Your Studio Podcast

Chantelle Bruinsma and Michelle Hunter

Join Chantelle and Michelle as they help you solve your studio and achieve the life of your dreams.

If you are a studio owner and feel a bit like a hamster on a wheel, there is no better place for you to be. Your Studio Podcast will give you practical and powerful guidance on how to better run your studio, based on what's really working in studio businesses right now.

Over the last decade we have worked with thousands of studio owners from over 34 countries in dance, performing arts, music, drama, yoga, pilates, and we've even worked with woodworking studios. If you run a studio with classes, we are your gals.

Your Studio Podcast is about YOU! We are here to share with you the strategies that we know are working and transforming the results and growth of studio businesses. And not only that, we want to hear from you.

Leave us a voicemail and to share with us what you'd like some guidance on in your studio so that we can give you really practical, really straightforward and really powerful advice that's going to help make things a little bit easier for you in your life as a studio owner.

So grab a cuppa, hit subscribe and let's get started.

read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Welcome Home
Jun 12 2024
Welcome Home
It is HERE!In our very first episode of Your Studio Podcast, Chantelle Bruinsma and Michelle Hunter, the powerhouse duo behind Studio Evolution, jump in with all the energy and charm you'd expect from two best friends who also happen to be business partners. These ladies, who lovingly refer to each other as "work wifeys," are here to share their journey and help studio owners reach their dreams.Chantelle and Michelle kick things off with a fun game of "How well do you know me?" It's packed with laughs as they quiz each other on everything from Michelle's love for trashy reality TV to Chantelle's favourite getaway spot (spoiler: think "Aloha"). Their playful banter and genuine affection for each other shine through, making it clear these two have a bond that's as strong as their business acumen.You will be treated to the story of how Studio Evolution came to be and the serendipitous way Michelle joined the team. Michelle’s determination to land a job that had already been filled is both ballsy and endearing, showing just how meant-to-be this partnership was. Chantelle also shares her entrepreneurial beginnings with Born to Perform, recounting how she went from a struggling startup to a business so smooth she could run it from a payphone in Turkey!With lighthearted reminiscing and a deep passion for helping other studio owners, Chantelle and Michelle set the stage for a podcast that's both inspiring and entertaining. Join us for a journey full of laughs, lessons, and a lot of heart.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement02:50 Getting Personal: Chantelle and Michelle's Journey13:24 The Journey of Studio Evolution: Building a Business and a Partnership22:58 Strategies for Success: Building and Evolving a Business25:56 Serving and Supporting Studio Owners: A Commitment to Growth28:23 Humour, Warmth, and Valuable Insights: The Studio Evolution Podcast Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!
Myth Busted: Do Studio Owners Really Earn Peanuts?
Jun 26 2024
Myth Busted: Do Studio Owners Really Earn Peanuts?
Hey there, Studio Superstars! Buckle up for episode 2 where we (Chantelle and Michelle, the Studio Evolution dream team!) dive headfirst into the not-so-glamorous (but incredibly important) topic of studio profitability. Let's face it, running a studio is your passion, but let's be honest, you wouldn't mind a little financial freedom too, right?This episode throws some serious shade on the myth that studio ownership equals financial struggle. We're here to bust that myth wide open! We'll be diving deep into the 3 Fundamentals of Studio Profitability, a powerful framework that'll empower you to transform your studio from a passion project to a profit machine.Get ready to ditch the ramen noodle diet and swap it for actionable strategies! In this episode, you'll learn:Why the "studio owner struggle" narrative is a total myth (and how to avoid it!)The 3 foundational pillars of studio profitability (meet your new financial superheroes: The Profit Plan, Budget Boss, and Salary Sage!)Practical tips to implement these principles in your own studio and start seeing greenReady to stop spinning your wheels and join the elusive 8% Club (hint: it's the group of studio owners living their best financial lives)? Tune in and let Chantelle and Michelle be your secret weapons for studio success.Chapters00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Studio Profitability04:22 Fundamental 1: More Students, More Profit? Mythbuster07:50 Fundamental 2: What to Spend Where: Know Your Limits15:40 Fundamental 3: Profit vs. Salary: Understanding the Distinction17:30 The Transformative Power of Financial Literacy21:33 Studio Evolution: Empowering Studio Owners for Financial Success Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!
Baby-Proofing Your Business: How To Set Up Your Studio So It Can Run Without You
Jul 10 2024
Baby-Proofing Your Business: How To Set Up Your Studio So It Can Run Without You
Cue the Baby Coos!This week, Chantelle & Michelle are here to whisper sweet nothings about that upcoming leave for your little one (or furry friend, we don't judge!).This episode's your guide to "baby-proofing" your studio for stress-free leave and a smooth return. But don't be fooled, it's not all baby talk - this is essentially about setting up systems within your studio to handle any emergency. To set you up on autopilot. To show you how to create a studio that practically runs itself, even when you're busy with diaper duty. Get ready to learn:"Baby-proofing" decoded (hint: it's not about bubble-wrapping your equipment!)Make your leave stress-free, benefitting you and your business (happy you, happy studio!)Consistency is key (think fool-proof processes for even the sleep-deprived you!)Plus, we'll unveil our secret weapon: The Playbook! Think of it as your studio bible – marketing, procedures, the whole shebang. Imagine video tutorials for your team, so leave becomes a breeze, not a "deer in headlights" moment.If you're ready to stop the worry cycle and embrace a smooth-running studio, press play! Let Chantelle & Michelle be your secret weapons for a stress-free (and profitable!) studio adventure! Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!
