Female emPOWERED: Winning in Business & Life

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]!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today we have a special guest joining us—Monica Spoelstra, a PR expert and holistic health coach. In this episode, we’re taking a look at how business owners can learn to be their own PR agency and take charge of their media presence.

Monica and I talk about the key differences between marketing and PR, explore earned vs. paid media, and highlight some common mistakes businesses make when it comes to public relations. One of the biggest takeaways? Building relationships with journalists and media outlets takes time, but it’s worth the effort when you do it consistently.

Monica will also be leading an interactive workshop at my upcoming CEO Summit, where she’ll teach her 3-part storytelling framework for crafting effective PR pitches that grab attention and get results.

Here are some of the key discussion points we covered:

• Understanding your key messages and ideal clients is crucial for a successful PR strategy.
• Tips on finding and building relationships with journalists and media outlets that matter to your business.
• How to become a consistent and reliable source for media professionals.
• Strategies to make your PR pitches stand out and leave a lasting impression.
• Monica's holistic health coaching approach and her passion for helping women navigate life transitions and feel empowered as they age.

Ready to dive deeper? Join us at the CEO Summit in November, where Monica will be hosting a workshop on her 3-part storytelling framework for PR success. You can learn more and register at ChristaGurka.com/CEOSummit.

• Follow Monica’s new Instagram account (@itsmonicaspoelstra) and visit her website monicaspoelstra.com to learn more about her holistic health coaching services.

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 anyone who could benefit from these PR tips. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business!

About Monica
Monica Spoelstra is a communications strategist and writer with extensive experience across diverse industries, including professional sports, athletic footwear/apparel, tech, telecommunications, hospitality, travel and tourism, and wellness. Beyond her communications work, Monica is also a certified life coach and holistic wellness advocate, specializing in guiding women through significant life changes such as midlife/menopause, career shifts, divorce and other transitions. Monica believes that times of change, while often deeply challenging, can offer opportunities for immense growth and self-discovery. She uses her unique blend of professional expertise, warmth and compassion to help clients navigate life's challenges and emerge stronger and more empowered. Through her coaching, clients consistently report a more positive outlook on life, increased self-confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose as they embrace their personal and professional transformations.

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today we’re talking all about planning for Q4 and reviewing your business’s success in 2024 to set yourself up for an incredible 2025.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to evaluate your business performance, identify areas for improvement, and develop a strategic plan for the upcoming year. Whether you’re looking to refine your services, optimize your financials, or fine-tune your marketing, this episode will give you the tools to get started.

Key topics we’ll discuss:

• Setting up team meetings to gather insights on what worked, what didn’t, and areas for improvement
• Analyzing your financial performance by reviewing revenue streams, profit margins, and top/underperforming services
• Evaluating client metrics, retention rates, and class attendance to understand your studio’s utilization
• Assessing your service offerings to identify what needs revamping or phasing out
• Reviewing marketing and sales strategies, including cost per acquisition and customer lifetime value
• Designing strategies for 2025 based on the lessons learned from your 2024 review

Some actionable takeaways include:

• Pull reports on your revenue streams, expenses, and profit margins to get a clear view of your financial performance in 2024.
• Administer client feedback surveys and review the responses to gauge satisfaction and areas for improvement.
• Evaluate underperforming classes or services and determine whether they need adjustments or should be discontinued.

Don’t miss out on my Women in Wellness Business Summit happening this November. It’s the perfect place to develop your 2025 strategic plan with the support of a like-minded community. 

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow business owners. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business for success in 2025!

Interested in attending the Women in Wellness Summit? Visit ChristaGurka.com/CEOSummit

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Today, we’re diving into an important topic for all fit biz studio owners, wellness business owners, and private pay physical therapy practice owners—building a personal brand.

In this episode, our host Christa Gurka shares her own journey of creating a personal brand alongside her Pilates studio, Pilates in the Grove. She explores how developing a brand around your unique gifts, skills, experiences, and personality can open doors to new clients, speaking opportunities, and additional revenue streams.

Here are some key takeaways from today’s episode:

• Personal Branding Basics: A personal brand is about building a brand around yourself, authentically showcasing your unique attributes.
• Business Alignment: It’s essential to align your brand with your business brand while maintaining consistency across platforms.
• Social Media: Leverage visual platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with your audience and showcase behind-the-scenes content.
• Engagement Strategies: Use features like stories, polls, and questions to engage with your audience and build a strong connection.
• Growth Opportunities: To expand your personal brand's reach, seek public speaking, collaborations, and influencer marketing.

Learn more about our Women In Wellness Business Summit by visiting ChristaGurka.com/CEOSummit.

Make sure to tune in to our next episode, where we’ll discuss exciting ideas to update your studio as we head into fall and the final quarter of the year!

Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and others!

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

Welcome back to the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Today’s episode is a must-listen for boutique fitness and wellness business owners looking to elevate their presence through personal branding.

Joining us are expert guests Latasha Doyle and Lauren from Uncanny Content. They share their invaluable insights on how to effectively balance a business brand with a personal brand, ensuring each has its unique appeal and purpose.

Here are some critical insights from our discussion:

• Understanding Your Audience: Latasha and Lauren stress the importance of knowing who you are talking to and what goals you aim to achieve with each of your brands, keeping them distinct yet complementary.
• Building Successful Brands: We discuss examples of personal brands that successfully complement the main business without competing with it.
• Starting Small: The advice is to start with a small proof of concept for your personal brand before expanding, ensuring it's viable and impactful.
• Guiding Decisions: How capacity and profitability should be your guide when deciding to add a personal brand offering to your business.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal branding can significantly attract new clients and build authority, but it requires strategic execution.
• It’s crucial to separate business and personal brands in content and platforms to prevent confusion among your audience.
• Testing ideas and gathering feedback before fully investing in a personal brand helps in making informed decisions.
• Aligning personal brand goals with your business’s needs and capacities ensures sustainable growth.

Want to dive deeper into personal branding and business strategies? Visit www.christagurka.com/CEOSummit to learn more about and enroll in the 2024 Women and Wellness Business Summit.

If you’re ready to start or refine your personal branding journey, schedule a strategy intensive call with Uncanny Content today!

Thank you for tuning in to another empowering episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network to help spread the valuable insights shared today. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your community!

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