Female emPOWERED: Winning in Business & Life

What really happens after you sell your studio? In this candid episode of Female emPOWERed, I share the truth about the first 8 months post-exit from Pilates in the Grove—everything from the unexpected identity shift and grief, to the freedom, pride, and the systems that made a sellable, scalable business possible.If you’re a Pilates, PT, yoga, or boutique fitness owner who wants to stop being the overworked operator and start leading from the front, this one’s for you. I break down the mindset, structure, and systems that let your business run without you, plus what I’m building next with Fit Biz Accelerator to help you do the same in 2026 and beyond.In this video you’ll learn:What no one tells you about selling a business: the emotional hangover & identity shiftWhy spaciousness (time to think) is a business strategy—not a luxuryHow to design a profitable, predictable, sellable studio with the right systemsThe difference between being an operator vs. a CEO/leaderHow I’m helping women owners build businesses that don’t depend on them (Fit Biz Accelerator)Chapters00:00 Intro & why I’m sharing this now 02:18 The morning after the sale: identity, grief, and “no one needs me” 06:45 Seeing the rebrand: pride, letting go, and nervous system reset 11:20 What made my studio sellable: systems, team, and predictable profit 15:52 Choices the sale created (and why that matters more than a headline number) 20:30 You can sell for high six to low seven figures—here’s the real path 24:10 Why spaciousness is strategy (you can’t scale with a 5-figure mindset) 28:05 Fit Biz Accelerator: structure → systems → strategy → sustainability 33:40 Who it’s for, how it works, and how to join 36:10 Final reminder: new results require new decisionsWork with me👉 Fit Biz Accelerator (limited cohort): weekly coaching + live implementation + systems that make your studio run without you. Join the waitlist: christagurka.com/accelerator 👉 Community membership & resources: christagurka.comConnectIG: @ChristaGurka Podcast: Female emPOWERed Site: christagurka.comMentionedMy sale of Pilates in the Grove (multi-seven-figure studio → sellable asset)Why most owners can sell for high 6–low 7 figures with the right prepThe 4S Framework: Structure → Systems → Strategy → SustainabilityKeywords (SEO)sell a pilates studio, sell a wellness business, boutique fitness business coach, women in business podcast, post-exit identity shift, how to build a sellable business, systems and processes for studios, fitness studio operations, how to stop being the bottleneck, studio owner coaching, pilates business mentor, private pay PT business tips, yoga studio growth, 2026 business planningHashtags#FemaleEmPOWERed #BoutiqueFitness #PilatesBusiness #WomenInBusiness #StudioOwner #SellableBusiness #BusinessSystems #FitBizAccelerator #ChristaGurka

Why Client Poaching Isn’t the Real Problem in Your Studio (and What To Fix Instead)Hosted by: Christa Gurka, PT, OCS | Fit Biz StrategiesIf you've ever panicked because a client followed an instructor out the door… or you’ve worried that an instructor is “stealing” clients… this episode is going to flip that narrative on its head.Inside our boutique fitness and wellness studios, client poaching feels personal — but it’s actually a symptom of deeper operational issues. And the good news? You can fix them.In today’s episode, Christa breaks down why poaching happens, what’s really driving client loyalty (hint: it’s not what you think), and how to build a brand-first, team-centered system that keeps clients AND instructors loyal to your studio — not just one star player.Whether you run a Pilates studio, private practice PT clinic, yoga studio, or any wellness brick-and-mortar, this is a MUST-listen as you head into 2026.✨ What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy “client poaching” is not an instructor problem — it’s a systems problemThe #1 hiring mistake most studio owners make (and how it leads to client loss later)How unclear onboarding creates blurred boundaries, confusion, and client attachment to individualsWhy clients start identifying instructors — not your studio — as the “product”How to flip your culture from star instructors to one cohesive teamWhat healthy studio ecosystems look like (and what broken ones look like)The systems Christa used at Pilates in the Grove to maintain brand loyaltyExactly what expectations, policies, and boundaries need to be in placeHow to create a culture where clients feel connected to the brand, not one personThe essential contracts every studio should have (even with ICs!)Leadership questions to ask yourself before blaming an instructorWhy 2026 must be the year you build or rebuild your foundations🔥 Key Topics CoveredOnboarding mistakes that lead to client attachment issuesHow to set expectations around communication, scheduling, and boundariesBrand-first language that reinforces “our clients,” not “my clients”Building a team identity using mission, vision, and valuesSystems that prevent instructors from becoming irreplaceable “stars”Leadership habits that reinforce consistency and clarityWhat to say when clients want to follow an instructorHow lack of systems leads to drama, confusion, and turnover📌 Why This Episode MattersIf you’ve ever felt:“My clients only want THAT instructor.”“I’m scared to lose revenue if someone leaves.”“I don’t want people texting my instructors directly.”“I feel like I’m losing control of my studio.”Then what you’re really missing is the ecosystem that protects your business, creates brand loyalty, and sets clear expectations from day one.This episode will help you rebuild your foundation so you can scale confidently — with systems that support your team, your clients, and the long-term value of your business.🔑 Episode Quote to Remember“Client poaching isn’t the problem — it’s the symptom. When you fix your systems, culture, and expectations, loyalty shifts back to your brand.”📣 Want More Support Building a Sellable, Sustainable Studio?Inside Fit Biz Strategies, Christa helps female boutique fitness and wellness owners build profitable businesses with systems, structure, and clarity — without burning out.👉 Follow @christagurka on Instagram 👉 Explore coaching programs at christagurka.com 👉 Join the Female emPOWERED community for more conversations like this

