Studio owners, do you live off of your studio business income?

rachelskye started this discussion · 1/15/2014

Hi everyone! I just opened my own pole dance studio and first business ever. I'm really excited to be offering pole dance classes in a small city where there aren't any other pole studios. And we offer more than just pole classes too. This has been 2 years in the planning! My goal is to be able to fully support myself with the business within a year. Are there any studio owners who are solely living off of the income made by your studio? If so, how many months, years did it take to achieve that? If not, what else are you doing, to supplement your income?

5 replies

SpeedyG · 1/15/2014
I think I have met you before!!!! At the Studio were I go, the first year was super hard, and she almost close…TG she did not.I started going there on their 2nd year,( when I founded out of it existence!) with very few members and only offering 3 different classes (one of intro to Pole, the others as dance). Now, nearing the 5th year, it seems to have exploded with new memberships, "oddles" of classes to get fit, and 3 levels of Pole classes. The instructors are amazing ( and I think you have met one called Emma!!!) Which you were closer to pay you a visit, and hope all goes well. So hang though and enjoy!!! :-)
IrishOrla · 1/15/2014
Good luck with the studio!!! :) I am very happy for you! It's also my dream to open a studio too, whether I will get there or not is a different story but I will certainly put my all in to it :)
Skullpixie · 1/15/2014
Yes I also wish you good luck I def wanna be an instructor some day or even have my own studio. I'm sure you can live off the income maybe open a few in diff places so you have more than one studio income in the future.
Cheetara · 1/15/2014
Awesome!! I am opening a Woman's Pamper Palace as well... I will offer a variety of classes as well. In Atlanta there are a few to choose from so many people know about Pole. The obstacle to me is creating an environment to change the mindset of years of negative assumptions. Having a business is always work- but in this business it is sooo worth it because the bonds you form... I love it!
PenelopeAnn · 1/16/2014
Hi Rachel! Congrats on your studio! My studio was initially a bellydancing only studio and it was huge. I taught 5 days a week (4 evenings and Saturday mornings) in 4 different locations and had over a hundred students. The studio grew by word of mouth only (much to my surprise!) and within about 3 years I was able to live off studio income alone. I closed all my branches when I was pregnant with my 2nd and built a studio at home. We now offer bellydancing, pole dancing and assorted other classes and workshops. It's far more chilled, and a lot smaller but suits me better for where I am in my life now. In short - yes you can build your studio up to the point where you can live off the income, but it takes a lot of energy and hard work. Keep learning from others (a teacher's sanity saver!) and keep loving your students regardless. I know we all have to pay bills, but don't let the money drive you. Love your students, care about their well being and give your best always, and the money will follow.