Female emPOWERED: Winning in Business & Life

Christa Gurka, MSPT, NCPT- Health and Fitness Business Strategist
  • 5.0 (58)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast for female boutique fitness, wellness and physical therapy small business owners who want expert insights and honest conversations about what it means to show up, thrive, and of course GET PAID.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 340: From Boxing Startup to Franchise Empire: The Truth About Scaling Studios with Felicia Alexander

    In this episode of the Female emPOWERed Podcast, Christa Gurka sits down with returning guest Felicia Alexander for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, scaling a boutique fitness business, and what it really takes to build a sustainable company in the wellness industry. Felicia shares her journey from corporate America to co-founding BoxUnion, growing the brand through rapid expansion, and later acquiring TITLE Boxing Club during the pandemic. Together, Christa and Felicia unpack the biggest lessons they’ve learned about leadership, systems, hiring, sales, onboarding, retention, studio culture, and preparing a business for long-term growth — or even a future exit. They also announce an exciting new collaboration between Fit Biz Strategies and Felicia Alexander to help female studio owners build more profitable, scalable, and sustainable businesses. If you own a Pilates studio, PT practice, yoga studio, barre studio, HIIT gym, or boutique wellness business, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building systems, improving client retention, strengthening community, and stepping into true CEO leadership. In This Episode, We Discuss:  How Felicia transitioned from corporate marketing into boutique fitness entrepreneurship  The founding and growth of BoxUnion  What happened when BoxUnion acquired TITLE Boxing Club  Why most studio owners struggle with systems and operations  The hidden costs of weak onboarding and inconsistent sales processes  How strong studio culture improves retention  The importance of community in boutique fitness  Why female business owners need mentorship and support  Preparing your business for scalability and future exit opportunities  The new collaboration between Fit Biz Strategies and Felicia Alexander Connect with Christa Gurka & Fit Biz Strategies 🌐 Christa Gurka Official Website 🌐 How to work with Christa 📲 Instagram: @christagurka

    52 min

  2. May 19

    Episode 339: When Your Employee Wants to Be an Influencer: How to Support Their Growth Without Losing Your Clients

    When Your Employee Wants to Be an Influencer: How to Protect Your Business Without Controlling Your Team Today’s employees don’t just want a job—they want to build a personal brand, grow a following, create additional income streams, and sometimes launch side businesses. So what happens when that intersects with your studio, clients, and brand?  In this episode, Christa Gurka breaks down how Pilates studios, PT clinics, and wellness businesses can navigate employees building personal brands without damaging trust, boundaries, or business growth. This conversation isn’t about controlling your team—it’s about creating clarity, healthy boundaries, and win-win relationships in today’s modern workforce. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  The difference between building a personal brand vs. building a competing business  What is and isn’t appropriate when employees create content  How unclear expectations lead to resentment and boundary issues  Why contracts and policies create clarity—not distrust  Questions to ask during interviews about side businesses and online brands  Real examples of how studios and instructors can benefit each other  How to create mutually beneficial revenue-sharing opportunities Key Takeaway The problem isn’t that your employees want to grow.  The problem is when nobody talks openly about how to do it ethically and professionally.  Topics Covered  Employees filming content inside your studio  Social media boundaries for instructors  Private clients and side hustles  Non-solicitation agreements and studio policies  Protecting client relationships  Leveraging employee audiences to grow your business  Leadership and communication in modern studio culture Mentioned in This Episode Interested in joining Christa’s Fit Biz Accelerator mentorship program? Visit: www.christagurka.com/accelerator Connect with Christa Instagram: @ChristaGurka

    17 min

  3. May 12

    Episode 338: Can Independent Pilates Studios Survive the Pilates Boom? What Private Equity Is Betting On—And What Small Studios Need To Do Differently To Win

