8 Insights from 8 Years of Running a Pole Dance Studio

Almost eight years ago, I've opened my own pole dance studio. Before that, I had already been a manager elsewhere, but now the entire journey depended solely on me. I was responsible for every detail. Over the years, I learned so much — about people, about myself and about how to run a business with soul.

Now, as I close the studio and continue my path as an independent trainer and psychologist, I want to share the 8 key insights that became my support and my lessons.

1. A studio reflects the state of its owner

When I’m inspired, the studio breathes energy — students shine, trainers are full of ideas. When I’m tired, everyone feels it too. Sometimes I crawled home and lay on the couch for hours just to recover. At first, I blamed myself for this weakness, but later I understood: proper and timely rest is part of the work.

2. People matter more than processes

Finances, schedules, and planning can always be improved. But if there is no trust in the team, if students don’t feel supported, no process will work. Sometimes a single attentive look or caring word changed everything.

3. Freedom of choice is more valuable than control

I wanted to control everything, to check every step. Over time, I realized: it’s better to let go sometimes, to give people more space to grow. True care means allowing everyone to follow their own path.

4. Leadership requires boundaries

I tried to be everything: a trainer, a friend, a boss, a psychologist, and of course, a “mom”.This led to burnout.A true leader knows their boundaries and spends energy where it truly matters.

5. Mistakes are the best teacher

There were many failures over the years: in hiring, scheduling, communication. Each mistake cost nerves, but each one taught me how to make difficult decisions and trust myself.

6. A studio is not the walls — it’s the legacy

Locations can be closed, programs changed, schedules revised. But you cannot erase the hundreds of women who transformed alongside you. These moments stay forever.

7. Business and personal life cannot be fully separated

A studio consumes you completely. I once tried to be “on” 24/7 and nearly lost myself. Now I’ve learned to balance: to disconnect, rest, and simply be.

8. The journey continues, even if the format changes

Closing the studio is not the end. My mission continues: helping women reconnect with their bodies, work with their consciousness, find freedom and strength. The format changes, but the value we created together lives on — in every student, every lesson, every shared moment.

And what moment from our Space do you remember?