Port Lincoln mum transforms basement into a beachside pilates studio with all the Tulum vibes

No amount of speed bumps could get in the way of this incredible mum and her ambitions to open her business. See inside the bougie studio.

Jasmin ‘Jaz’ Buckland, 33, saw bigger dreams for the Port Lincoln home she and fiance Tyson purchased six years ago.

With two boys under the age of five and a FIFO partner, this beach babe mama with a passion for pilates and a burning desire to help people has transformed her family home into a dreamy, Tulum-inspired reformer pilates studio.

Before it was LaPlaya, the original 1980s home in Port Lincoln was a classic solid red brick home. Picture: Real Estate

Post-makeover. Picture: Micaela Stark

The beachy, Tulum-inspired studio boasts white brick and fresh greenery. Picture: Micaela Stark

“We loved the vibe in Tulum, Mexico and Cuba and we wanted to bring a part of that home,” Jaz said.

Their two-storey, 1980s solid brick home has undergone a coastal facelift to house the family of four upstairs and a six-bed reformer pilates studio down stairs.

What was once their rumpus room is now LaPlaya Pilates, a fully equipped studio with a kitchen and bathroom hosting up to 20 classes weekly.

Jaz teaching her Mumma-lates students. Picture: Micaela Stark

“We looked for a commercial space and I didn’t love anything, and because I have two young kids and a partner away a lot I knew I would have to hire a nanny too,” Jaz said.

“The cost of a nanny and commercial rent – I just knew I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

“Then Tyson and I said ‘Why don’t we turn the man cave into a studio?’”

Cocktails or exercise? It’s a hard call. Picture: Micaela Stark

Jaz adjusts a reformer machine to prepare students for their class. Picture: Micaela Stark

With good bones for renovating, ocean views and in close proximity to town the couple got to work ripping up the old 80s carpet and curtains, painting the brick white and polishing the existing concrete.

“I didn’t really do anything as I was busy with the kids and still studying for my certificate in Pilates,” Jaz said.

“I’m lucky Tyson is so handy on the tools.”

The epitome of a modern family, the couple have taken their young kids Zaffa, five, and Cuba, two, on overseas adventures pre-Covid which have influenced their approach to business and the style of the studio.

“I’m so lucky I have a job that allows me to walk downstairs, see my kids and also do something that keeps me fit and happy,” Jaz said.

“But it’s the people I love, the people that this place attracts – it warms my heart. It’s more than just a studio – I have a LaPlaya family.”

Monstera, tick, surfboard, tick, cactus, tick. Picture: Micaela Stark

With Dutch heritage, this blonde-haired, green-eyed beach babe didn’t let pregnancy, sudden moves interstate or worldwide pandemics get in the way of her goals.

“I tried to do my pilates course just before my 30th birthday but I had to fly to Melbourne once a month and Zaffa was only two years old and Tyson worked away so I just could commit,” Jaz said.

“I then fell pregnant again and just thought I was never going to get the chance again. I just kept dreaming and never thought I could actually do it.”

It wasn’t until the family spent an Aussie winter in Bali that Jaz discovered the possibility of her two worlds colliding.

“I found a studio that had six reformers and child care down the bottom,” Jaz said.

“I loved it so much I said to myself, ‘I would love to bring this back to Port Lincoln’.”

Jaz uses tactile cuing to educate and assist her clients through every workout. Picture: Micaela Stark

Jaz set herself a modest goal of attaining 50 active clients and in eight months of operation has more than doubled her members.

She offers Mumma-lates, HIIT, slow and stretch classes, and Bro-lates for the guys as well for a full body stretch after footy or a big day on the job.

The authentic and comedic instructor truly brings her personality into every class, using humorous language and relatable imagery to educate and connect with her clients.

“The laughter in classes brings me so much joy,” Jaz said.

“I love not having to be so serious and that I get to be completely myself when I instruct, doing something that’s really me.”

Jaz has employed four additional team members to keep up with demand with another instructor set to join the team just in time for the anticipated summer rush.

The statement palm tree mirrors that transport you out of a Pilates studio and onto a South American beach. Picture: Micaela Stark

The rumpus room prior to receiving a major renovation to host LaPlaya pilates. Picture: Jasmin Buckland

Follow @laplaya_pilates on Instagram for all updates and schedule access.