Exploring Life & Business with Sheila Rubin of Beehive Pole Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Rubin.

Hi Sheila, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story didn’t start with a big plan — it started with curiosity, grit, and a lot of faith in myself and, above all, in God.

I fell in love with pole dancing as a form of movement, strength, and self-expression. At first, it was personal. It helped me reconnect with my body, build confidence, and discover a version of myself that felt powerful and unapologetic. I quickly realized this wasn’t just a workout — it was healing, community, and art all wrapped into one.

In 2019, I opened my first pole studio. I didn’t come from money, investors, or a business background. I built everything step by step, learning as I went, making mistakes, fixing them, and showing up every single day. I wore every hat — instructor, cleaner, marketer, administrator — because I believed deeply in creating a space where people felt safe, seen, and strong.

What started as one studio grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined — into a beautiful community built to empower people through movement and confidence. I focused on building not just a studio, but a culture — one that values inclusivity, growth, discipline, and joy.

Along the way, I’ve balanced entrepreneurship, leadership, and womanhood, navigating burnout, fear, self-doubt, and growth. I learned that success isn’t linear and that building something meaningful requires patience, boundaries, and self-trust. Through every season, I leaned on God’s guidance, trusting that even when I couldn’t see the full path, I was never walking it alone.

Today, I’m proud to be a studio owner, creative, and community builder. My work continues to evolve, but my “why” stays the same: helping others feel strong in their bodies and confident in their lives, while proving to myself that it’s possible to build something beautiful from the ground up.

This journey is still unfolding — and I see it not just as a business, but as a legacy in the making.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Like any real journey, it’s been filled with unexpected challenges and moments that tested my faith and resilience.

One of the hardest moments came in 2023, when I lost my studio due to a major leak. That space held so much history, love, and effort, and having to let it go was emotionally and financially overwhelming. It felt like losing a piece of the dream I had worked so hard to build. There were moments of fear, uncertainty, and grief, and I questioned what the next step would look like.

But even in that season, I chose to trust the journey and lean fully into God’s timing. What felt like an ending slowly revealed itself as a redirection. Shortly after, I found a new studio — in a better location, with more opportunity to grow and serve the community. It reminded me that sometimes what we think is a setback is actually protection and preparation for something greater.

Along the way, I’ve also faced burnout, financial pressure, and the challenge of learning how to lead while still growing myself. Those struggles taught me patience, humility, and the importance of trusting both the process and myself.

Every obstacle refined the vision rather than breaking it. Looking back, I can see that even the hardest moments were part of building something stronger, deeper, and more aligned than what I originally imagined.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Beehive Pole Studio?
My business is a pole dance and movement studio focused on strength, confidence, and community. We offer pole classes for all levels, along with conditioning, flexibility, and specialty workshops, but our mission goes far beyond movement.

What truly sets Beehive apart is our community. Just like in a real beehive, every bee plays an important role — and in our studios, every person matters. Each student brings their own strength, story, and energy, and together we create something powerful. We believe growth happens best in an environment of support, encouragement, and shared effort.

We’re known for being welcoming, intentional, and deeply committed to quality. Community over competition is at the core of our culture, and we focus on strong technique, body awareness, and confidence built through consistency and care.

What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the environment we’ve created. People don’t just come for classes — they stay because they feel seen, supported, and empowered. Every class is an extension of our mission: helping people feel strong in their bodies and confident in their lives.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Start before you feel ready and trust that clarity comes through action. You’ll learn as you go, and mistakes are part of the process, not a sign you’re failing.

I wish I had known sooner that burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means something needs adjusting. Rest, boundaries, and self-care are essential for long-term growth.

Build community intentionally and don’t compare your journey to others. And above all, trust God’s timing. What feels like a delay or setback is often protection and redirection.

Pricing:

• Intro offer 3 classes x $59 for new students

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beehivepolestudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beehive.pole.studio/ and https://www.instagram.com/shei.rub/

Image Credits
Beehive Community Members