THE SMALL TALK

WORLD: Delta plane flips on Toronto runway, all passengers evacuated.

A Delta flight from Minneapolis crash-landed at Toronto Pearson Airport, flipping upside down on the runway. All 80 people on board were evacuated, and 18 were injured, but thankfully, there were no fatalities. Emergency crews responded quickly, and investigators are now looking into the cause. Two runways remain closed as the airport deals with the aftermath.

BUSINESS: Nike teams up with Skims to shake up activewear.

Nike and Kim Kardashian's Skims are teaming up to launch NikeSkims, a new activewear brand for women. The collection, set to debut in the US this spring and expand globally in 2026, combines Nike’s sports innovation with Skims’ sculpting fits. The partnership comes as Nike struggles with declining sales and competition from brands like Lululemon and Alo. By tapping into Skims' success and Kardashian’s influence, Nike is hoping to regain momentum in the women’s activewear market.

ENTERTAINMENT: A$AP Rocky walks free after high-stakes trial.

A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of firing a gun at his former friend, A$AP Relli, after a high-profile trial in Los Angeles. Facing up to 24 years in prison, he was acquitted after the jury reached a verdict in just three hours. Prosecutors claimed he fired a real gun during a 2021 dispute, while his defense argued it was a prop gun that only shot blanks. As the verdict was read, Rocky jumped into Rihanna’s arms in relief.

• The US is facing its worst flu season in 15 years, with hospitals packed and cases soaring.

• The 6 nail colours everyone will be obsessed with this spring.

• Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e, its most budget-friendly model yet.

• Joe & the Juice have announced a steak sandwich in collaboration with Kevin Durant.

• The best red carpet looks from the BAFTAs.

Zebra print is having a major moment this year, taking over from last year's leopard trend. It’s an effortless way to elevate any outfit and it works for every season. Here are some of our top picks:

Today, we caught up with Henriette Kristiansen, the founder of Sunday Sporting Club, a boutique, referral-only Pilates studio in Marylebone. Henriette’s inspiring journey from a corporate career in finance to launching her own studio is a testament to the power of combining passion and purpose. With a focus on creating a welcoming, personalised fitness space, she has redefined what a modern Pilates experience can be. Below, she shares her insights on making bold career changes, the unique philosophy behind her studio, the transformative benefits of Pilates and much more.

1 What inspired you to leave a stable career in corporate finance to open your Pilates studio?

Although I was doing well in my corporate finance career and had worked incredibly hard to get to that point, I began facing more and more health issues related to my autoimmune disease. It became clear that I couldn’t keep prioritizing my job over my health, and the imbalance was affecting both my well-being and my happiness. I was stuck in a cycle where I was constantly sick and a shell of myself, and I knew something had to change.

I had already been thinking about opening a Pilates studio for some time. While I was working in Canary Wharf, I noticed there were no reformer studios near my office, and with my long hours, it was impossible to find time to work out during the week. I started researching the idea, even while still at my job, and as my health declined, I realized this was the opportunity to take a leap of faith and pursue something that would bring me not only joy but a healthier lifestyle.

Looking back, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Leaving behind the stability of finance to build something that truly aligns with my passions and values has been incredibly rewarding. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been so worth it, and I feel more fulfilled than I ever did in my old career!

2 How did you overcome any fears or doubts about making such a big life change?

Leaving a prestigious company was definitely a daunting step. I had worked hard to build a reputation as the ‘smart girl in finance,’ and the idea of stepping away from that identity was really scary. I worried about how people would perceive me, and whether I’d still be seen as capable and successful without that job title. Of course, I also feared the possibility of failing and leaving everything behind for nothing.

But over time, what really helped me overcome those doubts was realizing that most people are focused on their own journeys – their attention spans are short, and in the grand scheme of things, I’m not that important. So, if I fail, it’s okay – people won’t even remember it for long. The more I embraced the fact that failure is just part of the process, the less pressure I put on myself. That freedom allowed me to take risks and move forward with confidence. I’ve learned that the only way to truly grow is to step out of my comfort zone and that feeling uncomfortable or scared is a sign of growth!