    Can Independent Pilates Studios Survive the Boom? Description Pilates is having a major moment—but is it actually good news for independent studio owners? In this episode, Christa Gurka breaks down what the Pilates boom really means for boutique studios and why more competition doesn’t have to mean less opportunity. If you’re feeling pressure from large franchise studios, lower pricing, or crowded markets, this episode will help you refocus on what actually drives growth. Because the truth is—independent studios don’t lose to competition. They lose when they try to compete the wrong way. What You’ll Learn  Why the Pilates boom is not a threat (if you position correctly)  The key difference between boutique studios and big-box/franchise models  Why competing on price will hurt your business long-term  How to stand out in a crowded Pilates market  The importance of specialization, personalization, and client experience  How to attract clients who value quality over convenience Key Takeaway You don’t need to outgrow the competition—you need to out-position them. Who This Episode Is For  Independent Pilates studio owners  Boutique fitness and wellness business owners  Physical therapy and hybrid studio owners  Anyone worried about increased competition in their market Action Step Ask yourself:  What makes my studio different (not just better)?  Who do I serve best?  Am I trying to compete—or clearly position myself? Call to Action If this episode resonated, share it on Instagram and tag @ChristaGurka. Want help positioning your studio to grow in today’s market?  Visit christagurka.com to learn more. SEO Keywords Pilates studio growth, boutique fitness business, Pilates industry trends, independent Pilates studio, fitness business strategy, how to grow a Pilates studio, boutique studio marketing, Pilates competition, studio owner tips

    21 min

  4. May 5

    Episode 337: Stop Competing on Price

    Stop Competing on Price: Why Boutique Studios Win on Value, Not Discounts Are you lowering prices to keep up with bigger studios or competitors? In this episode, Christa Gurka explains why discounting is one of the fastest ways for boutique fitness studios, Pilates studios, PT clinics, and wellness businesses to hurt profit and attract the wrong clients. If you run a small, high-touch business, you do not compete on price—you compete on precision, personalization, and results. Christa shares how to position your business as the premium choice so clients stop price-shopping and start valuing your expertise.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  Why lowering prices is a race to the bottom  The difference between a commodity business vs. a premium service business How boutique studios can outperform larger competitors  Why bargain hunters are often the hardest clients to retain  How to use niche positioning to become the obvious choice  Signs your business is underpriced  Why premium clients buy based on trust, not discounts Key Takeaway: Your goal is not to be the cheapest option. Your goal is to be the clearest and most valuable option for the right client.  Perfect For:  Pilates studio owners  Boutique fitness businesses  Cash-based physical therapy practices  Wellness entrepreneurs  Service providers wanting higher-value clients Connect with Christa: Follow on Instagram: @christagurka Listen to more episodes of the Female emPOWERED Podcast for business growth strategies for women in wellness.

    23 min

  5. Apr 28

    Episode 336: The small business decisions that are costing you six figures

    The Small Business Decisions Quietly Costing Your Studio Thousands Are hidden financial leaks costing your studio thousands each year? In this episode of the Female emPOWERED Podcast, Christa Gurka reveals the everyday business decisions that quietly reduce profits for boutique fitness studios, Pilates studios, physical therapy practices, and wellness businesses. From inefficient scheduling and outdated pricing to overused discounts, underperforming offers, and wasted prime-time hours, Christa explains how small choices made repeatedly can have a major impact on your bottom line. You’ll learn how to audit your business operations, improve profitability, simplify your offers, and make smarter decisions based on data instead of emotion. If your business feels busy but profits still feel too tight, this episode is a must-listen. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  Why small business decisions matter more than big dramatic changes  Scheduling mistakes that lower studio revenue  The hidden cost of outdated discounts and package pricing  How to maximize your most profitable hours  Why simplifying your services can increase profits  5 questions to ask before making any business decision This Episode Is Perfect For:  Pilates studio owners  Boutique fitness studio owners  Physical therapy practice owners  Wellness entrepreneurs ready to improve profit margins  Business owners who feel busy but not profitable Listen Now If you're ready to run a more profitable, efficient, and sustainable wellness business, this episode will help you uncover the leaks and start making smarter moves today.

