The
Podcast

Meet Dana and Lola as They spill the secrets behind a successful retreat

When times get tough, the urge to withdraw from the world comes on quickly, and it comes on strong.

One of the greatest ways to achieve this as a studio owner is to organize a well-deserved retreat for yourself and the people you serve.

In this episode of Ready.Aim.Empire, we’re going back to Studio Grow Coach, Christina May Wolf’s conversation with two incredible Nia retreat organizers: Dana Hood and Lola Manekin.

Both Dana and Lola are black belt Nia teachers and studio owners, and they started hosting Nia retreats to build on the sense of community, warmth, and connection they encountered in their classes.

If you’re a studio owner with a bit of a travel bug and want to offer a unique experience to your students (while also building a sustainable secondary source of income), this episode will give you the rundown of why hosting a retreat may be a fantastic idea for you.

Our interviewees also break down how to know when you’re ready to host a retreat, the difference between a retreat and a vacation, and all the logistics that come with it.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with all the details you need to host a successful retreat yourself, and the best solutions to common retreat hosting challenges –  so that you can offer your community the experience of a lifetime.

Here’s what we’re talking about in Episode 522:-

  • A look at what Nia Yoga is
  • How to know when you are ready to host a retreat and where your participants will come from
  • Tips on choosing a location and venue, along with possible red flags to look out for
  • Advantages and disadvantages of doing retreats with other facilitators versus solo
  • Finding a balance in your retreat itinerary
  • Preparation time and theme importance

 How to create a sense of community between participants

With grit and gratitude,

Lisé

LINKS:

https://www.embodycentralia.com/

http://ibodydenver.com/

https://www.themvmtlab.com/

https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco

https://www.boutiquefitnesscoalition.com/

https://www.boutiquefitnesscoalition.com/press

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3312618912101211/

https://www.facebook.com/studiogrowco

Recommended Episodes

  • How to Test New Class Formats Without Losing Money

    Even though boutique studio clients are creatures of habit, stagnant class schedules can breed boredom over time. Done right, adding new formats sparks excitement and attendance.  It’s a smart balance of discipline and evolution. Get guidance on trying new class formats strategically in Episode 715: How to Test New Class Formats Without Losing Money.  Testing

    Listen Now

  • Is Your Brand Outdated? Proven Ways to Stay Relevant in 2026

    In today’s competitive boutique fitness market, “good” simply isn’t enough. If your brand isn’t current and clearly differentiated, you may be invisible—or worse, interchangeable. Explore how to audit and refresh your brand to resonate today with Alina Cooper and Lisa Taylor in Episode 714:  Is Your Brand Outdated? Proven Ways to Stay Relevant in 2026.

    Listen Now

  • What to Do in Your Boutique Studio Business in March

    Y’all, if you take your foot off the gas in March, your studio’s likely to have a long, quiet summer. While you’re still in the busiest quarter of the year, this should be a leverage month.  Focus on intentionality, exploration and creativity now. Join Lisa Taylor and me for your must-do list in Episode 713:

    Listen Now

  • The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker and Tracey Mallet

    Building a sustainable brand is about creating something strong enough to outlast trends and survive copycats. It’s doing the hard work, staying passionate and embracing who you are.  Get an inside look at what it really takes to create thriving global platforms, certifications and methods in Episode 712: The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker

    Listen Now