From Solo Studio Owner to CEO: The Power of Delegation
Jul 24 2024
From Solo Studio Owner to CEO: The Power of Delegation
Feeling like a hamster on a wheel? You're spinning in your studio, managing emails, scheduling sessions, and barely have time to breathe, let alone create! This week, Michelle and Chantelle are diving deep into the game-changing power of hiring a studio admin.We know, we know. You might be thinking, "Can I really afford it?" or "My systems are a mess, how can I delegate?" But guess what? Even a few hours a week can make a world of difference.In this episode, we'll smash those roadblocks and show you how to:Taming the inbox beast: Learn how to delegate email management and free yourself from the constant ping-pong.Embrace the power of "little wins": Start small with manageable tasks and see the magic of delegation unfold.Onboard your studio hero: Discover tips for training your admin and ensuring they understand your brand voice and workflow.Tools for the win: We'll share our favourite resources like TextExpander to streamline communication and keep things running smoothly.Building your dream team: Forget about being a control freak! Learn how to collaborate with your admin and build systems together.By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap for bringing on a part-time admin and finally reclaiming your time. It's your chance to step away from the hamster wheel and focus on your higher purpose, because - "if you just focus on the smallest details, you never get the big picture right" (Leroy Hood).Ready to ditch the overwhelm and embrace studio freedom? Tune in and get ready to transform your business!P.S. You can grab your free downloadable cheat sheet – "The Essential Tasks to Delegate to Your Studio Admin" – at we.studioevolution.com/studioadmincheatsheet Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!
Solving Your Studio: Lead Generation, Multi-Locations and Marketing Your Studio To Stand Out
Aug 7 2024
Solving Your Studio: Lead Generation, Multi-Locations and Marketing Your Studio To Stand Out
Studio owners, let's get personal - we're Solving Your Studio! This episode is your backstage pass to the world of studio growth. We're spilling the tea on everything from lead generation and marketing magic to conquering the challenge of opening a second location.Picture this: You've got a kick-arse studio, amazing teachers, and a passion for what you do. But let's face it, running a studio isn't always a walk/dance/Pilates session in the park. That's where we come in.In this episode, and our first Solving Your Studio segment of the podcast, we're tackling the real-life challenges you face - no sugar-coating. We're serving up practical advice, proven strategies, and a whole lot of inspiration.From crafting irresistible offers that'll have 'em lining up at your studio door, to unlocking the secrets of word-of-mouth marketing, this episode is beyond valuable. And if you're dreaming of expanding your empire with a second location, we'll walk you through the steps to make it happen.But wait, there's more! (See? We've got a burger with the lot!) Get ready to level up your studio game with our upcoming Enrol-A-Thon. It's your golden ticket to filling your classes and achieving your studio goals. Register for FREE here: studioevolution.com/enrolSo grab your favourite beverage, kick back, and get ready to soak up some serious studio wisdom. Your future self will thank you! Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!
Your Next Five Moves - What We Got Up To At Horizon House Bali
Aug 21 2024
Your Next Five Moves - What We Got Up To At Horizon House Bali
Studio Owners, Get Ready to Level Up: Your Next Five MovesAre you dreaming of a studio that's not just surviving, but thriving? Get ready to dive deep into the world of exponential studio growth in this episode of Your Studio Podcast.Michelle and Chantelle give you a special backstage pass as they take you through the ins and outs of their recent Bali retreat, Horizon House, where they unlocked the secrets to transforming your studio. Well, the studios of the 13 amazing studio owners in attendance. And there is so much to learn from what they gained!Picture this: A week of sun, fun, and serious strategy. We're sharing how to create a space where big ideas are born and business goals become reality. From crafting unforgettable experiences to mapping out Your Next Five Moves, this episode is packed with actionable insights.We're talking:The power of stepping away from the daily grind to gain clarity and focusCreating a retreat-like experience for your team to boost morale and productivityOvercoming the "studio owner burnout" and finding balanceUnlocking the four quadrants of growth: operations, sales, innovation, and leadershipAnnouncing the opening of doors to our flagship program, Studio Evolution, with a game-changing money-back guarantee!Ready to turn your studio dreams into reality? This episode is your roadmap to success. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to elevate your studio game!And if you listen and think "YES, SIGN ME UP" for that 1 spot that's left on next year's Horizon House retreat in Thailand (for 2025), apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/jP9NC2QW?utm_source=xxxxx&utm_medium=xxxxx&utm_campaign=xxxxx&utm_term=xxxxx&utm_content=xxxxx Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!
Solving Your Studio: Letting Go With Love, Team Culture and Your Job As Studio Leader
Sep 4 2024
Solving Your Studio: Letting Go With Love, Team Culture and Your Job As Studio Leader
