I'm Christa Gurka, accidental entrepreneur turned CEO of a multi million dollar health and wellness business. Listen to episodes to hear expert insights and real conversations about what it means to show up, thrive, and — of course — get paid.

 You'll learn what works, what doesn’t, and what REALLY happens behind the scenes of a client-based business. All so you can take away advice and actionable steps that help you become a more successful and confident business owner — on your own terms.

In this episode, Christa takes you behind the scenes of a live training she hosted for her Inner Circle clients, all about how to get better results from AI tools like ChatGPT. If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blinking cursor when trying to write content - or ended up with a robotic, boring blog post - this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Female Empowered Podcast, host Christa Gurka addresses a challenge many wellness entrepreneurs face: a summer marketing slump. July, in particular, can feel slow - with fewer leads, lower engagement, and conversions that seem to stall. But before you scrap your strategy entirely, Christa explains why a full overhaul may not be necessary.

Host Christa Gurka dives into a topic many business owners feel but rarely name: the invisible emotional labor that comes with leadership. From managing team morale to handling client dissatisfaction, making decisions, and being the emotional safety net for everyone - women business owners often carry an unseen weight that leads to burnout, resentment, and stress.

Christa Gurka tackles a topic that’s often misunderstood in the fitness and wellness space: accountability. Speaking directly to both business owners and employees, Christa breaks down what accountability really means—and why it’s a necessary ingredient for a thriving, sustainable business.

In this powerful follow-up episode, Christa Gurka shares part two of her journey to selling her Pilates studio, Pilates in the Grove. After a near miss at the closing table in 2024, Christa regrouped, healed, and ultimately closed a successful deal in March 2025. 

This episode is both a personal story and a practical guide for boutique fitness and wellness business owners considering a future sale.

Christa walks listeners through what went wrong with the first deal, what changed the second time around, and how she approached due diligence, valuation, and choosing the right buyer. She shares honest reflections on the emotional rollercoaster of selling something she spent 15 years building, and the mindset shifts required to transition from founder to former majority owner.

In this week’s episode of Female Empowered, host Christa Gurka is sharing a story she's never told publicly before - the story of the time she almost sold her business, Pilates in the Grove.

This is part one of a two-part series where she'll walk you through the emotional, strategic, and operational journey behind trying to sell the business she built from the ground up. From a modest $2,400 investment in 2008 to a multi-location, seven-figure business, Christa poured everything into building something that could eventually operate — and be sold — without her.

In this episode of the Female Empowered podcast, host Christa Gurka breaks down the financial and operational differences between class packages and membership models for fitness and wellness businesses.

While class packages offer flexibility, they often lead to inconsistent cash flow, making it harder to forecast revenue and plan for growth. Christa shares research and real-world examples showing how transitioning to a membership model can improve revenue stability, client consistency, and long-term business sustainability.

In this week’s episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics: membership models and how they can be a game-changer for fitness, wellness, and healthcare business owners.

Whether you run a Pilates studio, a physical therapy clinic, or any other service-based business, a well-designed membership model can provide more predictable revenue, improve client retention, and even increase the value of your business when it comes time to sell.

I share real-world examples from my own experience and those of my clients, breaking down how a recurring revenue model can reduce the pressure of constantly acquiring new clients and help you build a more sustainable, profitable business.

In this episode of the Female Empowered Podcast, Christa Gurka explores a common but often misunderstood challenge in the wellness and fitness business world: what happens when being “fully booked” starts working against you. 

If your calendar is packed, your energy is drained, and your business feels stuck, this episode is for you.

Christa breaks down the signs that indicate you’ve hit a business growth ceiling - including a maxed-out schedule, declining quality of service, and the inability to grow without your constant involvement. She shares actionable strategies for reclaiming your time and building a more sustainable business, including delegating, raising prices strategically, and creating a self-sufficient team that keeps your operations running smoothly. 

In this episode of the Female emPOWERED Podcast, host Christa Gurka tackles one of the more stressful realities of being a business owner — when a rockstar team member gives notice. Whether it’s an instructor, therapist, or front desk leader, losing someone who plays a vital role can feel like a major blow. But Christa reminds listeners that “everything is figureoutable” — and with the right mindset and strategy, staff turnover can actually be a growth opportunity, not just a setback.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

On this episode, 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.

Welcome back to another episode of the Female emPOWERED Podcast with your host, Christa Gurka! 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!

On this episode 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.

Today I’m speaking with our special guest, Courtney Moody, a digital marketing and Facebook and Google Ads expert. 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. 

Today we’re talking all about the various marketing channels—organic, paid, and earned—and shares her own journey with paid advertising. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this episode will help you navigate the often overwhelming world of marketing with practical, actionable insights.

Today we’re talking all about website design and optimization for boutique fitness and wellness businesses. 

My special guest is Connie Holan from Pixelity Design, a web designer who specializes in the health and fitness space. In this conversation, we dive into common mistakes, must-have website elements, and how to make sure your site truly represents your brand and attracts the right clients.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a concept that can revolutionize your business: the “offer ladder” (also known as the “value ladder”). Whether you own a pelvic health physical therapy practice, run a Pilates studio, or operate another type of wellness business, having a strategic pricing structure that guides your customers from entry-level offers all the way up to premium services can unlock multiple revenue streams and sustainable growth.

Today, we’re diving into the state of the boutique fitness industry and what to expect as we head into 2025. Whether you’re a physical therapy clinic owner, a Pilates studio owner, or just someone passionate about boutique fitness, you’ll want to hear how remote training, wearable tech, and even some unexpected fitness trends are shaping the future.

