & out. As a Registered Nurse for 12 years, she dedicated her career to understanding health & wellness. Her love for movement began with athletics, where she thrived as a competitive runner & netball player, but after an injury in her early 20s, she was forced to slow down & find a new way to heal.
That’s when she discovered Pilates - not just as a recovery tool but as a transformative way to restore & strengthen the body. What started as a personal journey soon became a passion for helping others do the same. She became a certified Health Coach, 200-Hour Yoga Teacher and Mat & Reformer Pilates Teacher, and has been teaching since 2017.
Mary believes that wellness & beauty start from within - nourishing both the body & mind for long-term vitality. Whether she’s leading a Pilates session, sharing holistic health insights, or working her businesses, Mary shares a zest for life that’s truly inspiring, & leads with warmth, expertise, & a deep desire to help others thrive.
Fun Facts about Mary:
✨What’s your coffee/tea order? Soy Cap!
✨What’s your fave Pilates exercise? I love anything in sidelying - it feels like a lazy girl workout, but also super challenging & fun!
✨What’s something on your bucket list? To take my kids to the Philippines & Germany (where I was born + grew up until I was 6)
✨Something people would never guess about you? That I can rap haha
✨Favourite selfcare practice? Pilates class, going for a run/walk, listening to a podcast, getting a facial or massage, or having a hot detox bath!