Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle King, Owner of DaniKingStudios LLC., located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own the cutest little Pilates studio in NYC's east village. This studio has my heart. I have a small team of instructors, and our mission is to focus on intimate classes and private sessions for our clients. Our clients are mostly neighborhood locals giving the studio a familiar and familial vibe. I want clients to feel as if they are spending a meaningful hour of intentional movement with like-minded people who they will look forward to seeing in class again and again.
Tell us about yourself
After teaching at the studio for 6yrs (under a different name), the original owner decided to sell, and I jumped at the opportunity. Very quickly, I was learning everything there was to learn about owning and running a Pilates studio, including renaming and rebranding it to Flying Squirrel Studios - a name that embraced my former life as a trapeze artist and my affinity for squirrels, having rescued and raised a baby squirrel once upon a time.
“The Flying Squirrel” also happens to be a very advanced Pilates exercise that is not for the faint of heart. While transitioning into ownership, I had the loving support of my fellow teachers and our longtime clientele. I am now happily heading into my 4th year of owning the studio. I’m very much a hands-on business owner, and the balance between teaching and running the business can be invigorating. It’s two very different skill sets that can complement one another in the sense that one is very micro and one is very macro.
My mission is always to provide a safe space with an authentic approach to teaching the Pilates method where everyone is welcome to move, learn and explore all the ways in which Pilates can benefit them in their day-to-day lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Well, surviving the pandemic has to be up there. I had only owned my business for a little over one year before we were thrust into full lockdown, and I was moving the entire business online. The stress of that period alone, for myself and for so many, was incredibly difficult, it’s a miracle any of us are still here.
My proudest accomplishment, I would say, is maintaining such loyal and longtime clientele as well as a solid team of instructors. There is real love between the teachers, the students, and the work that flows through this studio. Being here feels like a deep nourishing breath that just keeps on giving.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Oof. Trying to please everyone! Lol. Because I have a strong desire to be a good leader to my team and provide as best I can for our clients, I have to be careful not to overextend myself. There is so much that comes with owning and operating a brick-and-mortar business, but managing a myriad of different personalities is maybe the most challenging at times (but also rewarding as hell when you get it right).
I’ve had to have some tough conversations with myself concerning boundaries and how to balance my loyalties to clients/teachers and my business. When all is right, these things generally align to everyone’s benefit, but once in a while, they can be in direct conflict with one another. I’ve had to take a few deep breaths and make some difficult decisions over the years. It’s never fun, but the successes far outweigh the failures, and I’ve learned to stay focused on what’s working and what’s going well.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Give your best while respecting your personal limitations. If you burn out, then you are no help to anyone.
- Try not to compare your business with others. You have no idea what kind of resources they may have access to that you may not. In the same vein, don’t be afraid to ask for help or find outside resources when you need them.
- Have a good support system. This could be friends in similar situations or a hired coach. It’s invaluable for maintaining perspective.
- Find joy in all aspects of your business and take it one glorious day at a time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.flyingsquirrelstudiosnyc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyingsquirrelstudios/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingsquirrelstudios/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.