Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today we’re diving into a topic I’ve often shied away from—money. In this episode, I’m getting honest about my own financial journey, from the discomfort of out-earning family members to embracing the responsibility and freedom that come with financial success. We’ll explore the historical, generational, and personal influences that shape how we talk, think, and feel about money—and why we need to change the narrative.

Key Takeaways:

• Normalizing Money Conversations: It’s time to make talking about money, wealth, and financial success commonplace—especially for women.
• Recognize Your Worth: Stand firm in your pricing and acknowledge the value you provide. Your expertise and impact deserve fair compensation.
• Shift Your Mindset by Surrounding Yourself with Success: Seek out role models and peers who openly discuss money. This can help you break down limiting beliefs and embrace financial growth.
• Use Your Resources Wisely: Financial success isn’t just about personal gain. It can amplify your influence, help you prepare for the future, and support causes you care about.

Thank you for tuning in to this candid and empowering episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow business owners who need a boost of financial confidence. Until next time, keep empowering yourself, your business, and your bank account!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today we’re spotlighting an inspiring business journey with Dr. Laura Summer, the founder and CEO of In Motion Physical Therapy. Dr. Laura’s story is one of resilience, growth, and learning to lead with intention while balancing the demands of business and family life.

In this episode, Dr. Laura shares how she started her practice in 2013 and grew it into a thriving business with 9 employees by 2024. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to investing in her leadership skills, Laura’s journey demonstrates the power of patience, persistence, and seeking support.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• The Power of Delegation: Dr. Laura learned that delegating tasks and building systems are key to scaling a business, even if it’s uncomfortable at first.
• Seek Support and Education: Joining Christa’s FitBiz program in 2021/2022 and participating in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program helped Laura optimize her practice, expand her offerings, and step into her role as a leader.
• Separate Self-Worth from Business Success: Laura emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and not tying your personal worth to the ups and downs of your business.
• Patience and Persistence: Building a sustainable business takes time and effort. Laura’s story is a reminder that long-term success is possible with persistence and focus.

Are you struggling with the demands of running a business? Take inspiration from Dr. Laura and consider investing in mentorship, programs, or resources that can help you grow your skills as a leader. 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might find it helpful. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business!

Want to be featured on a future episode or ask a question? Reach out at [email protected]!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today we’re featuring an inspiring story of unexpected entrepreneurship with Beth Adas, owner of Balance Yoga and Pilates in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Beth’s journey into business ownership is a testament to taking leaps of faith. When the previous owners of the studio announced they were closing, Beth—a longtime client and yoga teacher there—decided to step in and save the space she loved, despite having no prior business experience. In this episode, she shares how she transitioned from teacher to owner, the challenges she faced in her first year, and how she’s turned the business into a thriving community hub.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Studios Can Be Profitable: Despite the struggles many yoga and fitness studios face, Beth worked with business coaches to develop strategies that increased recurring revenue and made her studio financially sustainable.
• Hiring Administrative Support is a Game-Changer: Bringing on an admin staff member allowed Beth to focus on growth and strategy instead of being bogged down in day-to-day tasks.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Beth admits she struggled with imposter syndrome as a new business owner but found strength in her passion for the studio and its community.
• Personal Development is Key: Through therapy, Beth has learned to set boundaries, prioritize her self-care, and manage the emotional demands of business ownership.

Tips for Studio Owners:

1. Hire Administrative Support: Freeing yourself from daily operations will give you the space to focus on strategic growth.
2. Seek Out Mentorship: Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or experienced, working with a coach or mentor can accelerate your success.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: Your mindset and emotional well-being are just as important as the tactical elements of running your business.

If you’re a yoga or Pilates studio owner—or considering becoming one—Beth’s story is packed with insights you can learn from. Take time to reflect on where you might benefit from hiring help, seeking mentorship, or investing in your personal development.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow business owners. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business!

Want to be featured on a future episode or ask a question? Reach out at [email protected]!

