May 17, 2017

Meet Nicole Phillips of Inner Me Studios in Midtown

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Phillips.

Nicole, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m originally from Houston, TX. Before Inner Me, I was an investment banking analyst and private equity associate. While in Philadelphia working, I was introduced to pole dancing reluctantly by a dear friend. Although I did not care to attend class, I ended up having the best time of my life! I was very inspired by other participants in the class and I loved the fitness challenge aspect pole dancing offered. The ability to contort your body and hold your body weight on the pole requires a great commitment. I began taking pole fitness classes the next week.

Within a month of taking pole fitness classes however I was laid off from my private equity position. Thinking about everything I was going to miss in the city of Philadelphia, my new fitness love came across my mind. A light bulb went off and I thought hmm why don’t I try bringing this new found love back home to Houston! I contacted my dance instructor and owner of the studio, and asked her if she’d answer some questions for me about how she got started. She agreed to chat with me over lunch. Little did she know the lunch would last for hours as I brought my due diligence checklist with me and drilled her the same way we’d interview CEOs and CFOs of businesses we planned to invest in.

After that meeting, I learned that I needed to train thoroughly over the next several months. Fortunately, my severance allowed me the time to train daily at night and work on the administrative side of what was to be of the business during the day.

As I had always taken to group fitness classes at big box gyms prior to pole fitness, I wanted to offer the same form of fitness into my studio. I also wanted the studio to cater to men as well as women. If you want to learn we want to teach you. At the time, there was only once place offering pole fitness and the classes were very expensive. I wanted to be a more affordable studio in Houston so more people would be able to have fun too! So, Inner Me was born within 10 months of me being laid off! I exhausted my 401k, moved to Houston, and convinced my landlord I was the best person to rent his space even though I was running out of money!

I taught all the pole fitness classes for a while, 17 classes per week. I had 3 other instructors teaching kickboxing, piyolet, and dance. My local friends helped spread the word and groupon gave us a big boost in 2010 when group buys were very popular. We currently have 2 locations, 5 desk staff and 25 instructors. We offer nearly 20 different classes with a focus on fun fitness.

We are moving to a new location in the Fall of 2017. Comprising 10k square feet, it will be the largest dance and fitness studio in Houston. We purchased the property in 2016 and can’t wait to move in once the renovations are complete!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Entrepreneurship requires a great deal of passion for the business you’ve chosen otherwise you could easily say you’d rather go to work for another company and enjoy a guaranteed salary! However, I’ve learned a great deal over the years and because I stuck to it I’ve grown tremendously. There are many things college doesn’t teach you.

I’ve learned that customer service is number one! Never take your customers for granted because they don’t have to patronage your business. I read many books and attended a couple of seminars solely based on customer service.

I also had to learn to be a better leader. There’s still growth in this area but seminars and books have helped me along the way.

Then there are other challenges that arise such as business neighbors, City of Houston setbacks, contractors, business accounting, contracts, etc. Having a knowledgeable accountant and lawyer save tons of headaches. I’ve also benefited from having a great staff that care about the studio!

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Inner Me Studios story. Tell us more about the business.
Inner Me Studios is committed to providing Houston with hip, fun, calorie burning and body changing fitness experiences that appeal to both men and women of all ages. The studio offers innovative and trendy fitness classes that make exercising exciting and interesting. We strive to create a culture of Fun Fitness by giving customers exceptional service and superior value all within a non-judgmental atmosphere.

We are known for offering fun fitness classes to adult women and men in Houston, TX.

We are most proud of the culture of our studios. Our customers love us and we love them back! Because we are small we can get to know our customers well. They become extended family members. Our instructors hang out with customers often and customers become friends with each other as well.

We are known for our hip dance classes and private parties! Everyone wants to have fun and gain confidence. That’s what we provide.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve been blessed with an awesome staff overall. The turnover rate is low for my industry. They care for the business and they have fun!

I was lucky to rent the first location. My landlord said I was financially unfit to rent a commercial space. I didn’t have time to save for my business as my layoff was as much a surprise to me as anyone else. 2009 was a horrible year the career I had chosen.

I was lucky to have great mentors. They helped me spread the word on the studio and recommended awesome instructors.

I was lucky to have other help of family and friends. All the small stuff adds up, the list would be long.

I don’t believe in bad luck, only learning lessons.

I’d like to add that all of my luck is only God’s favor and blessing. For the doors, he opened and closed.

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