Moving Forward Together: A Message to Our Community

One of the most important skills a studio owner can develop is knowing when to say no.  In this episode, Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach Elisa Finney shares how defining a clear brand mission and set of values transformed the way she runs her studio, builds partnerships, and makes business decisions.  From costumes and choreography to sponsorships and strategic partnerships, Elisa explains how a strong brand becomes a decision-making filter that helps you protect your reputation, attract the right families, and create consistency across every aspect of your business.  If you've ever struggled with setting boundaries, evaluating opportunities, or staying true to your vision, this episode will give you practical exercises and real-world examples to help you strengthen your brand and make decisions with confidence.  What You'll Learn  Why strong brands require strong boundaries  How to use your brand as a decision-making filter  What studio owners should say no to  How Elisa evaluates business partnerships  The role brand values play in programming decisions  Why consistency builds trust and credibility  How to identify brands that align with your mission  Ways strategic partnerships can elevate your studio  The exercise Elisa used to define her brand  How greater brand clarity leads to better business decisions  Alisa Finney is an Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach and the Director of the Melbourne Ballet Company in Australia. She leads both a professional touring ballet company and a thriving dance studio serving students from age two through eighty-nine. Elisa is known for her expertise in branding, strategic partnerships, leadership, and building mission-driven dance organizations that stand out in their communities.  Explore our partners Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit limelightteamwear.com to learn more Try our Daily Decision Compass - dsoa.com/compass Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembershi Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation    

In Part 2 of our conversation with financial strategist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Mel Abraham, we move beyond financial strategy and into the emotional realities of entrepreneurship.  Together, Lisa and Mel explore the hidden relationship many business owners have with success, achievement, identity, self-worth, and burnout. They discuss why so many entrepreneurs tie their value to business performance, why reaching the next milestone rarely creates lasting peace, and how defining your version of "enough" may be one of the most important business decisions you'll ever make.  This conversation is a powerful reminder that building a successful studio is only part of the journey. The ultimate goal is building a life you actually enjoy living.  What You'll Learn  Why success doesn't automatically create fulfillment  How entrepreneurs become addicted to achievement  The dangers of tying your identity to your business  Why burnout should never be a badge of honor  How to align your business with your personal values  What adversity can teach you about resilience  Why defining "enough" matters for long-term happiness  How to stop living in comparison and start living intentionally  Why time is the ultimate currency  How to build a business that serves your life instead of consuming it  Mel Abraham is a CPA, entrepreneur, business advisor, and bestselling author of Building Your Money Machine. He helps entrepreneurs build businesses that generate wealth, freedom, and fulfillment while creating a life aligned with their values and purpose. Through decades of experience helping business owners grow and scale, Mel has become a trusted voice on wealth creation, financial independence, and living a fully expressed life.    Explore our partners: Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit limelightteamwear.com to learn more Try our Daily Decision Compass - dsoa.com/compass Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembershi Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation        

https://gostudiopro.com/transformAre your financial decisions driven by strategy, or by a money story you've been carrying for years?  Many dance studio owners start with a passion for changing lives, but struggle to balance purpose with profitability. In this conversation led by Katie Wilber (DSOA Operations Specialist), financial strategist Mel Abraham shares how our beliefs, habits, and behaviors around money shape the way we run our businesses and why building wealth has far more to do with mindset than math. You'll learn how to break free from limiting financial beliefs, create a healthier relationship with money, and build a studio business that supports both your mission and your life.  What You'll Learn  How childhood money stories influence business decisions  Why wealth-building is primarily about behavior and habits  The truth behind the "starving artist" mindset  How to connect profit with purpose without guilt  Why owning your value is essential for growth  The difference between making money and building wealth  How wealthy people prioritize investing differently  Strategies to avoid emotional spending and instant gratification  How money can create (or reveal) tension in relationships  Why defining your version of "enough" is critical for long-term success  How to align your financial decisions with your values and life goals  Mel Abraham is a CPA, entrepreneur, financial strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Building Your Money Machine. He helps entrepreneurs and leaders remove financial constraints, build lasting wealth, and create systems that separate income from effort. Mel has worked with organizations including AbbVie, the IRS, NACVA, and the Financial Planning Association, and is one of the few speakers worldwide to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation.    Explore our partners: Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit limelightteamwear.com to learn more. Sign-up for a FREE 30-day Trial of Studio Pro at gostudiopro.com/transform Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation  

