Welcome back to another episode of the Female Empowered Podcast! If you’re a fitness or wellness business owner who feels drained by workshops or events that don’t generate enough ROI, this episode is for you. I’m sharing strategic, workshop-free ways to attract high-quality leads and grow your client base — without burning yourself out in the process.

In this episode, we explore smart, sustainable alternatives to traditional workshops - like forming partnerships with complementary businesses, offering free assessments, leveraging client referrals, and reaching out to local healthcare providers. I also dive into how micro-content marketing and challenges can help you attract, engage, and convert your ideal clients with less time and energy.

Ever feel like workshops aren’t worth the effort? In this episode, you’ll learn…

• Why workshops might not be the best marketing tool for your business
• How to build referral pipelines through medical professionals and strategic partnerships
• What makes micro-content so powerful for lead generation
• How challenges and free assessments can convert warm leads
• Tips for creating a simple, repeatable client referral system

Resources + Links:

•  Download the free strategy guide: www.christagurka.com/noworkshops
•  Follow me on Instagram: @ChristaGurka

Your Next Steps:
→ Pick ONE strategy and commit to it for the next 90 days
→ DM me on Instagram to let me know which one you’re testing
→ Love the show? Leave a review so we can keep reaching more women in fitness and wellness

In this episode of the Female Empowered Podcast, Christa Gurka sits down with Peter Pastijn, the former studio owner and current Director of Partnerships at Momence, an all-in-one scheduling and management software built specifically for fitness and wellness businesses. 

Peter shares how his experience as a studio owner shaped the development of Momence and how the platform empowers owners to optimize their operations, improve the client experience, and make smarter business decisions. From automated features like Spot Filler to AI-driven tools and a robust CRM, Momence offers an end-to-end solution to help studio owners grow sustainably without being bogged down by admin.

Key Takeaways:

• Momence is an all-in-one software solution for fitness and wellness studios.
• Spot Filler is an AI-powered tool that helps fill empty class spots automatically.
• The platform offers robust CRM and client communication capabilities.
• Understanding key business metrics is essential for long-term growth.
• AI and automation can dramatically reduce your admin workload.
• The Pro Partners Program offers additional business support and strategy.

Book a demo with Momence: https://hubs.la/Q039wXx20

In this week’s episode of Female Empowered, I’m joined by two amazing guests and fellow physical therapists turned business mentors - Dr. C. Shanté Cofield, aka The Movement Maestro, and Lex Lancaster. These two have successfully built their own thriving online brands after years in the clinic, and they’re sharing exactly what it takes to go from in-person to digital.

We dive into what the online business journey actually looks like for health and wellness professionals. Spoiler alert: it’s not a “post and pray” situation - it takes intentional messaging, tech resilience, and a strong grasp of who you’re serving. We also talk about the mindset shifts that are required and why starting small isn’t just okay - it’s smart.

Whether you’re just starting to think about going online or you’ve already dipped your toe in the digital space, this episode is full of practical tips and real talk.

Ever wonder if your brick-and-mortar business could translate online? In this episode, you’ll learn...

• Why you need to focus on effort over outcome
• How niching down helps you connect with the right people
• Why starting small and steady sets you up for long-term success
• What it really means to have "tech tenacity"
• How B2B offers often monetize faster online
• Why your in-person and online audiences aren’t the same—and how to speak to both

About Lecture Mine
Shanté and Lex also share details about their signature program, Lecture Mine, a 9-month mentorship for brick-and-mortar professionals ready to go digital. If you're tired of Googling your way through every step of this journey, this program offers support, clarity, and strategy—all tailored to wellness professionals just like you.

Connect with Our Guests
Lex Lancaster
Instagram: @lexlancaster
Website: lexlancaster.com

Shanté Cofield (The Movement Maestro)
Instagram: @movementmaestro

Loved this episode? Here’s what to do next:

•  Share this with a fellow health pro who’s ready to go online.
•  DM me on Instagram @christagurka to let me know your biggest takeaway.
•  Subscribe and leave a review so more women in fitness and wellness can find this podcast.

Thanks for tuning in - and remember, the first step is just showing up. Talk to you next week!

In this episode of Female emPOWERED, Christa Gurka sits down with Sandy Taylor, a Vice President Senior Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab, to discuss what small business owners really need to know about financial planning. From retirement accounts to investment strategies, Sandy breaks down complex concepts into clear, actionable advice.

