Pip Black started her business, Frame at 24. She and her co-founder Joan, have navigated huge changes across the fitness industry over the last 15 years. They launched in recession, tag teamed maternity leaves over 4 kids, raised funds, bought back their company and adapted almost overnight to Covid. But through it all, they have lived the brand, its values, and created a business which puts customer experience at its core - the key to their success. Coming back to exercise has been a huge source of joy for me this year, and Pip is clear: doing what you love, rather than pushing yourself as hard as possible, is what builds a healthy body. Takeaways Customer experience v marketing The pros and cons of starting a business at 24yrs old How Frame embodies their values as a BCorp Managing maternity leave as 2 founders have babies back to back How Frame responded to Covid and your gyms being closed for nearly a year How Pip makes it work living in Somerset whilst being very present in a London based business Why we should listen to our bodies and not trends when it comes to how we exercise Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Fitness Culture 07:38 Pip's Journey to Frame 16:15 Building Frame: Challenges and Innovations 23:55 Creating a Welcoming Fitness Environment 25:34 Accessibility in Fitness: Breaking Barriers 27:53 Core Values: Authenticity and Community 28:43 The Power of Partnership: Building a Business Together 32:51 Navigating Maternity Leave: Balancing Business and Family 35:46 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship: A Personal Journey 40:24 Lessons from COVID: Adapting to Change 46:56 Future Perspectives: Work-Life Balance and Parenting 49:56 The Joy of Dance and Fitness 51:10 Navigating Parenting During Lockdown 52:53 Balancing Work and Family Life 56:04 Finding Your Personal Exercise Style 01:01:06 The Importance of Community in Fitness 01:04:51 Listening to Your Body and Holistic Health 01:08:22 Innovations at Frame: Classes Tailored to Feelings Links: Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Pip Black Pip Black is CEO and co-founder of Frame, a London-based fitness brand which pioneered the boutique pay-as-you-go studio movement in 2009. The pair raised £6m in PE investment in 2019, but since Covid have bought the business back and navigated their way out of these very difficult times. The brand now includes 5 locations across the city alongside a fast-growing Online offering. Pip studied Business at the University of Bath, including a year at the Australian Institute of Sport, before starting a career in Advertising before meeting business partner Joan Murphy in 2007. Together with Joan Murphy the two set out to build a brand which would encourage fit, healthy living through high energy and fun-filled classes. Frame has been operating for almost 16 years and proven that the pay-as-you-go fitness model is both profitable and can diversify into many areas including apparel, equipment and education. Pip and Joan launched Mumhood, their pre and post-natal sub-brand in 2016 and are hugely passionate about educating and motivating women to stay active throughout this stage of their lives for both their physical health and mental sanity! Pip Black’s Links: Website: https://moveyourframe.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pip-black-82652940/ Instagram (Pip): https://www.instagram.com/pipingablack/ Instagram (Frame): https://www.instagram.com/moveyourframe/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/
