I apologize for my absence over these past two weeks – my studio just finished our opening week of the season! 400+ families in and out of the doors makes for a very tired (and slightly cranky according to my boyfriend) studio owner!

Here is some “wisdom” I gained from this past week:

• Name labels for the preschool students seem like a good idea until you find one stuck right in the middle of your newly cleaned marley floor.

• The waiting room walls you painted this summer will be scuffed within 30 seconds of opening the doors.

• Take some time to evaluate what items/decor in your lobby looks climb-able to younger brothers and bolt them to the wall of floor, using twice the amount of bolts you think is necessary!

• Important Assistant Teacher Training Topic: Identifying the “toddler potty dance” and taking immediate action

• Write a handy list of FAQ’s with stock answers for your receptionist/office manager to reply to parents with. Topics should include, but are not limited to: “When can my 3 year old go en pointe”, “My child is much too advanced for this class” and “I have soccer practice/cheerleading/piano lessons – can I just start in November”?

And probably the best advice:

• You can’t please everyone!

Here’s to a great season for all of you Studio Owners who are starting up!