Tippi Toes: Behind the Curtain

In this episode, Sarah Nuse sits down with Christa Hunt to talk about her incredible evolution within Tippi Toes. From enrolling as a parent, to behind the scenes in social media, to ultimately stepping into franchise ownership. Christa shares what sparked each transition, what it’s really like to run her own location, and why saying “yes” changed everything.

Welcome back to the Tippi Toes podcast, Behind the Curtain! In this episode, our host Sarah Nuse, talks about everything our second season will offer. From insider stories, exclusive interviews, and deep dives into the world of entrepreneurship. Sarah invites you to join her in exploring the magic that happens Behind the Curtain.

As we wrap up Season 1, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the heartwarming, inspiring, and magical moments that have defined our journey so far. But don’t worry—this is just the intermission. Season 2 returns this fall with even more behind-the-scenes stories, inspiring interviews, and the magic that happens when little feet take big steps. Thank you for dancing through this season with us. See you soon—Behind the Curtain.

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Morgan, the Brand and Event Manager who started her journey as a dance teacher and worked her way onto the corporate team. They dive into the importance of staying on brand—even in the smallest details—and how thoughtful, well-executed events can make a big impact. Morgan shares how her role supports the overall experience and ensures that every touchpoint reflects the company’s values and vision.

In this episode, Sarah chats with Kryztal, a standout franchise manager and Director of Operations who has grown alongside the company. Starting as a dance instructor and working her way up to overseeing multiple locations. Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible with hard work and heart—and a must-listen for anyone looking to identify, develop, or become a strong leader. If you're building a team or striving to grow within one, Kryztal’s insights are the blueprint.

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Tracy Genheimer, the fifth-ever franchise owner of Tippi Toes®, to talk about her incredible journey. Tracy shares what it was like joining the franchise in its early days and how she’s witnessed the brand evolve over the years. Now, with a unique perspective as both a franchise owner and a parent, Tracy reflects on seeing the program through her child’s eyes as she participates in classes.

In this episode, Sarah interviews Stephen and Olivia, a father-daughter duo who own Tippi Toes Cape Coral. Stephen brings years of experience from the world of corporate retail, offering strategic business insight. Olivia, driven by her deep love for dance and working with children, brings the heart and creative spark to their venture. Together, they’re building a business that not only thrives but is also bringing joy to countless young dancers.

In this episode, host Sarah Nuse sits down with Tippi Toes® franchise owner Kelly Keller, co-owner of three locations in the Texas market. Kelly opens up about the unique dynamic of running a business with her sister, and the “just do it” mindset that drives their success. She also shares her insights into what makes a truly great teacher and how finding the right team members is key to building a strong, values-driven business. Interested in joining the Tippi Toes family? Visit tippitoesfranchise.com

In this episode, host Sarah Nuse chats with franchise owner Catie Delahanty, who shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial home to creating a business that supports the life she dreamed of for her own family. Catie opens up about the challenges of building a successful business, the hard work it took to gain the freedom to be present at home, and the joy she found along the way. If you’re looking for motivation to chase your dreams while keeping family at the center, this episode is for you! Interested in joining the Tippi Toes family? Visit tippitoesfranchise.com

In this episode, Sarah Nuse sits down with Carrie Sienkiewicz, the Training and Content Manager at Tippi Toes, for a deep dive into the world of new owner training. Carrie breaks down what this specialized onboarding process entails, why it’s a cornerstone of long-term success, and how the corporate team ensures every new owner feels supported, confident, and prepared from day one.

In this inspiring episode, host Sarah Nuse sits down with Leah Midcap, a dance franchise owner who never imagined herself in the world of dance—let alone owning a business centered around it. Leah shares her unexpected journey from thinking she could never dance to stepping into a leadership role, even teaching classes herself when needed. Her mindset? “Just do it.” Tune in for a conversation about overcoming self-doubt, embracing challenges, and discovering what you're truly capable of when you push past fear.

In this episode, Sarah Nuse chats with Kasey Keller, a Tippi Toes franchise owner whose journey started as a part-time dance teacher. Tippi Toes has been her one and only job, and over the years, she’s grown from teaching classes to owning multiple franchise locations. Kasey shares how her love for the business has grown — and how seeing her own daughter take a class gave her a brand new perspective as a mom. From her early days to leading her own teams, Kasey opens up about what it’s been like to grow with Tippi Toes every step of the way.

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, Sarah chats with Tippi Toes franchise owner Kim Olsen about the challenges of her business, the growth from her first to second year, and the invaluable support she's received from the corporate leadership team. Tune in for insights and inspiration from Kim's entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, host Sarah Nuse sits down with Laura Teal, a seasoned Tippi Toes franchise owner, who shares her journey in the business world. From their college days in the same sorority house to working together, they dive into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Laura opens up about what she loves about running her business, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and the exciting projects she’s been able to work on. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about business, growth, and the power of connection!