In this episode, I’ll be sharing key industry research and discussing how PT and Pilates studios can adapt to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. Grab a pen and paper (or open your notes app!)—there’s a ton of valuable insight you won’t want to miss.

Today we’re diving into a topic that could be costing you thousands (even hundreds of thousands) of dollars in missed revenue—an undertrained and underutilized team. I’m sharing real-life case studies from fitness and wellness businesses that have left more than $500,000 on the table simply because of team imbalances, low utilization, and lack of proper training.

If you’re ready to plug these revenue leaks and drive your business forward, this episode is for you.

Today, I'm going to talk about pricing or how to price your services for your boutique fitness business or your cash-based physical therapy practice, as this can go through for any client-based business.

Pricing has nothing to do with what we all think, but a hundred percent reflection on what the customer thinks or what they feel is valuable to them. It is a great idea to sometimes get some feedback from your peers, but ultimately the people we should be asking are our customers and our clients.  There are different ways to ask and gather  information without specifically saying, 'how do you feel about my pricing?'

And so, for today's episode, I'm going to share with you the mistakes I see when it comes to pricing and what you can do to overcome those mistakes. So hopefully, today's podcast will give you a little bit of value when it comes to pricing your services.

On this episode, we’re talking all about how to transform your fitness or wellness business in 2025. Whether you’re looking for growth, sustainability, profitability, or simply better systems, this episode is for you!

I’ll be sharing why standard operating procedures (SOPs) are the secret to stepping out of the day-to-day grind and how creating even one SOP a month can revolutionize your efficiency and profitability. From stories of clients who grew their revenue significantly to the benefits of working with a business coach, we’re covering everything you need to know to get your business set up for success in the new year.

Welcome back to another episode of Female emPOWERED! Today we're going to talk about what's required of you to surpass $300,000 revenue in your business and a couple of phases in business that you have to go through in order to achieve success.

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.

On this episode, 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.

On this episode 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hey there everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

On 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.

Hey there everyone! 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.

Hey there everyone! 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. 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.

Hey there everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

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.

Hey there ladies and gents! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

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.

Hey there! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

In this episode, 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.

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.

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of 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.

Hi guys! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast. In this episode, we explore the distinctive roles that marketing and sales play within a business, especially using a Pilates studio as a real-life example. We discuss how marketing is all about creating awareness and generating interest, while sales focus on converting those interested buyers into loyal customers.

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

In this episode, I’m excited to discuss teacher training and continuing education programs in the fitness industry.

Running a teacher training or continuing education program involves a lot of work but can be incredibly rewarding. It helps build a pipeline of high-quality instructors and generates additional revenue streams. With the current challenges in the fitness industry, such as labor shortages and high turnover, developing your instructors is more critical than ever.

Hi there everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast. 

Today, we’re discussing an important topic for fitness and wellness business owners: how to prepare your business for the fall and the end of the year.

In this episode, I’ll be covering several key strategies to ensure you’re set up for success as the year wraps up.

Hi there everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

My Take Years Ago On Business Owners Who Step Away From Their Business
 

Seven or eight years ago, I used to look at people who can take the time off from their business as not real business owners. I thought that if you could step away from your business for a month, then you don’t have a successful business. I came to realize now that’s BS.

You’ll hear more about why my mindset has changed and some tips on how you can step away from your business without causing interruptions.

Hi there everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

Do you want to know what I learned the hard way when I first started (and then tried to grow) my business? Not all Google advice is good, and not all free strategies apply to your business.

If you're trying to start your own gym, serve physical therapy patients, grow a studio and help people feel better in their bodies... you have a unique kind of business. Generic business advice doesn't always get you where you want to go. That’s why I want to share with you what happened when I finally admitted I needed to trust the experts and invest in my business.

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.I'm super excited for today's episode because we're talking about charging what you're worth. This topic is SO important to me and I can't wait to talk about this you all of you. Have you heard this a lot?  People telling you...you HAVE to charge what you're worth. What does this even mean? How do you know know much youre worth? Who determines how much you're worth?

Hi! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast. In today's episode, I'll discuss the marketing strategies that have grown my studio, Pilates in the Grove, into a seven-figure business.

Hey there! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast. Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of creating a profitable schedule for your studio, especially if you offer group sessions and classes.

Hello everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

In this podcast, I'll be sharing expert insights and having real conversations about what it means to show up, thrive, and get paid in a client-based business. 

Today, we're diving into the world of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and why they are crucial for your Pilates, yoga, or boutique fitness studio. Whether you’re new to tracking metrics or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you thrive.

Hey guys! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.

Today, we're diving into a listener-inspired question about handling staff issues in the fitness and wellness industry. 

Christa shares her expertise on managing instructors' pay expectations, educating your team on business finances, fostering transparency, and creating a supportive work environment. 

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast.In this episode, our host Christa Gurka discusses healthy margins for business profitability. By the end of this episode, you should have a handle on what percentage of your business’s income should be going to certain expenses so that you can maintain healthy margins to keep your business growing.

Hey there listeners! Welcome back to another episode of The Female Empowered Podcast. On this episode we have the pleasure of featuring Lauren Amron, the Chief Operating Officer at Pilates in the Grove. Lauren shares her journey from law and finance to becoming COO, and provides an in-depth look at the recently launched Grow program, designed to support individuals in administrative roles within boutique fitness businesses.

Welcome back to another episode of the Female emPOWERED Podcast with your host, Christa Gurka! In this episode, I discuss how to effectively manage slow seasons in business, address negative thoughts, and find opportunities for growth.