They talk about how to start investing even if you don’t have a ton of cash, what retirement account is best for your situation, and the key roles that make up your financial support team. Whether you're just starting out or looking to build long-term wealth and freedom, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Points Discussed:
Ever wonder if you’re doing enough to plan for your financial future as a business owner? In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What types of retirement plans are available to small business owners (and how to choose the right one)
• Where to start with investing if you don’t have a huge cushion
• Why diversification and risk tolerance matter more than timing the market
• Who you really need on your financial team—and what each of those roles does
• The one question to always ask a financial advisor before hiring them

 If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, connect with a professional who can guide you. Visit schwab.com or stop into one of their 300+ locations nationwide to speak with a consultant. You can also call their 1-800 number to get started.

And remember - whether you’re investing $500 or $50,000, it’s never too early to start. Review your current financial accounts, ask smart questions, and start planning for the future you want.

Download the Financial Planning Checklist here!

 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

Want to connect with Christa or ask a question about today’s episode? Send her a DM over on Instagram @ChristaGurka, or visit www.christagurka.com for free resources, coaching options, and more.

Thanks for tuning in to Female emPOWERED - see you next week!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female Empowered Podcast! Today, we’re diving into something every small business owner faces—the mental battles, self-doubt, and challenges that come with running your own business.

In this episode, I’m opening up about the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, how to take control of your narrative, and why being "in the arena" means embracing both high achievements and setbacks.

If you’ve ever felt criticism, comparison, or self-doubt creeping in, this conversation is for you. Let's talk about why vulnerability is a strength, how to celebrate your wins, and why the most successful entrepreneurs keep showing up, even when it’s hard.

Some of the key takeaways from this episode include...

• Embracing discomfort: it’s a non-negotiable part of business ownership.
• Take control of your own story instead of letting internal critics define your success.
• How vulnerability fuels growth: leaning into it helps you become a stronger, more creative leader.
• The importance of showing up and taking risks: progress happens when you stay in the game.

Loved this episode? Share it with another woman in business who needs to hear it!

Looking for a supportive community of women in the arena? Join my monthly membership group at ChristaGurka.com and connect with other ambitious entrepreneurs navigating the same challenges.

Let’s keep the conversation going—follow me on Instagram @ChristaGurka and DM me your biggest takeaway from today’s episode!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female Empowered Podcast! If you’ve been wondering how to fund your business growth without dipping into your savings, this episode is for you. Today, we’re exploring creative funding options that can help you invest in your business without putting your personal finances at risk.

From small business loans and lines of credit to grants, strategic partnerships, and crowdfunding, I’ll walk you through the best ways to secure funding while maintaining financial stability. Knowing your financing options is key to sustainable growth, whether you're looking to purchase equipment, expand operations, or invest in marketing.

Key takeaways from this episode include…

• Shift your mindset about debt. Instead of fearing debt, consider it a way to keep cash on hand while strategically managing repayment.
• Explore funding options like SBA loans, business lines of credit, and revenue-based financing to cover expansion costs.
• To secure non-repayable funding, look into grant opportunities, especially those designed for women entrepreneurs.
• Leverage partnerships and sponsorships to reduce expenses and secure additional resources.
• Use no-interest credit cards strategically to finance short-term expenses and pay them off within the promotional period.

If you're ready to explore funding options, here are a few places to start:

• Apply for the Amber Grant at AmberGrant.com, which offers $1,000 monthly grants for women entrepreneurs.
• Explore the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant at EileenFisher.com for opportunities to secure funding.
• Check out the Cartier Women's Initiative Award at CartierWomensInitiative.com for high-impact funding options.
• Research the Dream Big Awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at uschamber.com/dream-big-awards.

Growing your business doesn’t have to mean depleting your personal savings. By exploring these funding strategies, you can invest in your growth while keeping your finances intact. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with other business owners who could benefit from these insights!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmpowerED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today we’re tackling one of the most critical aspects of running a profitable boutique fitness or wellness business—pricing, pay rates, and expenses. If you've ever wondered how to structure your pricing for long-term financial health, this episode is for you.

We’ll break down industry statistics on average revenue and profit margins, and I’ll walk you through how to calculate your break-even point so you can confidently price your services. I’ll also share real-world examples of how aligning pricing with pay rates and expenses can ensure a sustainable, thriving business. Plus, I’ll discuss why working with industry-experienced coaches can be a game-changer when it comes to financial strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Pricing isn’t just about competitors. Setting rates based solely on what others charge can lead to unsustainable margins.
• Know your break-even point. Understanding your minimum revenue requirement helps you price for profit, not just survival.
• A 15% profit margin is the goal. This ensures financial health and allows you to reinvest in growth.
• Align your pricing, pay rates, and expenses. Every dollar matters—ensuring balance between these factors is key to profitability.
• Expert guidance can make all the difference. An experienced coach in the boutique fitness and wellness industry can help fine-tune your numbers for success.

If you want to take control of your pricing and pay structure download the "Healthy Percentages" guide at www.christagurka.com/healthypercentage to assess where your business stands.

