Delegation for the Conscientious Doer: A Studio Owner’s Guide to Letting Go (Just a Little)
I didn’t start my studio because I dreamed of being an entrepreneur.
I started because I loved to teach— the movement, the transformation, the one-on-one connection.
But the deeper into ownership I went, the more I realized: running a wellness business requires you to operate like a CEO — even when all you want to do is teach, heal, or serve.
But here’s what I’ve learned after years of bootstrapping, burnout, and finally, systematizing:
Delegation is not a luxury. It’s a leadership skill.
And more often than not, the only thing standing between you and the growth you’re seeking is your own grip on the details.
Overwhelmed by Operations, Finances, or Your Team? Start Here.
Whether you run a boutique studio, a wellness clinic, or a concierge-style practice, that feeling of “too much, all at once” is real.
Job Descriptions vs. Standard Operating Procedures: Why You Need Both
What’s the difference between a job description and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?
Most businesses stop after creating job descriptions — assuming they’ve covered their bases. After all, a job description outlines what someone is supposed to do… right?
Well, yes. And no.
Let’s break it down:
Studio Pricing 101: Why Your Salary Belongs in the Baseline
Every business has a threshold just to keep the doors open — and your salary belongs in that baseline.
It’s not the extra.
It’s not the reward for “if there’s anything left.”
Profit is the extra. Your paycheck is the minimum.
Business Fundamentals I Learned at $4.25 an Hour
My first job was working concessions at our small-town movie theater. It paid $4.25 an hour and required customer service, handling cash, serving food, and following an exceedingly detailed inventory and cash drawer procedure at the start and end of every shift.
It didn’t seem like much to a 16-year-old. But after 30 years in the workforce — and now running a multiple six-figure service business — I think about that job all the time. It was the essence of small business.
Your team = your brand ambassadors
A truly exceptional Studio Manager or Front Desk Team Member can transform your client experience — becoming the living, breathing embodiment of your brand.
A so-so one?
At best, they'll maintain the status quo.
At worst, they can quietly erode the culture you've worked so hard to build.
Interviewing with Intention: A Practical Guide to Selecting the Right Hire
Hiring a new team member can feel like a high-stakes guessing game — especially in a small business or close-knit practice. You're looking for someone with the right skills, the right mindset, and the right energy. And in today’s market, where applications might flood in or barely trickle through, it can be tough to know how to approach the process efficiently and thoughtfully.
But here’s what I’ve learned after 25 years in clinical supervision, HR, and team leadership:
The best hiring decisions aren’t made by following a script — they’re made by staying grounded in your values, being clear about what matters, and trusting your professional instincts.