A nickname we were given a few years back from a slightly more vertically blessed employee.
It fits. We wear it.
Over the last few months we’ve had to make some tough decisions, making changes and sacrifices that feel like the ‘Boss Ladies’ part of our title has been more present than ever. We’ve had to put our business hats on and put the health and growth of our small and cherished business, first.
Above our personal love of teaching.
Above the personal desire to please everyone.
For the strength and security of our team and the future of our business in an industry that is rapidly changing. Here’s a bit of what’s going on for us.
As a bold step in our role as studio owners, we have made the decision to take a step back (or up?) in our duties at the studio from June 30th this year. This is a vital step in becoming an efficient and effective business that creates a positive in-studio experience for all of the clients that Movement Principle supports. There is not one client, one shift or one teacher that is more valuable than another but rather a growing system of people supporting people that needs to be nurtured to survive and flourish.
The community that was created inside the walls of our studio spaces is one that needs to be supported and valued and part of that experience relies on the behind the scenes mechanism being truly functional and adaptive. (Much like our bodies! The philosophies of pilates apply to more than just movement!)
A studio owners our role is day to day: the boring numbers, paying the tax man, managing staff, cleaning the toilet and so much more. But more importantly it is to be adaptive to the community needs alongside staying viable and relevant in the industry. We’re not great with change, particularly ones that can cause disappointment. Quite often we give hope and promise to situations with not much chance of recovery. A “just in case” attitude has seen us keep some classes on the timetable well past when they should have been changed. Well past what was viable and well past the “long hard look” we should have been taking. But we know these decisions have to be made sometimes, and we are as committed to the long term health of this business as we are to the long term health of our clients.
In our new role, we will be able to:
- provide better management to support the day-to-day runnings of the studio
- be more available for client enquiries and questions, and support staff with administration and deal with problems as soon as they arise
- to work on some of the great ideas we’ve had for extra opportunities for all of our clients, our community and the development of our team (think workshops! retreats! research! community and charity classes!)
- confidently provide cover for our teachers when they are away on holidays or sick.
One of the main values that we are dedicated to is providing teachers for all of our classes that are professional, dedicated, well trained and reliable. There is a lot of variety out there as far as pilates qualifications and we have made a point to always employ teachers who have educated themselves in the most comprehensive and professional courses in the industry. In turn, we strive to provide our teachers with a good work-life balance, a supportive environment to grow and learn, and as much consistency in their work and their income as is possible. Our new schedule and systems are just one more step towards improving things for all of our team.
We are very excited and inspired by what the next little instalment of Movement Principle will become, and we are buzzing with ideas. New ways of doing things and new experiences to bring you. Watch this space as we evolve, yet again, in this crazy world of business and pilates.
Catherine & Anita
