Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Pavlicas.
Elena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Elena Pavlicas is a Michigan native, born and raised in Farmington Hills, where she grew up dancing, snowboarding in the winters, and proudly playing the role of big sister to Julia Pavlicas. At 16, she was crowned Miss Farmington, an experience that sparked her ambition to dream big and make things happen.
She went on to earn her BSBA in Hospitality Business Management from Central Michigan University—Fire Up Chips!—before heading south to Nashville after landing a post-grad role with Marriott. Since then, Elena has made Nashville her home, exploring different corners of the hospitality industry. In 2020, she co-founded a videography company, which she later rebranded into her own film photography business, Pavi Film, where she now takes pictures for couples, or anyone craving that nostalgic film feel.
Her creative and energetic spirit led her back to her roots in movement. She rediscovered her love for dance and fell in love with Lagree fitness, eventually becoming a certified instructor and coaching at Studio Novo for over three years.
In January 2025, Elena combined her passion for community, events, and goal-setting to launch That Girl Nashville—a monthly event series designed to connect goal-oriented women. Each gathering is a safe, empowering space where women celebrate their wins, reflect on their challenges, and realign with their intentions—all while embracing their feminine energy and supporting one another.
Now going on her seventh year in Nashville, Elena continues to build a life centered around connection, creativity, and personal growth—fueled by deep friendships and a desire to uplift the women around her.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. When Elena started her videography company, she learned some hard financial lessons early on. Without separating her personal and business finances, the mounting interest from business expenses nearly buried her. She came close to bankruptcy and spent the following year digging herself out of debt, becoming hyper-diligent with her spending and determined to rebuild her financial foundation.
At the same time, she found herself in a job where she didn’t have many friends her own age while working at the hotel. Slowly, she became absorbed in a codependent relationship-turned videography business- and realized that most of her social life existed through his world—not hers. When that relationship ended two years later, she felt like she was starting from scratch. With no solid friend circle or close family dynamic in town aside from her sister, the loneliness hit hard.
That chapter shifted her mindset. Elena made a promise to herself: never again would she lose her identity in a relationship or neglect the importance of nurturing her own community. From then on, she committed to showing up intentionally in her friendships, carving out time for connection, and building a support system that was entirely her own.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I wear a few different hats, but at the heart of everything I do is a passion for creating meaningful connections—whether through movement, events, or creative expression.
I currently work as a Lagree fitness instructor at Studio Novo, where I’ve been coaching for over three years. I specialize in helping people reconnect with their bodies and build confidence through strength and consistency. Outside of the studio, I’m the founder of That Girl Nashville, a monthly women’s event series where we create space for intentional conversations around goals, growth, and feminine energy. It’s all about celebrating our wins, supporting each other through challenges, and building a community of like-minded women who want to grow together.
Creatively, I also launched Pavi Film, my film photography brand, after rebranding from a videography business I started in 2020. I love capturing authentic moments that feel timeless—whether it’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse at an event, a brand’s visual story, or someone simply feeling beautiful in their element.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to blend structure with soul. I’m deeply organized and driven, but I lead from a place of empathy, intuition, and joy. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built a life that reflects who I am—and I’m constantly evolving it. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been intentional, and that’s what makes it meaningful.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely! One of my favorite go-to podcasts is Giggly Squad. It’s the perfect reminder that life is better when you’re giggling with your girls—it helps me stay light-hearted and connected to joy, especially in high-stress seasons.
I also love Being Her with Margarita Nazarenko. She’s helped me lean into my feminine energy and live in a way that’s more journey-focused than outcome-driven. It’s about presence, softness, and trusting the process—and that’s shifted how I approach both work and personal growth.
Another big one for me is the book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson. One part that stuck with me was his take on manifestation—how constantly focusing on what you don’t have only reinforces the lack of it. That mindset flip helped me become more intentional about giving more than I take and staying deeply grateful for what’s already in my life.
Recently, I’ve also been using an app called Lively, which tracks your hormone cycle. It’s been a game changer for syncing my workouts and nutrition to my natural rhythms. It helps me understand what phase I’m in, what my body might be needing, and how to move in a way that supports—not depletes—me. Sometimes, that means pushing through a strength session, and other times, it means honoring my body with a flow or a stretch. It’s helped me be more in tune with myself overall.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenapavlicas/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/thatgirlnashville/