In another instalment of 'Solving Your Studio', this episode tackles one of the trickiest parts of running a studio—managing your team—with the perfect blend of heart, humour, and a sprinkle of tough love. From those difficult "it's not you, it's us" conversations to curating a culture where your teachers practically skip into the studio, we’ve got you covered.Ever wondered how to gracefully let go of team members without leaving their self-esteem in a puddle on the floor?Or how to get everyone on the same page without feeling like you’re herding cats? Well, enter [Studio]HQ, a magical tool from our Studio Evolution program that takes the guesswork out of team communication, turning scattered chaos into smooth coordination.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to lovingly and clearly let someone go without burning bridges (or dampening their sparkle).The secret sauce to setting up communication systems that make your team feel like a well-oiled machine instead of a bunch of spinning plates.How to create a team culture that’s so good, your teachers will be doing happy dances on their way into the studio—no matter how many hours they’re working!Tips for dealing with those “crunchy” moments (yes, like crunchy peanut butter) when organising covers and keeping everyone accountable.Whether you’re on a mission to turn your team dynamics from crunchy to smooth or simply want to create more ease and joy in your leadership, this episode is full of real-talk and actionable insights to help you do just that.Let's work on your team game! Tune in and get ready to feel the magic.And if you feel like you're ready to take our relationship to the next level, then we would love to welcome you into our team. Doors are open for Studio Evolution and we'd love to have a chat to see if this is the right fit for you: studioevolution.com/begin Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!
BONUS! How Kathryn Raats Made $50k in 5 Days - Studio Spotlight
Sep 5 2024
BONUS! How Kathryn Raats Made $50k in 5 Days - Studio Spotlight
In this special bonus episode, we shine a warm spotlight on Kathryn Raats from Western Australia, who has transformed her music studio into a thriving success. Kathryn reveals how she cracked the code on converting her leads during our recent Enrol-A-Thon, and why texting leads outperformed emails by a mile! Discover the power of capturing contact info, nurturing your leads with a well-crafted sequence, and how automation through CRM software can work wonders.Kathryn also opens up about the challenges that come with a sudden influx of leads, and how implementing systems, templates, and even a relief pool of teachers helped her manage the growth and retain students. From overcoming overwhelm to creating a business model that truly works year-round, Kathryn's story is a must-listen for any studio owner looking to take their studio to the next level.If you're ready to be inspired by a fellow studio owner who’s done it all with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of strategy, this episode is for you!✨ About Kathryn Raats:Kathryn Raats is the Founding Director, Head Piano Mentor, and Singing Mentor at West Coast Music School in Western Australia. A graduate of Studio Evolution’s signature 2-year program in February 2022, Kathryn's studio transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her dedication, work ethic, and coach-ability continue to inspire our community of studio owners.With over 15 years of piano teaching and 25 years of experience across various instruments, Kathryn is a beacon of personalised music education. Before founding WCMS, she worked as a nurse and midwife, which gave her a unique perspective on creating a nurturing learning environment that prioritises both musical skill development and overall wellness. Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!
Courage at the Crossroads: Navigating Hard Decisions in Studio Ownership
Sep 18 2024
Courage at the Crossroads: Navigating Hard Decisions in Studio Ownership
Friends, get ready for the grand finale of our first season of Your Studio Podcast. Today, we're tackling one of the most hardcore aspects of running a studio—making hard decisions—with our signature blend of humour, heart, and a touch of reality check.Ever had to make a decision that felt like a high wire act without a safety net? Or found yourself torn between doing what's right for you and fearing disappointing others? We've been there. In fact, we faced this very challenge recently when we had to cancel a live event due to Michelle's health.For this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on our decision-making process and sharing how we handled this tricky situation. We'll also dive into the unexpected relief and empowerment that can come from making those tough calls.What's more, we'll explore the concept of perturbation—a little something we teach in our Studio Evolution program—and how it can be a springboard to growth and evolution.In today's episode, you'll take away:- The courage to make hard decisions that serve not just your business, but your well-being too.- The comfort of knowing that it's okay to disappoint others if it means making the right choice for you.- An understanding of how 'perturbation' can shake things up for your growth and evolution.- An invitation to reflect on decisions you might need to make for your studio and yourself.So, are you grappling with a tough decision or just want to feel a little less alone in the tricky world of studio ownership? We've got you covered. Tune in, and get ready to embrace the empowerment that comes from making the right, albeit difficult, decisions. Here's to navigating these decision-making crossroads together! Got a studio niggle right now? Leave us a voicemail, and we can help Solve Your Studio in one of our episodes. Chat to us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeaveEvolutionAVoicemailBe sure to follow us for more content perfect for Studio Owners!Instagram: @thestudioevolution YouTube: @thestudioevolutionFacebook: @TheStudioEvolutionWebsite: studioevolution.com/startALL our best!