Welcome back to another episode of Female Empowered with your host, Christa Gurka! In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that can completely change the way you experience entrepreneurship: cultivating a mindset of gratitude. Especially during the busy holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to appreciate the privilege of building something meaningful.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll cover in this episode:

• Reframing Business Challenges: Instead of seeing business challenges—like constant phone calls, overflowing inboxes, and mounting expenses—as problems, we can shift our perspective and recognize them as signs of growth and opportunities. This mindset shift can reduce stress and help you approach every task with a sense of purpose and gratitude.
• Keep a "Wins Journal": I encourage you to start documenting your wins—big or small—every day. This journal will help you focus on the positive progress you’re making, no matter how tiny the victory may seem. It’s a great way to look back and see how far you’ve come.
• Create Gratitude Triggers: I also share tips on how to create gratitude triggers that will shift your mindset in the moment. For example, when you're working on the weekends, remind yourself, "I get to build something I believe in." This simple shift can turn moments of stress into moments of appreciation.
• Entrepreneurship as a Privilege: The overall message of this episode is that the challenges we face as entrepreneurs are not burdens—they are privileges. The "pressure" we experience is a sign that we are making an impact, and we have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and create something meaningful.

Key Takeaways:

• Reframe business challenges as signs of growth and demand, not problems.
• Start a "wins journal" to document small daily accomplishments.
• Create gratitude triggers to shift your mindset during stressful moments.
• Remember, entrepreneurship is a privilege. The pressure is a reflection of your ability to make an impact.

Call to Action: This week, try implementing just one gratitude practice—whether it’s starting a wins journal or creating a gratitude trigger for when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let’s shift our mindset and embrace the challenges as the opportunities they truly are.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share it with fellow business owners. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more tips and updates on how to thrive in business.

Until next time, remember: every challenge is a chance to grow!

Welcome back to another episode of Female Empowered with your host, Christa Gurka! Today, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the Women in Wellness Business Summit, our fourth annual event that just wrapped up, and it was an absolute game-changer. Not only did we sell out for the first time ever with 25 incredible women, but the event was packed with hands-on learning, strategic planning, and powerful insights that left everyone inspired and ready to take their business to the next level.

Here’s a peek at what went down at the summit:

• This year, we focused on giving our attendees personal attention, keeping the event small and exclusive for women who own boutique healthcare, wellness, and fitness businesses. From physical therapy practices to Pilates studios and more, the women in the room were all there for the same reason: to grow and level up in their businesses.
• Expert-Led Presentations:
  • Monica Spolstra taught us how to be our own PR agency and pitch ourselves to the media without paying expensive retainers.
  • Danielle Hayden from Kickstart Accounting shared her expert tips on budgeting for success, including how to project future expenses and ensure your marketing spend is on point.
  • Lauren Hanson from Uncanny Content showed us how to maximize retention and drive sales by nurturing our existing clients—no need for endless TikToks and Reels!
  • Mitch McGinley from Boutique Fitness Broker broke down how to prepare your business for an exit—whether you’re thinking of selling or just want more freedom and flexibility.
• Strategic Planning for 2025: I led the attendees through a full-day session on reviewing their 2024 goals and setting actionable, measurable objectives for 2025. We focused on everything from revenue goals to team dynamics to client retention, and we left with clear, personalized plans to implement right away.
• Small Group Implementation: One of the most valuable parts of the summit was the small group implementation sessions. Attendees had the chance to break into groups and ask specific questions, get feedback, and start implementing their new plans with expert guidance. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business, it’s all about taking action!

But don’t just take my word for it—here’s what some of our attendees had to say:

• “This summit was the most actionable event I’ve ever been to! I’m leaving with a clear plan and so many ideas to implement right away.”
• “I feel secure and confident going back to my business with clarity. This summit has helped me see exactly what I need to do to level up in 2025.”

The next Women in Wellness Business Summit is already in the works, and if you want to be one of the first to sign up, make sure to get on the waitlist now. Head to my website to sign up today!

Save the Date: Block off November 6-8, 2025, for the next summit. It’s going to be bigger, better, and packed with even more insights and actionable steps to grow your business.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, this summit is for you. We focus on the real challenges women business owners face and provide the tools and strategies you need to overcome them. No fluff, just practical, actionable advice to help you thrive.

Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a minute to leave a review and help other female business owners discover our podcast. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more tips and updates!

Until next time, my friend, keep empowering yourself and your business!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today we have a fantastic episode featuring Dr. Amanda Frank, the founder and CEO of Uplift Physical Therapy in San Antonio, TX. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own physical therapy practice—or are curious about the world of pelvic health PT—this episode is a must-listen!

Dr. Amanda Frank shares her inspiring journey from being a military physical therapist to becoming a specialist in pelvic health and opening her own cash-based practice. She talks about how a personal pelvic health issue led her to this field and how she turned her passion into a thriving business. In just over two years, Uplift Physical Therapy has expanded to include 5 physical therapists and a dedicated front desk staff, with Amanda stepping fully into her role as a leader and CEO.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Hire Slowly and Fire Fast: Amanda emphasizes the importance of taking your time to hire the right people for your team and not being afraid to let someone go if they're not a good fit.
• Staff Relationships and Communication: Understanding your staff's individual strengths, weaknesses, and motivations is crucial for building a strong team and a positive work environment.
• Emotional Management for Business Owners: Amanda talks about how business ownership requires emotional resilience. It's about responding thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally and seeking objective evidence over assumptions.
• The Importance of Systems and Processes: While not the most glamorous part of business, investing in strong systems and processes has been a game-changer for Amanda’s practice, setting the foundation for sustainable growth.
• Building a Support Network: Business ownership can be isolating. Amanda stresses the value of having a network of other business owners who understand the unique challenges you face.

Connect with Amanda’s practice, Uplift Physical Therapy, on Instagram @UpliftPTP or on her website and follow her work for more insights on running a successful pelvic health PT business.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might find it helpful. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and those around you!

Interested in being a guest or learning more about how to grow your practice? Reach out to me at [email protected]!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Today’s episode flips the script a bit as Latasha Doyle, founder and CEO of Uncanny Content, takes over as the host to interview me, Christa Gurka! We’re kicking off a special series where we highlight different business stories, and what better way to start than by diving into my journey of building and growing Pilates in the Grove?

In this candid conversation, Latasha and I talk about everything from starting as an accidental entrepreneur to navigating major business challenges like partnerships, rebranding, and scaling a multi-location Pilates and physical therapy business. We also dive into leadership, personal growth, and the struggles of managing a team, especially during difficult times like COVID.

Some of the things we discussed in this episode include...

• Becoming a Business Owner: My journey started unintentionally, but over time, I realized I was not just managing a project—I was growing a real business.
• Lessons from Partnership 'Divorces': When you’re no longer aligned with your business partners, sometimes the best move is to part ways, even if it’s financially difficult. It was a tough but pivotal moment for me to take full control of Pilates in the Grove.
• Overcoming Overwhelm: At one point, I felt like burning the business to the ground. What helped? Therapy, working on myself, and finally hiring a COO who could take over the operational side of the business.
• Scaling and Leadership: Moving from being a service provider to becoming a leader was the hardest transition. I had to learn to let go, delegate, and build a strong executive team around me.
• The Importance of Asking for Help: As business owners, we sometimes feel like we need to do it all. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help—and that delegation doesn’t make you a bad leader.

Got a question or want to be featured on the podcast? You can now leave me a voice message! Just visit ChristaGurka.com/messages to ask your question or share your thoughts.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It helps get the podcast in front of more women in healthcare, wellness, and fitness.

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode! Keep an eye out for more inspiring business stories in the coming episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe and share this with fellow entrepreneurs.

Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today’s episode is perfect for the spooky season—filled with scary tales of studio ownership and fitness instructing. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started, these stories will entertain you and give you some valuable lessons on how to avoid these “spooky” situations.

In this episode, I share some real-life scary stories submitted by our community of Pilates and fitness instructors, highlighting unexpected events that happen in the studio. From equipment malfunctions to clients not disclosing critical health information and even legal and safety challenges, you’ll hear it all.

