Forum Replies Created

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  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 6, 2013 at 10:33 am in reply to: Organizing classes at a studio.

    I use bookeo.com as opposed to Mind Body software. So far, the only feature I have found lacking with Bookeo is doing payroll directly but I don't need this function right now and when I do, I'm going to use quickbooks.  My merchant service is paypal.  I found this route to be the least expensive.  I can do payments online, with my phone, or accept cash/or other forms of payment directly.  The only downfall with paypal merchant service and Bookeo is I am not able to manually enter credit card information from the back end.  There is a work around- which is why using paypal here phone app or scanner comes in handy.  I learned this the hard way.  Paypal was extremely accommodating for me and assisted me in getting my payment information entered when I ran into that challenge.  It was easily resolved.  I have a lot of monthly memberships- I currently offer an unlimited monthly package for $60.  This has been by far my most popular selling feature for my classes.  Bookeo does everything in regards to auto monthly payments.  I also offer class passes that have a set expiration.  The thing is with class passes (and I've been guilty of this too) is that people buy them but rarely ever use them before expiration.  As long as they are fully aware of the expiration date, then I wouldn't be too concerned.  They bought it with full knowledge it expires.  I would just send out general reminders via social media about if your class package is about to expire….etc.  Sometimes things in life just get in the way and unfortunately, people are unable to get the full intended use of their purchase.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 5, 2013 at 6:58 am in reply to: How has StudioVeena inspired you?

    I certainly have been impacted and inspired in a huge way because of StudioVeena.  First off, I wouldn't have stayed committed to pole for as long as I have if it wasn't for the continued support that this website offers.  I do miss the Friday chats, I felt like they were a huge part of the communication and personalization that went along with the supportive environment here.  I have learned so much here and have taken life paths in general and in dance that I never would have comprehended on my own.  I am continually amazed at all the accomplishments I've made in both pole and aerial.  This site has taught me so much.  I've been inspired to pursue my dreams, friendships, and continuous learning that makes me a better dancer and teacher for my students. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 4, 2013 at 9:58 pm in reply to: Any instructors who don’t own their own studio?

    I've taught at 3 studios now and been teaching for a little over 3 years.  2 of my teaching positions were with local studios and now I teach and work for myself with my own studio. Both of the local studio positions I actively sought out. Mainly the first teaching position I made the initial contact with the owner and expressed my desire to become an instructor.  She groomed me into the type of instructor she wanted representing her business and even though we eventually didn't see eye to eye on some things, she did an excellent job branding her business and making it what it was.  The second teaching job was presented to me after I left my first one.  I was looking to become a student again and because of my experience I was asked to begin teaching for their facility.  I gave a lot of my time and energy and eventually realized I wanted to pursue my own projects and put effort into something that I would actually see the benefits from my hard work.  If I could offer any advice, I would contact studios and put yourself out there.  Make sure you attend some of their classes too to make sure they have something going on that you can see yourself representing.  It's like buying a house, you have to be able to visualize yourself in your new "home" in order for you to take the next steps and making it your own.  Good luck!

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 1, 2013 at 9:19 pm in reply to: Indianapolis Poles for sale

    Everything has sold.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 28, 2013 at 9:03 am in reply to: What’s your current nemesis?

    Mine is any move that requires stomach contact against the pole.  I had surgery in February and those moves I've been keeping away from because I had a momentary unpleasant experience with the pain associated with that area awhile back so I've been avoiding those moves like the plague.  LOL.  I haven't dealt with pain in that area other than that one time and I'm sure things have healed to where it would be fine now, but my brain can't get around the shock from that experience.  Needless to say, no meathook attempts for me.  Maybe in a couple months.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 28, 2013 at 8:53 am in reply to: Pole Shoes –

    http://www.poleharmony.com/pole-shoes-101/

    I wrote this blog about pole shoes back in December 2011.  I hope this helps! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 27, 2013 at 12:27 pm in reply to: Vaulted ball mount (xpoles) on flat ceiling

    I'm using the standard ball mount at my studio.  I've found that greasing the top extension that inserts into the mount once a month to really help.  I had a few hiccups along the way with mine but we finally figured things out and Xpole was wonderful in this entire process. Now it takes me 8 minutes to set up the entire studio and 4 minutes for take down. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 18, 2013 at 9:18 am in reply to: Trademarking your Pole Studio Name

    When I formed my LLC, I believe it said something in the state of Indiana to the effect of no one else being able to have the same company name as me?  You have to search the state's database and select a name of originality before you're allowed to proceed with obtaining your Articles of Organization.  This prevents people from using your company name within the same state.  I've looked into trademarking but at this point I'm on the fence about it for various reasons.  I know studio owners who have trademarked so I'm curious to see the responses you get regarding those who have opted to trademark. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 14, 2013 at 9:24 am in reply to: Tell me your Pole-story! 🙂

    How old are you? 29

    How long have you been pole-dancing? 5 years this month.