By understanding and optimizing your financials, you’ll be in a position to run a profitable, sustainable business that supports both your team and your growth. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow business owner who needs this insight. 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 we’re diving deep into the financial side of business with Danielle Hayden, founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by bookkeeping, taxes, or figuring out how much to pay yourself, this episode is for you!

Danielle is an expert in helping business owners understand their numbers, so they can make better financial decisions that support growth and sustainability. In this conversation, we break down some of the most essential financial strategies for entrepreneurs—like how to separate personal and business finances, when it makes sense to become an S-Corp, and why saving for taxes (before tax season hits!) is a non-negotiable.

Some of the key takeaways from the episode are…

• Get your finances in order. Learn why separating personal and business finances is a crucial first step in managing your money effectively.
• S-Corp advantages. Find out if electing S-Corp status is the right move for your business and what criteria you need to meet.
• Pay yourself like a CEO. Understanding reasonable compensation as an S-Corp owner is key to avoiding IRS scrutiny and ensuring financial stability.
• Prepare for tax season year-round. Danielle shares tips on tax-saving strategies, including setting aside money in a high-yield savings account.
• Know your financial benchmarks. Get insights into healthy financial ratios for payroll, facility costs, and profit margins to ensure your business stays on track.

If you’re ready to get serious about your business finances, Danielle has a free resource for you! Head over toKickstartAccountingInc.com/gift to download her Top 10 Deductions Worksheet and start keeping more of your hard-earned money.

And if you want to dive deeper into financial strategies, check out Danielle’s podcast, Business by the Books, where she covers these topics in even greater detail.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit! Let’s normalize financial confidence and take control of our numbers. 

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 I had the pleasure of chatting with Lauren Peachie, a marketing strategist who helps small businesses shine. Lauren shared her inspiring journey from photography to mastering marketing strategy, emphasizing how crucial it is to align your visuals and messaging with your brand and target audience.

In our conversation, we explored the core elements of an effective marketing strategy—from understanding who your ideal client is, to choosing the right platforms and creating consistent messaging. Lauren broke down the three main types of marketing: attracting new clients, nurturing existing ones, and retaining current customers. We also delved into the practical side of marketing for small businesses, discussing realistic timelines, tracking meaningful engagement metrics, and distinguishing between mere leads and truly qualified ones.

Plus, we got into the role of AI tools in modern marketing. Lauren advises using these tools as a creative aid for brainstorming and analysis—but always with a human touch to verify the results.

Some of our key takeaways include...

• Align Your Marketing: Ensure that your website, social media, and email campaigns consistently reflect your brand, services, and target audience.
• Consistent Over Quick Fixes: Focus on steady, manageable marketing activities over time rather than searching for overnight solutions.
• Measure What Matters: Tracking engagement metrics is key to understanding your marketing’s effectiveness and knowing when to pivot.
• Strategic Use of AI: AI tools can be great for generating ideas and insights, but they should complement your expertise, not replace it.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to connect with Lauren Peachie on Instagram @laurenpeachie or check out her website at laurenpeachie.com. Thanks for tuning in to the Female EmpowerED Podcast—keep empowering yourself and your business, and I’ll catch you in the next episode!

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today I’m thrilled to welcome our special guest, Courtney Moody, a digital marketing and Facebook and Google Ads expert who’s transformed her career by evolving from traditional to digital marketing. In this episode, Courtney breaks down the essentials of a smart, effective marketing strategy for boutique fitness and wellness businesses.

Our conversation covers the importance of understanding the different marketing channels - organic, earned, and paid - and how each plays a critical role in your overall strategy. Courtney dives into setting up powerful Facebook and Google ad campaigns, revealing her top tips for determining goals, targeting the right audience, and optimizing your campaigns. 

Ever wonder how to build a marketing strategy that truly connects with your audience? In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why starting with brand awareness and traffic-driving campaigns is essential before shifting your focus to conversion ads.
• How a deep understanding of your target audience’s intent and pain points can transform your messaging and offers.
• The critical role of a polished, consistent online presence - from your website to your social media—before launching paid ads.
• Which keyword research tools can spark fresh content and boost your campaign’s performance.
• The value of continuous testing and optimization, along with keeping up-to-date on platform changes and algorithm updates.

If you’re ready to refine your marketing strategy you can reach out to Courtney on Instagram @MoodMktg or check out her website at MoodM-E.com.

And if you’re looking for even more support, consider joining our FitBiz Foundations group, where you can tap into Courtney’s insights through community calls and exclusive resources.

Thank you for listening to this insightful episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave an honest review, and share this episode with fellow fitness and wellness entrepreneurs. Until next time - keep empowering yourself and your business!