Some of the takeaways from this episode are...

• Check your equipment regularly: Make sure you’re inspecting your reformer springs and other equipment on a consistent basis to avoid accidents. I share a few stories of springs breaking during class and the importance of regular maintenance.
• Know your clients’ history: Whether it's hidden scars, forgotten surgeries, or major health conditions, clients don’t always share their full history. We discuss the importance of thorough intake forms and checking in with clients.
• Protect your business from legal scares: I share a personal story about dealing with a staff member spreading false information and stirring up legal trouble. Plus, I touch on a colleague’s experience being sued for misclassifying contractors.
• Safety and security in your studio: Learn how to handle situations involving belligerent clients or theft in your studio. Locking doors and having clear safety protocols can make a big difference.
• Insurance is key: Fires, floods, and other disasters can strike anytime. Make sure your business is fully insured and that you have policies in place to protect your assets and operations.

If you have any spooky studio stories of your own, I’d love to hear them! DM me over on Instagram @ChristaGurka, or head to my website at ChristaGurka.com/messages where you can leave me a voice message directly.

Be sure to tune in next week for an exciting interview where my content team will be asking me all about my journey from side hustle to a multi-seven-figure business!

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow business owners. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business, and have a safe and fun Halloween!

Want to be featured on a future episode? Email me at [email protected]!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Napolitano, an experienced commercial real estate landlord, to dive into the ins and outs of negotiating effective commercial leases. This episode is packed with valuable insights for small business owners, especially in the fitness and wellness industries, who are navigating the complex world of leasing space for their business.

Here’s what we covered in today’s episode:

Key Discussion Points:

• Lease Types: We discuss the differences between gross and triple net leases and the unique responsibilities of each party in these agreements.
• Market Research: Learn why understanding local market conditions is crucial for setting realistic expectations and negotiating better terms.
• Negotiating Key Terms: From CAM (common area maintenance) caps to responsibilities for repairs and maintenance, Mark shares what you should focus on during negotiations.
• Personal Guarantees: We dive into the risks involved with personal guarantees and how tenants can protect themselves.
• Building Relationships: Discover the importance of maintaining a positive, proactive relationship with your landlord—especially when financial challenges arise.
• Lease Renewals & Changes: Get prepared for lease renewals and potential changes when the building is sold.

Need help with your next lease negotiation? Download the Commercial Lease Negotiation Checklist for Small Businesses to ensure you’re prepared to secure the best possible terms for your business.

 Be sure to grab the Negotiating A Commercial Lease Checklist here.

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow business owners in your network. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business!

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Reach out to me at [email protected]!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Today, we’re talking all about alternatives to price discounting for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As business owners, we often feel pressured to slash prices during the holiday season, but I’m here to show you how you can add value instead of gutting your prices.

In this episode, I’ll share several strategies you can implement to make the most of holiday promotions without compromising the integrity of your services or revenue. Whether it’s adding free assessments, incorporating branded merchandise, or strategically bundling services, there are plenty of ways to entice clients without offering steep discounts.

Here are some key discussion points from today’s episode:

• Adding Value: Learn how to enhance your packages by offering free postural assessments, branded merchandise, or AI-generated content, such as meal plans or at-home workouts.
• Bundling Services: Explore the benefits of bundling private sessions, group classes, recovery services, or nutrition consultations to create a more comprehensive offering.
• Pre-Recorded Content: Leverage pre-recorded content to create discounted program offerings that don’t eat into your time or revenue.
• Loyalty Programs: Implement a loyalty program where clients can earn points for services and redeem them for additional benefits.
• Local Collaborations: Partner with local businesses to offer wellness bundles that give your clients added value and unique experiences.
• Holiday-Specific Offerings: Consider developing a “home for the holidays” package that clients can gift or use for themselves, valid through the end of the year.
• Expiration Dates: Ensure any deals or promotions have clear expiration dates to avoid long-term devaluation of your services.

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow business owners as they prepare for the holiday season. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business!

Interested in being a guest on a future Female Friday episode? Email me at [email protected]!