In this episode, host Sarah Nuse reflects back on her journey of taking Tippi Toes onto Shark Tank Season 2. She shares the ins and outs of preparing for the show and what happened after filming ended. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a Shark Tank fan, tune in for insights on perseverance, negotiation, and the impact of a TV appearance on a business!

In this special episode, Sarah Nuse sits down with her sister, Jen Marchal, who not only owns a thriving Tippi Toes franchise but has been part of the company’s story from the very beginning. Jen watched Sarah start Tippi Toes in 1999 and saw firsthand how it grew into a nationwide success. However, it wasn’t until 20 years later that she decided to purchase her own franchise. Jen shares her unique perspective on the business, what inspired her to take the leap, and how being both a sister and a franchise owner has shaped her journey. This heartfelt conversation is filled with inspiration, family ties, and valuable lessons for anyone looking to chase their dreams.

Host Sarah Nuse sits down with Carrie Sienkiewicz to dive into the heart of Tippi Toes. In this episode, they explore the mission, vision and core values that drive Tippi Toes as a whole and how each one of these have driven decisions for the entire company.

In this episode, host Sarah Nuse interviews Jensen Holmes, whose passion for dance and leadership took her from Tippi Toes teacher to full franchise owner and corporate team member. Jensen shares her journey of rapid growth and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a dance professional, or chasing a dream, this episode is packed with inspiration!

In this episode, host Sarah Nuse sits down with Joey Davila, the mastermind behind all the music that brings Tippi Toes to life! As the producer behind the catchy, upbeat songs that get kids moving and grooving, Joey shares his creative process and what it takes to craft music that inspires joy and confidence in children. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how Tippi Toes music is made and how it continues to make an impact on young dancers everywhere!

In this episode, host Sarah Nuse sits down with franchise owner Vallie Pate to explore her inspiring journey in the dance industry. Vallie shares candid insights about the challenges she faced and the incredible moments that make it all worthwhile. Join Sarah and Vallie as they delve into the heart of entrepreneurship, passion, and the vibrant world of Tippi Toes.

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Tippi Toes COO Maria Fesler to explore the key principles behind creating a strong, collaborative team. Maria shares her insights on fostering trust, aligning goals, and empowering team members to thrive in a high-performing environment. Whether you're building a startup or leading a larger organization, Maria's practical advice will help you create a team culture that drives success.

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, founder Sarah Nuse sits down with Kim Babcock, the assistant director at the very first child care center where Tippi Toes classes began. It was Kim’s enthusiastic “yes” that gave Sarah the motivation and confidence to pursue her dream of bringing dance to children everywhere. Over the past 26 years, Sarah and Kim have remained connected, and in this heartfelt conversation, Kim shares her early impressions of Tippi Toes and reflects on the profound impact the program has had on children’s lives. She even highlights her son Lane’s special experience as part of Tippi Toes dance classes. This episode is a touching look back at the origins of Tippi Toes and the ripple effect of one impactful decision.

Sarah Nuse is the visionary founder of Tippi Toes Dance Company, a business that began as a simple idea and has grown into a nationwide success story. While in college, Sarah saw an opportunity to combine her love of dance with her passion for bringing joy to children. What started as a humble effort to teach dance classes in her local community quickly evolved into something extraordinary. With determination, faith, and a relentless drive, Sarah turned her dream into a reality. She embraced the challenges of starting a business from scratch, learning the ropes of entrepreneurship while balancing her studies and her vision. Sarah’s dedication to creating a positive, uplifting environment for children and families became the foundation of Tippi Toes, a company now known for its unique dance curriculum, original music, and mission to make every child feel valued. Today, Sarah inspires others by sharing her journey—from the spark of an idea to building a thriving business. Her story is a testament to the power of following your passion, taking bold steps, and staying true to your purpose.

Welcome to the Behind the Curtain Tippi Toes podcast! This is your backstage pass to the heart and soul of Tippi Toes, where we share the incredible journey of how a small-town dance company grew into a international franchise brand. Join us as we dive into the stories that shaped our brand, from the early days of dreaming big to the lessons learned along the way—both the triumphs and the challenges. You'll also hear inspiring stories from our amazing team and franchise owners who bring the Tippi Toes mission to life every day. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a franchise owner, or just a fan of heartwarming stories, this podcast offers a glimpse into the passion, dedication, and creativity that make Tippi Toes so special. Let’s celebrate the joy of dance, the power of teamwork, and the impact of building a business that truly makes a difference. Welcome to the Tippi Toes family!