Hiring teachers is one thing. Keeping great teachers long-term is something else entirely. In this throwback episode, Annie Leese and Lauren Kelly break down the leadership, systems, and culture shifts that help dance studio owners build teams that stay invested, supported, and committed for the long haul.  Lauren shares how she transformed her mindset as a studio owner, what she learned inside the Inner Circle, and why personalized leadership matters more than ever. What you'll learn: How to hire based on studio mission and values Why feedback surveys can improve hiring decisions Creative ways to retain great staff The importance of compensation and financial stability How personalized leadership improves retention Why team culture starts with the owner What it means to lead like a CEO in the dance industry Lauren Kelly is the owner and artistic director of Music and Motion Dance Studio. Since taking over the studio from her mother, Lauren has focused on building a culture-driven team rooted in education, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Explore our partners: Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembership Try our Daily Decision Compass - dsoa.com/compass Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation  

What makes families stay at a dance studio for years and what causes them to quietly walk away?  In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, relationship marketing expert Barb Betts shares why retention is built through emotional connection, authentic culture, and meaningful relationships. Guided by reflections from the DSOA's operations specialist Katie Wilber, this conversation explores the deeper human side of studio leadership and the moments that make families feel like they truly belong. Barb unpacks how studio owners can strengthen loyalty, improve communication, build stronger relationships with teachers and parents, and create a studio culture families never want to leave. From practical retention strategies to the power of authenticity and connection, this episode will challenge studio owners to think differently about what truly drives long-term growth and referrals. What You'll Learn: Why retention is rooted in belonging and emotional connection The difference between unavoidable attrition and preventable departures Why studio owners can never fully delegate relationships How stronger teacher relationships improve retention Practical ways to create community outside of dance classes Why authentic studio culture attracts the right families The power of intentional communication and personal connection How relationship-based leadership drives referrals and long-term growth The "small moments" that create lasting studio loyalty Why trying to be everything for everyone hurts retention About Barb Betts Barb Betts is a keynote speaker, CEO, relationship strategist, and author of The Relationship Advantage. With more than 23 years of experience building businesses through trust-based relationships, Barb teaches leaders how authentic human connection drives growth, loyalty, and long-term success. Her work has been featured in outlets including ABC, KTLA, and Us Weekly. Explore our partners: Try our Daily Decision Compass with a Free 7-Day Trial: dsoa.com/compass Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

What if your studio isn't struggling… it's just misaligned?  In this powerful episode, Jodi Shilling unpacks how authentic branding can completely transform your enrollment, culture, and confidence as a leader.  Jodi Shilling is a dance studio owner in Los Angeles and a seasoned growth coach inside the DSOA Inner Circle. Known for her bold decisions and elevated brand, Jodi has helped studio owners redefine their identity, attract aligned families, and build thriving, values-driven businesses.  This episode dives deep into what branding really means for dance studio owners and why it's often misunderstood. Jodi shares her journey from inconsistent, inauthentic branding to building a highly aligned studio that scaled from 250 to 800+ students.  From losing 70% of her clients to creating a brand that fuels connection, trust, and growth, this conversation will challenge how you think about marketing, leadership, and identity.  What You'll Learn:  Why branding is NOT about logos, colors, or aesthetics  How authenticity directly impacts enrollment growth  The role of personal brand in building trust and sales  Why repelling the wrong clients is essential  How to create emotional connection through marketing  The difference between polished vs. relatable content  How to align your team with your brand values  Practical ways to discover your personal brand  Jodi Shilling is a Studio Growth Coach with the Dance Studio Owners Association and the founder of Relevé Studios in Los Angeles. With over 17 years of experience, she helps studio owners grow revenue, impact, and freedom through aligned leadership and authentic branding. 

