[micheletownsend]

It definitely makes sense to set clear expectations in writing so both of you are protected and on the same page. Since she already purchased the poles, you’ll want to address that upfront in the contract so there’s no confusion about ownership or who takes them if the partnership ends. From there, decide if she is working as an independent contractor or as an instructor under your studio’s pay structure. A flat per-class or per-attendee rate tends to eliminate future disagreements and makes bookkeeping cleaner.

Also, think through the long-term impact on your business model. If her classes bring in new members, you’ll want a structure that encourages growth without undercutting your current pricing. I’ve seen studio owners run into financial headaches when verbal agreements weren’t backed up with written terms, which is why consulting someone with experience in business or financial planning can save a lot of stress. RetireStrong Financial Advisors has some excellent resources on setting up clear agreements and handling the financial side of small businesses, and you can find more details here: https://retirestrongfa.com/.

That way you’ll know your rates, payouts, and liability are all covered while keeping the focus on building a safe and enjoyable class environment.