Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Powers.
Hi Mia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I really started Core Collective by combining all the things I love! I grew up playing soccer and went on to play in college, so movement and being active have always been a huge part of my life. I also love design, hospitality, and bringing people together in fun and unexpected ways. Core Collective became this place where I could really bring all of those things together in such a special way. I started with one small studio in Portland, and since then it’s really just been a lot of learning, evolving, taking risks, and following what excites me
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not completely smooth! My first studio was actually supposed to be in Maui, and the building burned down before we opened- so I moved to Portland and started there instead! I think the smoothness comes in phases. Overall, I’ve been incredibly lucky with how naturally Core Collective has grown, but right now, as we’re expanding, building out new studios, and growing the backend of the business, it’s definitely been one of the more challenging seasons. I’ve learned that growing a business is a constant mix of really exciting moments and figuring things out as you go.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’d say I’m the big-picture, creative person. I love coming up with what’s next, taking calculated risks, and figuring out how to turn a slightly crazy idea into something real. I’m also pretty good at knowing what I’m not good at and finding really talented people who are. My day-to-day is always changing—right now I’m deep in the weeds of expansion, while our team runs our existing studios. I love people and I care a lot about making everyone feel seen, and I think that’s probably what I’m most proud of with Core Collective. Even as we grow, it still feels personal. People know each other, we have fun, and it doesn’t feel like this big polished machine. I never want to lose that!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve always been a risk taker—I think I’ve been rolling the dice in some way since I was a kid. Starting Core Collective was a huge risk in itself. I had no experience owning a brick and mortar business, I was a newer teacher, and I really just had an idea I believed in. Then came figuring out how to get investment for a second studio, expanding again, opening in new markets… honestly, this entire business has been one big series of risks lol. I think I’ve learned to trust my gut, do my homework, and then at some point you just have to go for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.corecollectivesculpt.com
- Instagram: Corecollective.sculpt