    If your studio's marketing sounds like everyone else's… this might be why.  In this episode, branding expert Bruce Turkel shares why standing out has nothing to do with what you offer and everything to do with how people experience your brand.  From understanding what today's customers actually care about to breaking free from outdated "features-based" marketing, this conversation will challenge the way you position your studio and help you connect in a way that drives real growth.  Bruce explains why function is simply the "cost of entry" in today's market and how the studios that truly thrive are the ones creating emotional connection, memorable experiences, and meaningful differentiation.  If you're tired of blending in and ready to build a brand families feel, this episode is a must-listen.  What You'll Learn  Why most dance studio marketing sounds the same  The difference between function and brand value  How emotional connection influences buying decisions  Why customer experience matters more than features  The branding lesson dance studios can learn from Tiffany & Co.  How to make your studio stand out in a crowded market  The key difference between good brands and great brands  Bruce Turkel is an internationally recognized branding expert, speaker, and author who helps businesses create more valuable and memorable brands. He has worked with major companies including Discovery Channel, Hasbro, Bacardi, and Miami, and is the author of several books on branding and customer experience, including All About Them, named one of Forbes' top business books of the year.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation  

What if the next level of your studio doesn't require more effort—but a different role? In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Cara Poppitt breaks down the critical shift every growing studio owner must make: moving from managing the day-to-day… to leading with vision as a CEO. Drawing from her own journey, Cara shares what it really takes to step out of the weeds, develop a clear direction for your studio, and build a team that can help carry it forward. Because long-term growth doesn't come from doing more—it comes from leading differently. If you've ever felt stuck in the operations of your business or unsure how to scale without burning out, this episode will challenge you to rethink your role—and step into the leadership your studio actually needs. What You'll Learn: The difference between management and true leadership Why staying in "task mode" keeps you stuck and overwhelmed How to hire and build a team aligned with your vision The role of culture in retention and team performance How to stop being the bottleneck in your business Why leadership is about people, not just systems How to develop the skills needed to lead effectively Cara Poppitt is a leadership expert, entrepreneur, and founder of two award-winning companies. She has helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs grow their businesses and is the author of the bestselling book Big Freakin' Change.   Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

In this special short episode, Lisa DeMaio, Inner Circle Program Director, shares an important update with the Dance Studio Owners Association community regarding a recent leadership change. This is a message of continuity, confidence, and forward momentum as we continue to evolve and support you.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation    

What if your studio's biggest growth lever isn't marketing, pricing, or even your curriculum, but your energy? In this episode, Olivia sits down with Erin King, energy expert, entrepreneur, and founder of The Energy Institute. After building and selling multiple companies and experiencing burnout firsthand, Erin now helps leaders optimize energy for performance, clarity, and sustainable success. This conversation dives deep into how energy is the real driver of leadership, culture, and business growth. Erin shares practical tools to help studio owners reclaim their energy, make better decisions, and lead with clarity. From tackling "heavy" tasks first to redefining success and separating identity from business, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow without burning out. What You'll Learn: Why energy outperforms expertise in today's business landscape How to stop feeling drained—even when you're "doing everything right" The "heavy before light" rule for daily productivity How unresolved decisions are secretly draining your energy A simple exercise to separate who you are from what you do How your energy directly impacts your team, students, and retention Why avoiding hard conversations is costing you more than you think How to identify and operate in your "zone of genius" Erin King is a three-time entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and energy management expert who helps business owners lead with clarity, improve decision-making, and avoid burnout. After building and selling multiple companies, she now teaches practical strategies to optimize energy, strengthen team culture, and operate in your zone of genius. Her research with over 10,000 people has led to proven frameworks for sustainable growth, productivity, and long-term success. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Explore our partners: Get your 3-Step International Dance Day Campaign: dsoa.com/international-dance-day/ Try the Studio Owner Daily Decision Compass FREE for 7 days: dsoa.com/compass Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater