130 - The Roadmap to Opening a Successful Yoga Studio with Lauren Schoenfeld

<p>Lauren Schoenfeld is the founder of Active Core Consulting, a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs in wellness who need a CFO, bookkeeping, sales, or operations coach. </p><p>Opening a brick-and-mortar yoga studio is a journey of turning your love for the practice into a thriving community space. In this episode, I’m joined by Lauren, a fractional CFO who specializes in helping yoga teachers transition from being instructors to successful CEOs. </p><p>We dive deep into the essential systems, financial clarity, and mindset shifts required to build a sustainable business without burning out. </p><p>Whether you are just dreaming of your first location or looking to optimize an existing studio, this conversation provides a clear roadmap for your success. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>QUOTES</strong></p><p>“Clarity is kindness. Having clear metrics on pricing and member goals allows you to communicate better with your team and your community.” </p><p><br></p><p>“Owning a brick-and-mortar is like giving yourself an MBA in how to run a business. You have to be excited about the entrepreneurial path, not just the teaching.” </p><p><br></p><p>“In-person connection is what is going to convert and help with retention. People buy from people because they love your energy and the team you’ve curated.” </p><p><br></p><p>“Look at your KPIs through a lens of curiosity. If a number isn&#39;t where you want it to be, it’s not a failure—it’s just an opportunity to tweak your alignment.” </p><p><br></p><p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong></p><p>00:01 The Transition from Teacher to Studio Owner </p><p><br></p><p>00:41 Understanding Your Financial Projections and Unit Economics </p><p><br></p><p>02:15 Why the Studio Owner is the Most Important Person to Get Paid </p><p><br></p><p>04:52 Getting Clear on Your &quot;Why&quot; Before Signing a Lease </p><p><br></p><p>05:41 Exploring Alternatives to Brick-and-Mortar Models </p><p><br></p><p>07:51 The 12-Month Foundation: Systems, SOPs, and Hiring Professionals </p><p><br></p><p>09:19 The Pre-Sale Phase: Building Recurring Revenue Before Opening </p><p><br></p><p>11:26 Prioritizing Sales as a Connection Process, Not Manipulation </p><p><br></p><p>13:45 Moving from the Operator Seat to the CEO Role </p><p><br></p><p>15:44 The Owner&#39;s Pay Roadmap: Reverse Engineering Your Future Goals </p><p><br></p><p>17:48 Navigating Funding: SBA Loans, Savings, and Interest-Free Tools </p><p><br></p><p>19:39 Using the Profit Diagnostic Tool to Find Your Ali