488% Growth in 5 Years: How PeaceCore Studios Became a Wellness Hub in Akron

“Our clients are always changing—new baby, injury, retirement. We guide them through every phase. That’s what makes PeaceCore Studios different.”
— Lisa Conrow, Owner

Introduction

Lisa Conrow didn’t plan on starting a wellness empire in Akron, Ohio. But after years in New York—where she immersed herself in studying the arts, fitness, and holistic nutrition—Lisa returned to Ohio to raise her children. She took a role at the Cleveland Clinic’s wellness program, where she saw firsthand the power of integrating movement with long-term health and prevention. But in Akron, few if any places were offering that kind of whole-person approach.

“There was nothing in the Akron area for Pilates,” she said. “People didn’t even know what a Reformer was.”

She started small—teaching out of the back of the wellness center, then renting a single room in a friend’s yoga studio. But demand kept growing. Eventually, she opened her own space.

What Sets PeaceCore Studios Apart

Today, PeaceCore Studios is a thriving wellness community offering Pilates, yoga, barre, heated mat classes, trauma-informed movement, infrared therapy, sound healing, massage, and more. With four studio spaces, 40 staff, and a warm, intentional atmosphere, it serves clients from Akron and across Northeast Ohio—new moms, aging adults, college athletes, and anyone seeking peace.

At PeaceCore Studios, clients don’t just take classes—they follow personalized wellness paths designed for their life stage, energy level, and goals. Lisa and her team offer tailored class guides to help each person navigate what their body needs now—and evolve as those needs change.

“I don’t want everything to be about strength training, or stretching, or spirituality… because then people get stuck,” she explained. “I want them to go from A to B to C to D—everything that’s going to give them opportunities to find wellness.”

Someone recovering from childbirth might be directed to calming infrared yoga, while a marathon runner could be guided to cross-training and mobility classes.

“Their paths are always changing. Always,” she said. “Because we get older, we get injuries, we retire… So we help people figure out what’s right for them now.”

PeaceCore isn’t a one-size-fits-all studio. It’s a model for what community-centered wellness can look like—deeply personal, ever-evolving, and rooted in the belief that transformation happens when people feel safe, seen, and supported.

The Challenge: Managing Growth Across a Multi-Modality Wellness Studio

Running a diverse and fast-growing studio came with challenges. As her client base grew, so did the complexity—more equipment, more instructors, more service offerings.

Scheduling became difficult to manage. Lisa recalls the early days:

“People would just tell me they were coming to class. Then it was Google Sheets. I couldn’t keep up with 50 or 75 people’s schedules anymore.”

When she opened her own space, she initially used Mindbody but found the system unintuitive and costly—especially as she sought to grow and add customizations like a branded app.

“I’m not a tech person. It was just me and my husband trying to figure it all out.”

The Solution: Switching to WellnessLiving

The switch to WellnessLiving’s fitness business management software made an immediate difference. Lisa especially appreciated the hands-on support during the transition.

“They transferred everything for us, gave us a beautiful, affordable app, and the customer service is amazing… If I can figure this out, anyone can.”

Today, WellnessLiving powers nearly every aspect of the business—from front desk operations and instructor substitutions to client communications, class scheduling, and milestone tracking.

The Results: Streamlined Operations and Meaningful Growth

Since switching platforms, PeaceCore Studios has grown 488% in five years. The business now includes four studio rooms, a retail area, and plans for a community café.

Lisa’s team of 40 can now manage daily operations without constant oversight. Instructors can sub each other in, text clients if classes change, and customize offerings by class type or room. Front desk staff can quickly reschedule clients and waive late penalties when needed. Even small features like “Book-a-Spot” for reserving Reformers have improved client satisfaction and fostered community.

“We just celebrated a client’s 1000th class. The software flagged it for us. Those moments matter.”

Most importantly, Lisa can step back from wearing every hat in the business and return to her passion: nurturing a culture that transforms lives.

“Now I get to go back to what I love—developing new programs and mentoring teachers. I’m not stuck in the weeds anymore.”

Favorite Features (According to the Owner)

• Branded mobile app – Professional, easy to use, and included with the software

• Customer service – “I can always talk to someone. They know me by name.”

• Book-a-Spot – Clients can choose their equipment or sit by friends—fostering connection

• Client milestone tracking – Automatically flags loyalty moments (e.g., 50 or 1000 classes)

• Instructor and staff tools – Teachers can manage schedules, send texts, and sub easily

Final Thoughts

Lisa sees the studio’s growth as more than just numbers—it’s a return to purpose.

“I’ve been HR. I’ve been janitor. I’ve taught 25 classes a week. Now I finally get to be creative again. That’s why I started this in the first place.”

With a new wing and community café on the horizon, PeaceCore Studios continues to reimagine what a wellness studio in Akron can be.

Ready to Grow Your Fitness or Wellness Business?

For Lisa, switching to WellnessLiving’s fitness studio software wasn’t just a tech upgrade—it was a turning point. She now runs a multi-space wellness hub with confidence, creativity, and support.

If you’re considering making the switch, take it from Lisa:

“Without a doubt—do it. Switching to WellnessLiving changed everything for us.”

Join thousands of business owners using WellnessLiving’s all-in-one platform to simplify scheduling, boost retention, and scale with confidence.

👉 Book your free demo today