    39 min

  6. Apr 21

    Episode 335: The Plateau Season of Entrepreneurship

    The Season No One Posts About: When Business Feels Heavy Even Though It’s Working Description What happens when your business is doing well—but you still feel unmotivated, disconnected, or stuck? In this episode, Christa Gurka talks about the season many entrepreneurs quietly experience but rarely discuss: when revenue is steady, clients are happy, your team is solid… yet something still feels off. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I feel this way when everything is going right?” this episode is for you. Christa breaks down the emotional cycles of entrepreneurship, founder identity shifts, and how to know whether you need to rest, reset, pivot—or simply stop chasing the next goal.  What You’ll Learn  Why success can sometimes feel heavier than struggle  The emotional cycle of entrepreneurship (growth, plateau, reinvention)  Why high achievers often move the goalpost after every win  How to tell if you need a reset, a pivot, or nothing at all  Signs you may be creating chaos because calm feels uncomfortable  Why fulfillment may need to come from outside your business Key Takeaway You may not be broken or burned out.  You may simply be in a new season that requires a different version of you.  Ask Yourself  Am I tired because I’m doing too much—or the wrong things?  What parts of my business drain me?  What still lights me up?  Am I chasing a new goal because I want it… or because I don’t know how to be still? Call to Action If this episode resonated, DM Christa on Instagram @ChristaGurka and let her know what season you’re in. Want support building a business that serves your life—not consumes it?  Visit christagurka.com

    27 min

  7. Apr 14

    Episode 334: How Carrie Pagès Built a Pilates Studio and Scalable Online Brand

    How Carrie Pagès Built a Pilates Studio and Scalable Online Brand Description What does it really take to build both a successful Pilates studio and a thriving online brand? In this episode, Christa Gurka sits down with Carrie Pagès to talk about her journey from dancer to studio owner, opening In Balance Pilates at just 22, and later building a global online platform for Pilates instructors. They discuss business growth, using social media to build visibility, creating content without overcomplicating tech, and why focusing on service—not competition—is the key to long-term success. What You’ll Learn  How Carrie built her Pilates studio from the ground up  The transition from in-person business to online brand  How to use social media to grow your audience  Simple strategies for creating Pilates content  Why consistency beats perfection  How to grow without comparing yourself to competitors Key Takeaway You don’t need perfect conditions to grow—just consistency, clarity, and a commitment to serving your clients well. About Carrie Pagès For over two decades, Carrie Pagès has dedicated her career to sharing the transformative power of Pilates through teaching, mentorship, and creative programming. She is the owner of In Balance Pilates Studio in Wilmington, NC, founder of CarriePagesPilates.com, and a sought-after workshop leader and teacher trainer who supports instructors worldwide. Connect with Carrie  Website: CarriePagesPilates.com Business: CarriePagesPilates.com Instagram: @Carrie_Pages_PilatesCall to Action If you loved this episode, share it on Instagram and tag @ChristaGurka and @Carrie_Pages_Pilates.

    1h 8m

  8. Apr 7

    Episode 333: When Your Team Is “Fine” but Not Exceptional: The Hidden Cost of Tolerating Mediocrity

    Description Is your team doing their job… but not driving your business forward? In this episode, Christa Gurka breaks down the hidden cost of having a team that’s “fine”—not toxic, but not exceptional either. You’ll learn how complacency quietly stalls growth, frustrates top performers, and limits your revenue. More importantly, Christa shares exactly how to identify the issue and raise your standards—without creating fear or losing your team. What You’ll Learn  Why “fine” teams often cap your growth  Signs your team culture has plateaued  The difference between loyalty vs. performance  How to tell if someone is coachable or needs to go  Simple ways to raise standards and improve accountability Key Takeaway “Fine” doesn’t create growth.  Clarity, standards, and leadership do. Quick Self-Audit Ask yourself:  What behaviors am I tolerating right now?  Where have I lowered expectations to avoid conflict?  What does excellence actually look like in my business? Call to Action If this episode resonated, share it with another studio owner and tag @ChristaGurka on Instagram. Want help building a high-performing team?  Visit christagurka.com to learn more.

    28 min
See All (342)

5
out of 5
58 Ratings

About

A podcast for female boutique fitness, wellness and physical therapy small business owners who want expert insights and honest conversations about what it means to show up, thrive, and of course GET PAID.

Information

  • Creator
    Christa Gurka, MSPT, NCPT- Health and Fitness Business Strategist
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    342
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Female emPOWERED: Winning in Business & Life
  • Show Website
    Female emPOWERED: Winning in Business & Life

You Might Also Like