Are you tired of feeling like every month you’re starting from zero in your business? In this episode of Female emPOWERED, host Christa Gurka breaks down one of the most important lessons she learned while preparing to sell her multi-seven-figure studio: not all revenue is created equal.Christa walks you through her Revenue Ladder — a framework that helps you understand where your income is really coming from and how stable it is. You’ll learn the five types of revenue that exist inside boutique fitness and wellness businesses, how to move up the ladder toward more predictable, recurring income, and why recurring revenue is the foundation of a business that’s sellable, scalable, and sustainable.Whether you own a Pilates studio, yoga space, or private pay PT clinic, this episode will help you move out of the feast-and-famine cycle and start creating peace-of-mind profits every month.💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy recurring revenue matters more than total revenueThe 5 levels of revenue quality — from transactional to contractually recurringHow to move from inconsistent class packs to predictable membershipsWays to make leaving harder than staying for your clientsHow recurring revenue increases the value and sellability of your businessSimple action steps to audit your current income and set 2026 revenue goals🧭 Key TakeawaysContractually recurring revenue (like long-term memberships or subleases) is the gold standard — it gives you predictable cash flow and peace of mind.Non-contractual recurring revenue (auto-pays or subscriptions) is still strong, but retention systems are key.Repeat or package revenue requires manual renewals — add automation or upsells to strengthen it.Cohort and seasonal programs can be great entry points but should feed into long-term memberships.Transactional one-offs (drop-ins, pop-ups, retail) should make up less than 5% of your revenue.🧮 Christa’s Action StepsAudit your last 90 days of revenue. What percentage is recurring vs. one-off?Set a goal to have at least 50% of your income come from recurring sources in 2026.Incentivize upgrades — reward your team for converting package clients into memberships.Celebrate retention — spotlight clients who hit milestones or stay consistent.Forecast with confidence — use your predictable income to plan hiring, marketing, and growth.🔗 Resources MentionedFit Biz StrategiesLearn about Christa’s Inner Circle Mentorship for boutique fitness and wellness ownersGet the Revenue Ladder Audit Worksheet (coming soon to Fit Biz Strategies members)🗣️ Connect with ChristaInstagram: @christagurkaWebsite: www.christagurka.comPodcast: Female emPOWERED🔍 SEO Keywordsrevenue ladder, recurring revenue for fitness studios, boutique fitness business tips, Pilates studio revenue, how to make predictable income, fitness business systems, value builder coaching, sellable fitness business, cash flow planning, studio memberships vs packages

