How up open up a successful Pilates studio with Abbie Whittaker🔥

Summary

In the 'Marketing Muscle Up' podcast, host Richard interviews Abby Whittaker, founder of In Flow Pilates Studios. Abby discusses her journey from marketing to opening her Pilates studio, the importance of community, and her strategies for business growth. She shares insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of due diligence, and her future plans to mentor others in the fitness industry.

Takeaways

• 💡 Do your due diligence: Ensure you understand the financial requirements and potential profits before starting a business.
• 📈 Start with a clear mission: Abby Whittaker founded In Flow Pilates Studio with the mission to provide high-quality group Pilates classes for the Sunshine Coast.
• 💰 Financial commitment: Abby and her partner invested their savings into the business, knowing they had to make it work within a set timeline.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Transition from corporate to passion: Abby moved from a corporate marketing role to follow her passion for health and fitness.
• 👫 Partnership and teamwork: The success of the studio was built on the partnership and combined skills of Abby and her husband.
• 🌱 Growth from naivety: Abby suggests that being naive and just starting without overthinking can be beneficial for business growth.
• 🔄 Trial and error: Embrace making mistakes as part of the learning process when starting a business.
• 🏢 Consider location carefully: The location of the studio played a crucial role in its success, avoiding industrial areas for a more community-focused environment.
• 🤝 Value of partnerships: Abby emphasizes the importance of partnerships, suggesting that having the right partner can smooth the process of opening additional studios.
• 📱 Expansion through technology: Abby developed the Flow Active app to expand her business beyond the local community and to allow for more time at home after having a baby.
• 🌐 Competition as abundance: Instead of viewing other studios as competition, Abby sees them as part of an abundant market where different studios can cater to different needs.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the In Flow Pilates studio?

The main focus of In Flow Pilates studio is to provide high-quality group Pilates classes for the Sunshine Coast, with an emphasis on community, inclusivity for all fitness levels, body types, and genders, and creating a safe space where people can feel good about themselves.

How did Abby Whittaker transition from the marketing industry to the fitness industry?

Abby Whittaker transitioned from the marketing industry to the fitness industry by taking a role in a health club where part of her pay package was to do Pilates courses. She fell in love with Pilates and later decided to open her own studio when she moved to the Sunshine Coast.

What was the initial financial investment Abby and her partner had to make to start the studio?

Abby and her partner had an initial financial investment of four thousand dollars that they had to live on for four months while they got the studio started.

What was the role of Abby's partner in starting the studio?

Abby's partner played a crucial role in starting the studio by handling the financial planning and setting up spreadsheets to determine what they needed to do financially to be successful.

What advice does Abby give to someone looking to open a Pilates studio?

Abby advises doing due diligence by understanding the numbers and what it will take to have a comfortable profit, working backwards from there, and ensuring that the lease and other costs fit within those numbers.

How did Abby approach the challenge of competition when opening her second studio?

Abby approached competition by focusing on providing a unique flavor and vibe that would attract people who align with her studio's brand, rather than seeing other studios as direct competition.

What is the significance of the 21-day program that In Flow Pilates offers?

The 21-day program is significant because it allows potential clients to try the studio for more than just one session, giving them enough time to get a feel for the instructors, vibe, and community, which often leads to them signing up for a membership.

What is the role of the team in In Flow Pilates' success according to Abby?

The team plays a crucial role in In Flow Pilates' success as they help build the community and reflect the values and quality of the service provided by the studio.

What was the motivation behind Abby creating the Flow Active app?

Abby created the Flow Active app after having her baby, with the motivation to spend more time at home and create something that could be enjoyed by more than just the local community.

What is Abby's view on competition in the Pilates studio industry?

Abby views competition as an opportunity for people to discover Pilates and get into the movement. She believes there is enough clientele for multiple studios and focuses on attracting clients who align with her studio's energy and vibe.

What are Abby's future plans for expanding her business?

Abby plans to move into a mentoring phase, helping others launch successful studios without franchising, and is considering offering teacher training and merchandise related to her brand.