Meet Ella & Family
In this Mama Muse, we meet Ella — co-founder of The Pilates Project Bali and mum to Sage and Sunny — whose life beautifully blends family, movement, and intention.
Born in Surabaya and raised in Australia, Ella has created a life in Bali centred around connection, community, and a more present way of motherhood. From sharing movement as a daily family ritual to embracing the ease and freedom of island life, her approach feels both grounded and inspiring.
A glimpse into her world is one of simple, joyful moments — from morning “big girl chinos” to sunset dinners by the ocean.
Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I’m Ella. I was born in Surabaya, then adopted and raised in rural Australia, outside of Melbourne. I’m now the co-founder of The Pilates Project and mum to my two little girls, Sage (3) and Sunny (2). My partner Connor and I have built a life together in Bali that really centres around our family and the business we’ve created together.
What inspired you to start The Pilates Project Bali?
When we first arrived in Bali, the Pilates scene felt very limited and quite classically oriented. We wanted to create something that felt more dynamic and inspiring, with classes that are actually fun, effective, and less intimidating for people who didn’t naturally connect with that world. Just as importantly, we wanted to build a space with a really beautiful energy and design, where people could come together and actually feel inspired to move.
What does movement mean to you in this season of motherhood?
It isn’t about getting away from the girls to have a moment to myself or fitting something in just for me. It’s much more about doing it together as a family and making it part of our everyday life. Each morning the girls and I do their children’s yoga together, and we try to do lots of active things as a family, like playing tennis, so they grow up seeing movement as something fun and normal.
What does Bali feel like as a place to raise your children?
Bali feels like a really special place to raise children, especially at this age. There’s so much freedom here, a beautiful culture for them to grow up around, and such a global community, with friends and families from all over the world and all different backgrounds. I also find the parenting friendships here so open and expansive, and for me personally, I’m a much more relaxed and present mum here than in Melbourne.
What does a perfect day look like for you and your family?
A perfect day for us is a simple Bali family day. We’d start by heading to our local coffee shop for coffee and babychinos, or “big girl chinos” as Sage calls them. Then we’d do something fun together like tennis, or on the weekends the girls also do gymnastics.
After that, it’s hanging by the pool or playing with friends, then going for a nice dinner. We’re so spoiled for choice here, but the girls’ favourite is sushi at Yuki over sunset, and honestly, who can blame them.