In this episode of the Female emPOWERed podcast, I’m recapping the 2025 Women in Wellness Business Summit we just wrapped in Miami — two days of honest conversations, strategy, and big vision planning for women who own boutique fitness and wellness businesses.If you’re a Pilates studio owner, pelvic health physical therapist, yoga or barre studio owner, gym owner, or hybrid wellness practice, this recap will help you audit 2025 and create a real, numbers-backed plan for 2026.Inside, I break down:The year-in-review framework I used in my own studios to assess what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to changeHow we used my revenue and profit calculator so each attendee left knowing exactly how many visits, classes, or sessions per week they need to hit their salary + profit goalsWhat our finance panel shared about retirement savings, paying yourself, profit margins, and preparing your books if you ever want to sellPractical, local-service marketing tips from our marketing panel, including how to leverage AI, reviews, and low-cost strategies in 2026What our sale & acquisition panel revealed about exit options for “normal-sized” studios and how smaller businesses can grow through acquisitionWhy I believe events like this are more than business conferences — they’re about collaboration over competition and creating true freedom for womenI also share a personal perspective on selling a boutique studio, what a realistic exit can look like (even in the mid-six figures), and how that can still create long-term wealth and options for you and your family.Finally, I introduce my newest mentorship program, the Fit Biz Accelerator, designed for women already at or above $100K/year who are ready to stop DIY-ing and start building real structure, systems, strategy, and sustainability with live support and weekly implementation.🔗 Get on the Fit Biz Accelerator Waitlist:christagurka.com/accelerator🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode on your favorite podcast app and tag me @christagurka if you’re tuning in — I love seeing where you’re listening from!⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & why this summit matters02:00 – Who was in the room: Pilates, PT, yoga, hybrid wellness & more03:30 – The 2025 year-in-review process we used05:20 – Revenue, profit, and capacity: using the calculator08:30 – Turning goals into weekly visits, classes, and sessions10:50 – Finance panel: profit, retirement, and preparing to sell13:40 – Marketing panel: reviews, AI, and local service marketing16:50 – Sale & acquisition panel: realistic exits and growth via acquisition20:00 – Why selling your studio is possible (even if it’s not 8 figures)22:30 – Collaboration over competition & building better lives24:30 – Introducing the Fit Biz Accelerator26:30 – How to join the waitlist + early-bird paid ads training bonus28:20 – A huge thank you & what’s nextYouTube Keywords (for tags)women in wellness summit, women in wellness business summit, boutique fitness business, pilates studio owner, physical therapy private practice, pelvic health business, wellness studio business coach, fitness studio business coaching, pilates business mentor, brick and mortar marketing, local service business marketing, fitness studio financials, revenue calculator for studios, profit planning for studios, selling a pilates studio, boutique fitness acquisition, exit strategy for studio owners, women entrepreneurship, female business owners, Krista Gurka, Female emPOWERed podcast, Fit Biz Accelerator, business retreat for fitness professionals, 2026 business planning, wellness studio systems and strategy

Thinking about hiring a marketing agency for your boutique fitness or wellness business? In this episode, Christa Gurka shares exactly what you need to know before you spend a single dollar on paid ads.Christa breaks down the essential marketing metrics and strategies every studio owner should understand — from CPC, CPA, and CAC to lifetime value (LTV) and conversion rates — so you can make informed decisions and avoid wasting money.Whether you run a Pilates studio, yoga studio, or private-pay PT clinic, this episode will help you become confident in your marketing conversations, know what red flags to watch for, and understand how to measure real results from your ad spend.👉 Listen in to learn:What marketing agencies can and can’t fix for your businessThe biggest red flags when hiring an agencyThe difference between CPC, CPA, CAC, and LTV (and why they matter)How to calculate your ideal marketing budget based on annual revenueHow to know when you’re ready to run paid adsWhy strong backend systems and offers matter more than ad creativeHow to track conversions and optimize your ad funnelThe importance of owning your data and understanding key metricsIf you’ve ever felt confused about marketing terms or unsure if your ads are actually working, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take control of your marketing strategy.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:Free Marketing Metrics Cheat Sheet: www.christagurka.com/marketingmetrics Get Christa’s simple guide to understanding marketing terms, calculating key numbers, and evaluating your ad performance.Join the Fit Biz Community: Learn the business, leadership, and financial skills that help boutique fitness owners scale profitably — for just $99/month.Visit www.christagurka.com for upcoming programs launching in 2026 designed to help you build smarter, more profitable businesses.💡 Key Takeaway:A marketing agency can amplify what’s already working — but it can’t fix unclear messaging, broken systems, or a weak offer. When you understand your own data and metrics, you stay in control of your ROI and your growth.🔍 SEO Keywords:marketing agency for fitness studios, boutique fitness marketing, how to hire a marketing agency, marketing metrics for Pilates studios, paid ads for wellness businesses, CAC and LTV explained, Christa Gurka podcast, Fit Biz Strategies, Female emPOWERED podcast

