"I never imagined switching from law to pole dancing would lead me here. But with Kenko by my side, we've built something magical – a thriving community that spans four studios and touches thousands of lives. They're not just our software provider but the partner who helped make this dream possible." — Amy Bond, Founder, San Francisco Pole and Dance.

The story behind the success

Picture this: A Boston-trained lawyer walking away from a promising legal career to pursue her passion for pole dancing. Sounds crazy, right? That's precisely what Amy Bond did in 2016; she hasn't looked back.

"People thought I was having a quarter-life crisis," Amy laughs as she recalls the early days. "But I knew there was something special about creating a space where people could discover their strength and confidence through pole dancing."

Early days and growing pains

Starting with one small studio in San Francisco, Amy quickly learned that turning passion into profit requires more than just great classes and enthusiastic students.

"Running a pole studio isn't like managing a regular gym," Amy explains, settling into one of her cozy corners. "Each student's journey is incredibly personal. We're not just teaching moves; we're building confidence in the community and sometimes even changing lives. But keeping track of everyone's progress, managing schedules, and handling payments was becoming a full-time job."
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The breaking point
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With sticky notes everywhere and a software system that seemed to fight against her at every turn, Amy knew something had to change:

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• Classes were filling up, but profit margins were shrinking due to high transaction fees
• Staff spent hours on administrative tasks instead of connecting with students
• Student follow-ups were falling through the cracks
• Expansion plans felt overwhelming without proper systems in place

"I remember sitting in my office late one night, surrounded by spreadsheets, thinking, 'There has to be a better way,"

Enter Kenko: a game-changing partnership.

The difference was immediate. "In my first call with Kenko's team, they spent more time asking about my vision for the studio than trying to sell me software," Amy says, smiling. "They wanted to understand our unique challenges as a pole studio – something no other provider had ever done."

The transformation

Working with Kenko, Amy's studio underwent a remarkable transformation:

Financial Impact:

• Saved $20,000+ annually in transaction fees

Community Building:

• Automated check-ins that feel personal
• Better tracking of student milestones
• Stronger community engagement
• More time for meaningful student interactions

Scaling with heart

With better insights and more efficient systems, Amy boldly decided to expand. "showed that 30% of our San Francisco students were commuting from Oakland, it wasn't just data – it was an opportunity to serve our community better."

The Results Speak Volumes:

• Expanded from 1 to 4 thriving locations
• Maintained an intimate community feel despite growth
• Reduced administrative time by 15 hours per week per location

"Our growth is incredible," Amy reflects. "Each studio still feels like a warm, welcoming space where everyone knows your name – it's just that now we can provide that experience to so many more people."

Looking to the future

Today, Amy's vision extends beyond her current four locations. "We're not just building studios; we're creating spaces where people can discover their strength and confidence," she says with determination. "Having Kenko as our partner makes me confident we can scale while keeping that personal touch."

What's next:

• New location opening in 2024
• Expanded class offerings based on community feedback
• New community engagement initiatives

A message to fellow Dreamers

"If you're passionate about building something meaningful in the wellness space, remember this," Amy says, leaning forward intently. "Choose partners who believe in your vision as much as you do. The right support system – from your team to your software – can make all the difference."

Ready to write your own success story?

Are you a studio owner looking to scale without losing the personal touch that makes your space unique? Let's talk about how Kenko can help turn your vision into reality.