It’s Family Business

Building a strong community is one of the most powerful ways to grow a successful fitness business — yet many business owners struggle to move beyond transactional relationships with their clients.In this episode of It's Family Business, Cheryl and Kirsten share 5 practical strategies to help Pilates studios, boutique fitness businesses, and wellness brands build a loyal, engaged community that keeps clients coming back.Learn how to create meaningful connections with your members, increase client retention, and stand out in a competitive fitness market filled with franchises and discount-driven offers.Whether you're running a Pilates studio, gym, yoga studio, or wellness business, this episode will give you actionable ideas to transform your space into more than just a place to work out — but a place where clients feel seen, heard, valued, and part of something bigger.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between transactional vs relational client experiencesHow listening to client feedback strengthens loyaltySimple gestures that create lasting member relationshipsWays to show value beyond discounts and promotionsHow to connect with your local community to grow your brandIdeas for events and touchpoints that encourage member connectionIf you want to improve client retention, strengthen brand loyalty, and build a thriving fitness community, this episode is for you.🎧 Perfect for:Pilates studio owners, fitness professionals, boutique gym operators, wellness entrepreneurs, and small business owners wanting to build stronger customer relationships.

In this heartfelt episode of It’s Family Business, we sit down with Charmaine Smith, Director of Cut It Out Hair Design, to unpack the realities of building a successful business while raising a family.With over 23 years in business, multiple salon locations under her belt, and three children at very different life stages, Charmaine shares an honest look at what it really takes to juggle growth, staff leadership, motherhood, and the ever-present pull of mum guilt. From opening a second salon while pregnant, to navigating COVID, staffing challenges, and consolidation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come without vulnerability, resilience, and a whole lot of grace.If you're a business owner, a mother, or simply someone trying to balance ambition with family life then this episode is for you - because behind every “she’s got it all together” moment is someone quietly figuring it out as they go.In this episode, you will learn:How to navigate business growth while raising a young familyThe importance of delivering exceptional serviceWhy mum guilt is inevitable—and how to manage it without burning outThe importance of building a family-first culture with staff and clientsHow to lead confidently through change, even when you don’t have all the answersWhy giving yourself grace is essential to long-term successA candid, relatable, and inspiring conversation about leadership, motherhood, and showing up—especially on the hard days.

In this episode, Giants Netball star Amy Sligar joins Kirsten to unpack the high-performance habits and mindset tools that shape both her life on the court and her growth beyond it.Amy shares her journey from junior netball to the professional arena, offering valuable lessons on self-discipline, trusting the process, dealing with pressure, building resilience, and staying grounded through big transitions.Whether you’re an athlete, a business owner, a student, or someone navigating your own career path, Amy’s reflections on team culture, personal development, confidence, and overcoming setbacks offer inspiration you can apply to any part of life.A powerful and uplifting conversation for anyone curious about motivation, leadership, wellbeing, and the mindset behind high-performance success.In this episode you'll learn:How to build high-performance habits that support consistency, discipline, and long-term successHow to trust the process even when progress feels slow or uncertainHow to bounce back from setbacks and view challenges as opportunities for growthHow to manage pressure and self-doubt with practical mindset toolsHow to strengthen your confidence in both personal and professional environmentsHow to communicate more effectively within teams, partnerships, and workplacesDevelop resilience when navigating big goals, transitions, or high expectationsThe importance of prioritising wellbeing and balance, even in busy seasonsHow to recognise the power of support networks — and how to cultivate them in your own lifeHow to find purpose in the journey, not just the end result

Have you ever poured hours of energy into your business, content, or creative work but were met with silence? In this episode, Cheryl and Kirsten are diving into the tension between wanting affirmation and learning to create without applause. Cheryl and Kirsten will explore why silence doesn’t always mean failure, how to measure impact beyond likes and comments, and why consistency and resilience matter more than instant feedback.Through honest conversation and real experiences, this duo unpack the psychology of showing up in the quiet seasons, the hidden impact your work might already be having, and practical ways to stay motivated when results feel invisible. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or creative navigating social media, this episode will remind you that your efforts are seen—even if the recognition comes later. Because sometimes, the people who are impacted most by your work are the ones who never hit “like.”Loving the podcast? We'd love to hear from you:Connect With Pilates Reformers AustraliaConnect With CherylConnect With KirstenBusiness Mentorship Services

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a business with your spouse? In this episode, we sit down with Jen and Anthony, the husband-and-wife duo behind Gair Legal, to explore the realities of building a successful law firm while raising a young family.Jen and Anthony share how they’ve navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, parenthood, and marriage — all while flipping traditional family roles on their head. With Jen leading the firm and Anthony managing much of the family logistics (with plenty of overlap along the way), they’ve created a partnership that works for them, not necessarily the one society expects.We talk about how they found their rhythm in business and at home, what “support” looks like when careers and family collide, and how they stay grounded through the highs and lows of running a growing business together. You’ll hear their honest reflections on defining roles, setting boundaries, and celebrating the wins; both big and small.If you’re thinking about starting a business with your partner, already navigating the juggle of love, business, and family, or simply curious how modern couples are redefining success together, this episode is for you.Perfect for:Couples running or starting a business togetherEntrepreneurs balancing work and family lifeLaw firm owners or aspiring business ownersAnyone interested in modern family roles and work-life balanceConnect With Gair Legal:WebsiteLinkedin

In this heartfelt episode, Kirsten opens up about her personal journey with scoliosis — from diagnosis as a young girl to the challenges and growth that followed. She shares how living with a curved spine not only shaped her resilience but also sparked the beginnings of Pilates Reformers Australia.With honesty and warmth, Kirsten reflects on navigating body image, pain, surgery, and the emotional toll of a condition that’s often misunderstood. She also dives into how scoliosis became the unexpected catalyst behind her passion for movement, education, and building a business that empowers others to move with confidence.Whether you're living with scoliosis, know someone who is, or simply want a deeper understanding of the condition, this episode is a powerful reminder that we’re all more than the labels we carry, and that strength comes in many forms.Tune in for a story of challenge, hope, and the beautiful strength of being 'bent, not broken.’

So, you’ve listened to our last episode, Setting Up for Success: Opening a Pilates Studio—The Key Steps; but now it’s time to take your studio to the next level! Maybe you're struggling to grow in a competitive market, or you're losing clients to the brand-new studio that just opened down the street. How do you stand out and stay ahead?Kirsten, Adrian, and Cheryl are back to help you Master the Business of Pilates—from client acquisition and retention strategies to smart pricing models, leadership tactics, and cutting-edge marketing. If you’re ready to build a thriving, sustainable studio, this is the episode for you.

In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Carla Mullins—founder of Makarlu, Body Organics Studio, and Body Organics Education—to dive into the realities of running a business with family. Carla shares her journey from law to movement education, how she and her husband navigate working together, and the lessons she's learned over two decades in business. She also opens up about the importance of financial independence and why every woman should have a "runaway fund." An insightful and empowering conversation you won’t want to miss!Want to learn more about Carla Mullins? Here's how: Email: info@bodyorganicseducation.com Linkedin Instagram Body Organics Website Shop Makarlu

In this episode, the Trio are getting honest and heartfelt about the realities of working in a family business. Listen as Kirsten and Adrian dive deep into their personal career journeys and the unique paths that led them to work in a family business. Alongside their personal stories, the trio provide great insights and tips around: Career Pitfalls: Navigating External Judgments and Criticism Busting Myths: Common Misconceptions About Working with Family Family Ties: The Pros and Cons of Hiring Relatives Striking the Balance: Managing Family Dynamics and Professional Ambitions This episode is full of valuable lessons for anyone involved in or curious about family-run businesses.