3 What elements of your training in Bahrain have shaped Sunday Sporting Club, and how do they set your studio apart?

My time at Erah in Bahrain had a huge influence on the way I envisioned Sunday Sporting Club. The founder, Humera Khalid, who comes from an architectural background, really opened my eyes to how the design of a space can elevate the entire experience. Her studio was meticulously crafted, with every detail thoughtfully considered – from the airy, minimalistic layout to the high ceilings and concrete walls. It was a true sanctuary, and I highly recommend taking a class there if you’re ever in Bahrain!

While it’s not easy to replicate that kind of space in Central London, it definitely inspired me to create something similarly beautiful and thoughtfully designed for Sunday Sporting Club. I wanted the studio to feel more like an extension of the chic, stylish vibe of the clients, rather than a clinical gym. That’s why you’ll find high ceilings, a vintage Italian sofa, and a marble-detailed fireplace – it’s meant to feel like a welcoming living room, a breath of fresh air on the growing reformer studio scene.

4 What benefits does Pilates offer beyond physical fitness, and why should readers consider it for their overall well-being?

I originally turned to reformer Pilates to help manage chronic inflammation related to my autoimmune disease, but what I discovered was how truly transformative it is for overall well-being. Pilates is such a holistic practice, combining strength, flexibility, and mindfulness all at once. What I love most is how it gives you the space to really disconnect and relax your mind – especially after a busy or stressful day. It’s like a mini reset for both the body and the brain.

For me, Pilates has been an incredible stress reliever. The focus on controlled breathing and precise movements means you can’t help but be fully present in the moment, which is something we all struggle with at times. It calms my nervous system and leaves me feeling more balanced and grounded. Unlike high-intensity workouts that can spike cortisol levels, Pilates helps to lower stress and calm our nervous systems, which is something so many of us need.

5 Why did you choose to make Sunday Sporting Club a referral-only studio, and how does this approach enhance the client experience?

I chose to make Sunday Sporting Club a referral-only studio because I truly believe in the power of community. I wanted to create a space where people not only feel welcome but also feel connected to each other, surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for wellness. The referral-only approach allows us to maintain a sense of intimacy and trust, where everyone feels part of a close-knit group. It’s why I’ve designed the studio to feel more like a living room – a comfortable, relaxed space where everyone can feel at home.

Since every client is referred by someone who already feels part of the community, it naturally creates bonds and makes it easier to build friendships. The personal connections within the studio are really special, and it’s amazing to see how people form their own little support networks.

Plus, with just six reformer beds, the smaller, curated nature of the studio means we can focus on giving everyone personalized attention. It allows our clients to book regularly and truly enjoy the experience without having to worry about waiting for space.

6 How do you envision the future of Sunday Sporting Club and its growth?

The future of Sunday Sporting Club is really about expanding beyond just Pilates to become a full wellness brand. The reason I didn’t include ‘Pilates’ or ‘studio’ in the name is because I want the concept to be more expansive and inclusive of various wellness practices. Like every trend, the Pilates trend will also die down at some point and hence why I didn’t want to restrict myself to just that. In the future, I see Sunday Sporting Club evolving into a wellness club with multiple locations, offering a wide range of services that go beyond fitness – things like biohacking, other forms of exercise, and maybe even collab with brands for merch!

7 What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business, regardless of the industry they’re in?

My advice to anyone wanting to start their own business is that there is no better time than now. There will never be a perfect time to do anything, and you will never feel 100% ready. No matter how much work you put in, there will always be unforeseen things you didn’t think about, but that you will figure out on the way. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!

You can find more from Henriette on her Instagram, as well as Sunday Sporting Club’s Instagram and website!

The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison: This heartfelt novel follows Abe Winter and Ruth Warneke, a couple who have spent seventy years together despite their opposites-attract beginnings. From a challenging college blind date to life on a farm, their enduring love is tested when Ruth’s health declines. A beautiful exploration of marriage, love, and quiet resilience.

The White Lotus: Season 3 is officially out, taking us to Thailand. As new guests check in, secrets begin to surface, and tensions rise, the series continues to explore themes of privilege, power dynamics, and human nature, all with its signature dark humour and shocking twists.