    What got you into pole dancing? I had always been intrigued and when I got the opportunity to take a class I immediately signed up.  I wrote a detailed blog about this as well: http://www.poleharmony.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-pole-dancing-has-taught-me-lesson.html

    Why pole dancing and not something else?/What makes pole dancing special to you?

    Pole dancing is special to me in so many ways.  Pole dancing has impacted me in more than just being a diversion to the monotony of my daily living.  It's helped rehabilitate my lungs when I was diagnosed with a lung condition and was told if I didn't engage in an exercise regimen my lungs may not have recovered.  Prior to meeting my husband, my pole has also been the most consistent relationship in my life through difficult life changes, losses, and loneliness.  It's given me a reason to reach deep inside myself to find my inner and outer strengths. 

    How did you first find out about Studio Veena? How much time do you spend on here? (hours a day/week/month)

    I found SV back in the very early days of the website's launch.  I've been a member since August 2008.  I believe I stumbled across one of Tara Karina's videos and she had the site linked into her description. 

    How did you choose your tag (AKA User Name)?

    My username is the first 2 letters of my entire name and the year I was born.  I'm married now so the last two letter no longer apply but I have kept it because they sound better than my married name's two letters would. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 11, 2013 at 6:45 pm in reply to: Indianapolis Poles for sale

    Tuesday is fine! I'll have it ready for you! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 9, 2013 at 4:17 pm in reply to: Indianapolis Poles for sale

    She just called me and she's going to take it.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif Yay another pole to a happy home!

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 9, 2013 at 3:44 pm in reply to: What software do you use to record yourself?

    I have a Mac and use imovie.  I used to have a PC and windows movie maker.  You should have windows movie maker already on your computer? 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 9, 2013 at 3:41 pm in reply to: Indianapolis Poles for sale

    She was supposed to call me today.  Haven't heard from her yet.  Lyme you can negotiate with chastity.  I'm hoping to sell mine more locally to avoid shipping costs. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 8, 2013 at 3:59 pm in reply to: Indianapolis Poles for sale

    I just sent you a message Dene.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 6, 2013 at 11:31 am in reply to: Pole Fitness and Supplements?

    I came across an article this morning while reading my latest July/August 2013 issue American Fitness magazine.  The article is http://americanfitness.squarespace.com/nutrition-supplements1/

    In the article, Berner (2013) states "before consuming any over-the-counter supplements, always discuss usage with a physician to help determine any safety or interaction risks."  I point this out because there is an important issue Berner is trying to get across in this article: supplements can cause interactions with existing medication regimens.  It's important a physician is aware of the supplements you're taking in order to consult you on the potential risks that can be associated; such as decreasing the effectiveness of prescribed medications, causing toxic levels through absorption, etc.  Another safety issue Berner discusses is purity of product.  Because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, it is difficult to known exactly what is in supplements.  Inadequate regulation of dietary supplements means there's no way for consumers to know what many supplements actually contain or how pure the product and its ingredients are (Berner, 2013). 

    In addition to safety issues, the article also discusses the World Anti-Doping Agency code.  This issue has been a question in the back of my mind for quite some time.  Pole Dancing is striving to become a nationally recognized sport however, currently pole dancing is not regulated by any governing agencies such as the WADA.  If pole dancing is taken to the level of sport recognition in the future, the ingestion of such supplements that may contain substances that are strictly prohibited by the WADA should be taken into consideration if an athlete wishes to perform on a professional level representing the sport of pole. 

    Just a couple things I wanted to bring into the conversation that I found were interesting in this article. Thanks for reading!

    References APA Citation

    Berner, C. (2013). Nutrition supplements: Part 1. American Fitness. Retrieved from http://americanfitness.squarespace.com/nutrition-supplements1/

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