Have you ever wondered what people are really paying for when they work with you? In this week’s episode of Female emPOWERED, host Christa Gurka shares insights sparked by a recent VIP Day in Atlanta with Ashley Brock and a powerful group of women entrepreneurs — plus a timely reminder from Denise Duffield-Thomas’s Chill & Prosper podcast.This episode dives deep into the real value behind your services, the transformative power of investing in mentorship, and how giving yourself space to think (not just do) can completely change the trajectory of your business.Whether you’re a Pilates studio owner, yoga instructor, or private-pay PT, you’ll walk away with practical clarity about:Why your clients pay for energy, clarity, and transformation — not just time or tactics.The unseen ROI of investing in mentorship, masterminds, and VIP experiences.How to design a business that actually supports your life — not the other way around.Why the next level of your success starts with simply stepping into the right room.Key Takeaways💡 Your quirks are your differentiators. The traits you downplay — compassion, creativity, vision — are often what your clients value most.💬 People don’t pay for information. They pay for confidence, clarity, and a container that helps them see what’s possible.🧠 Growth requires space to think. True transformation happens when you step away from the day-to-day and surround yourself with high-level thinkers.💸 The ROI isn’t just financial. It’s in who you become — more decisive, confident, and aligned.✨ You get to design success your way. Scale or simplify, expand or refine — your version of success is valid and enough.Timestamps00:00 — Intro: Christa’s Atlanta VIP Day and the spark for this episode 03:10 — Childhood patterns that shape how we view money and worth 08:20 — What people are really paying for in your business 14:45 — The power of proximity: why stepping into the room changes everything 20:00 — The true ROI of mentorship and investing in yourself 26:00 — Permission to design your business your way 30:00 — Final takeaway: You’re already ready for your next levelResources & MentionsDenise Duffield-Thomas – Chill & Prosper Podcast: “What Are You Really Charging For?”Learn more about Christa’s business mentorship programs at www.christagurka.comFollow Christa on Instagram: @ChristaGurkaCall to ActionIf this episode lit a fire under you, share it on Instagram and tag @ChristaGurka — and tell us what room you’re ready to step into next.Ready to get the clarity and community that fuel your next level? 👉 Explore mentorship with Christa at www.christagurka.com.

Not sure why your business isn’t growing — or where the problem actually is? In this episode of Female emPOWERED, host Christa Gurka breaks down how to diagnose problems inside your boutique fitness or wellness business so you can fix the right thing — not just the most obvious thing.Too often, studio owners say “my marketing isn’t working” when the real issue is a gap in their sales system or operations process. Just like identifying the root cause of a client’s pain, you need to know whether your business has a marketing, sales, or operations problem before you can prescribe a solution.Christa walks you step-by-step through: ✅ The difference between marketing, sales, and operations — and how they connect ✅ How to spot the “kink in the chain” that’s slowing your growth ✅ Key metrics to track (inquiries, conversions, retention, churn) ✅ How to know if your marketing is actually working ✅ What a real sales system looks like inside a boutique fitness business ✅ How operations — client experience, team systems, and delivery — impact retention ✅ Why fixing the root problem leads to more predictable revenue and better marginsIf you’ve ever wondered whether your business struggles are really about marketing, sales, or something deeper, this episode will help you pinpoint exactly what’s broken — and how to fix it.🎧 Listen now to learn how to assess your business like a CEO, not just a service provider. 💻 Join Fit Biz Foundations: www.christagurka.com/fitbizfoundations 📲 Follow Christa on Instagram: @christagurka

