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Sala Studio: Flexing small business potential

Sarah Lindsay opened Sala, a boutique fitness studio in Ponsonby, with a vision to empower through movement and mindfulness. Today, Sala has grown far beyond what Sarah originally imagined.

6 minute read

Dreaming big

When Sarah Lindsay founded Sala in 2018, her goal was clear: create a wellness space that was about more than just fitness. She envisioned a studio where yoga, pilates, and fitness would serve as pathways to holistic living, while fostering a supportive community.

Initially, Sala operated from a small, modest space with just one room for classes. As demand grew, Sarah recognised the need for expansion. The original space quickly filled to capacity, and it became clear that to accommodate more members and offer a greater variety of classes, Sala needed more room.

Finding the right fit

To bring her vision for expansion to life, Sarah turned to BNZ for financial support. She felt that Sala and BNZ were particularly well-aligned in their commitment to community and growth.

With BNZ’s backing, Sarah was able to expand Sala’s space, add more classes, and elevate the overall experience for its growing membership.

This financial support allowed Sala to scale rapidly, ensuring the studio could meet the increasing demand for its wellness services and accommodate a larger community. The expansion not only helped Sala grow but also enhanced the experience for its members, allowing the studio to further its mission of holistic wellness.

Growing stronger

Since Sala's expansion, its growth has been extraordinary. Sala’s physical space has increased by more than 50%, providing more opportunities for members to engage in movement and wellness activities. This has enabled Sala to become a true hub for holistic wellness, allowing the studio to continue fulfilling its mission of offering both fitness and a sense of community.

In just two years, the studio experienced 88% year-on-year growth, expanding from 30 classes a week to 150. This rapid growth was driven not only by increased demand for classes but also by a wider range of services that came with a larger space. Members, once limited by class availability, now have a broader selection of times and formats to choose from.

A place to thrive

For Sarah, the success of Sala has been about more than just numbers – it’s about creating a space where members feel part of something greater. Many members of Sala have spoken about the community they’ve found there, where personal growth and physical fitness are woven together. The sense of belonging, support, and encouragement that members experience is a core part of Sala’s mission.

As the studio expanded, it not only accommodated more members but also deepened the connection between the community and the business. The growth at Sala has allowed Sarah to remain true to her roots – providing a space where people can connect with themselves and each other.

Moving forward

As Sala continues to grow, Sarah is excited about what the future holds and the opportunities ahead. Along the way she has gained valuable insights into both business and intuition – yet she also knows that having a financial partner who truly supports her goals has been essential to her success.

Looking ahead, Sarah plans to continue expanding Sala’s offerings and deepening the connection with the community. There are also plans to explore new ways of reaching people through wellness services, with a focus on innovation and community involvement. With Sala's strong foundations and a clear vision for what comes next, the potential for continued growth is limitless.

Small beginnings to big success

Sala’s growth story is a great example of how the right financial support can drive a small business toward success. With BNZ’s backing, Sarah has transformed her passion for wellness into a thriving business that has not only scaled but also strengthened its impact on the local community. As Sala moves forward, it continues to stand as a testament to what’s possible when vision, hard work, and the right support align.

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