Confused about whether your team should be classified as employees or independent contractors? You’re not alone — and getting it wrong can cost you big time. In this episode of Female emPOWERED, host Christa Gurka sits down with returning guest Katie Santos, founder of FitnessHR, to unpack everything studio and wellness business owners need to know about HR compliance, classification, and protecting your business.Together, Christa and Katie break down real-world examples from Pilates, yoga, and physical therapy studios, explain what the IRS and state laws actually look for, and share actionable steps to help you stay compliant and build a more sustainable, professional team.Whether you’re in Florida’s “Wild West” of HR or strict-law California, this episode will help you understand: ✅ The legal difference between an independent contractor and an employee ✅ How misclassification can trigger audits, lawsuits, and major financial risk ✅ What you can (and can’t) require contractors to do ✅ Why switching to employees can actually increase your studio’s value ✅ What to include in your employee handbook and operations manual ✅ End-of-year HR to-dos: reviews, time-off policies, and pay structures ✅ How to set expectations clearly without losing your “cool boss” vibeIf you want to protect your business, lead with confidence, and ensure your HR foundation supports your growth — this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Learn more about Katie Santos: fitnesshr.com 🔗 Explore Fit Biz Strategies: christagurka.com

In this episode of Female emPOWERED, Christa sits down with website designer and SEO expert Jess Freeman, the creative behind both the Pilates in the Grove and Christa Gurka websites. Together, they unpack exactly what makes a boutique fitness or wellness website stand out in 2025—and what you need to prioritize to attract more clients and rank higher on Google.Jess shares her proven process for stress-free website builds, her favorite platforms for service-based businesses, and her expert insights into SEO for local studios, clinics, and wellness professionals.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of redoing your website or confused by SEO jargon, this episode will simplify it all and help you take actionable steps to improve your online visibility.🔍 What You’ll LearnHow Jess created a seamless, client-friendly website processThe must-have elements of a modern health and wellness website (2025 & beyond)Non-verbal ways to show your brand personality through fonts, colors, and shapesLocal SEO basics: how to optimize for your city or neighborhoodWhy including your location on every page mattersHow to write strong copy that converts—without keyword stuffingThe truth about photo alt text and how to use it correctlyWhy blogging is still the #1 SEO tool for small businessesThe best website platforms for service providers: Squarespace vs. WordPress vs. KajabiCommon website mistakes that hurt your visibility (and how to fix them fast)📲 Connect with JessWebsite: www.jesscreatives.comInstagram: @jesscreativesCheck out her portfolio for examples of boutique wellness websites, including Pilates in the Grove and Christa Gurka.👩‍💼 Connect with ChristaWebsite: www.christagurka.comInstagram: @christagurkaWatch this episode on YouTube: Christa Gurka Channel

In this week’s Female emPOWERED episode, Christa breaks down one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—decisions you’ll ever make as a boutique fitness or wellness business owner: finding your niche.If you’ve ever worried that niching down means turning clients away, leaving money on the table, or boxing yourself in, this episode will change your perspective. Christa shares why narrowing your focus actually expands your impact and profitability, how to identify your ideal client, and what it really takes to become the go-to expert in your area.This is the episode every Pilates, PT, and yoga studio owner needs to hear before the new year!🔍 What You’ll LearnWhy niching doesn’t mean excluding people—it means serving the right ones betterThe key benefits of specialization for boutique fitness and wellness businessesHow to find your ideal clients based on energy, outcomes, and resultsThe three-step process to discover your profitable nicheReal examples of successful niche businesses (like Pilates in the Grove!)How to align your niche with your profit goals and lifestyleWhat to do when your niche evolves over timeWhy being known for one thing creates clarity in your marketing, referrals, and offers🧭 Takeaway Framework: The 4-Step Niche Discovery ProcessPassion & Energy: Who lights you up to work with? Who drains you?Expertise: Who do you get the best results for? What are your consistent transformations?Market Demand: Is there an underserved group in your community or industry?Profitability & Lifestyle Fit: Can you charge premium rates—and does it support your ideal work-life balance?🧩 Why This MattersNiching down simplifies everything—your messaging, your offers, your marketing, and your growth. It positions you as an expert, creates client buy-in, and increases profitability.When people think of your specialty, they should immediately think of you.💼 Want Help Defining Your Niche?Get Christa’s exact specialization and messaging framework inside the Fit Biz Foundations program.You’ll get: ✅ A full video module on core specialization and finding your niche ✅ Monthly live coaching calls ✅ Access to a community of women running brick-and-mortar boutique wellness businesses👉 Join for just $99/month at www.christagurka.com/fitbizfoundations🔗 Connect with ChristaWebsite: www.christagurka.comInstagram: @christagurkaWatch on YouTube: Christa Gurka Channel