Studio Spotlight: Power moves with co-founder, Morgan budd
Morgan Budd, co-founder of Power Moves and new mother, balances entrepreneurship and instructing with grounded leadership and vision. What began as her dream has become a bold, high-energy studio that empowers, connects, and inspires — more than a workout, it’s an experience.
You're juggling brand ownership, instructing, and pregnancy — how do you manage these different roles day-to-day?
What strategies or routines help you stay grounded and energized?
Juggling brand ownership, instructing and pregnancy has definitely come with its challenges but having a great team around me and the support and guidance of my partner Mike has made a huge difference. I try to stay as organised as possible by planning out each day and week and I’ve found that sticking to simple routines - like starting my mornings with a walk and setting boundaries around switching off at night - really helps me stay grounded. I’ve also learned to let go of perfection and lean into flexibility, knowing that not every day will go to plan and that’s okay.
What inspired you to co-found Power Moves, and how has your vision evolved since its launch?
When I found my own style as an instructor, I realised there weren’t many studios that truly resonated with me, so creating one became the dream. I wanted to build a studio space that delivered consistent, high energy workouts that were challenging, fun, and empowering, all within a luxe, moody setting where people could completely switch off and feel part of a supportive, judgment free community.
Since launching, the vision has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined when writing my first business plan but the mission has always stayed the same - to elevate, educate and empower through movement.
Power Moves has a very distinct brand and vibe — how would you describe the energy and experience of a class to someone who's never been?
Power Moves has a bold, high energy vibe that you can feel the moment you walk into the studio. The space is designed to be inclusive and empowering, whether you're a first timer or a regular, you’re welcomed. Classes are challenging in the best way but always mindful and encouraging, with no judgment. We’re all about empowering our clients to feel strong, confident and connected to their bodies. The music, the energy, the community, it’s not just a workout, it’s an experience that leaves you buzzing long after you leave the studio.
How has being a studio instructor shaped your approach to leadership and running a business?
Being an instructor has definitely helped shape my approach to leadership and running a business in the fitness space. Teaching for many years before opening Power Moves gave me firsthand insight into what instructors need to feel supported, valued and inspired in their roles. It highlighted what I felt was missing in other studios, whether it was culture, communication or opportunities for growth and helped me create a space that prioritises both the client experience and the wellbeing of the team. It also shaped the kind of leader I aim to be: approachable, empowering and someone who leads with empathy and clarity. I know what it’s like to be on the floor, so every decision I make considers the perspective of the instructor as well as the bigger business vision.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced building Power Moves, and how did you navigate them?
Business comes with so many challenges, but one of the biggest for me personally has been learning to let go during the growth phase we’ve just gone through. After wearing so many hats in the business for such a long time, it’s been a real shift to step back and trust that the team has it handled. Navigating that has meant investing in the right people, creating clear systems and letting go of the need to be across every single detail. It’s still a work in progress, but learning to delegate and lead from a place of trust has been a huge step in our growth - for the business and for me personally.
Pregnancy is a transformative experience — has it influenced your perspective on movement, wellness, or entrepreneurship?
Pregnancy has been such an amazing experience that’s deepened my respect and connection with my body. It’s taught me the importance of really tuning in and understanding when I might need extra rest and when movement will help me feel better both physically and mentally. It’s also made me reflect on my role in the business going forward because juggling all the hats just won’t have been possible once the baby arrives. This experience has reminded me that flexibility, self care and delegation are essential for both health and success.
What’s a moment in your Power Moves journey that you’re most proud of so far?
For me, the moments I’m most proud of aren’t the big milestones you might expect, they’re the small, meaningful ones. Like seeing members who met in the studio become best friends, or watching everyone come together at a community event. It’s also about seeing our trainers at workshops, leaving inspired with fresh ideas. Hearing clients share stories about how much stronger and more connected they feel in their bodies since joining Power Moves or seeing them leave class glowing with pride and accomplishment. Those are the moments that make me think, “This is exactly why we created this.”
Community seems like a big part of the studio's ethos — how have you built and nurtured the Power Moves community?
I really believe in the saying, “your vibe attracts your tribe,” and from the beginning, I’ve made it a priority to show up authentically and emphasise how important community is to us. By surrounding myself with the right people both within our team and among our members, we’ve naturally built a community that shares and reflects those same values. Every team member plays a key role in nurturing that environment and our members bring so much of the energy that makes Power Moves feel so special. It’s a collective effort that we continue to grow through genuine connection, whether that’s in the studio or at our community events, through consistency and by creating a space where people feel seen and supported.
As a founder, how do you approach staying creatively inspired — whether it’s in branding, classes, or future plans?
I think that when you’re truly passionate and genuinely love what you do, staying creatively inspired becomes much easier. That passion fuels fresh ideas and drive to keep dreaming big for future plans. I also make a point to stay curious and open minded, whether that’s exploring new trends, learning from others, or tuning into the energy and feedback from our community - which keeps the inspiration flowing and helps to keep Power Moves evolving.
What’s next for you and Power Moves — both personally and professionally — in the coming months?
Personally, I’m stepping into a whole new chapter, motherhood. While I’ll still be involved in Power Moves, I’m giving myself the space to settle into this role and find my rhythm as a mum. I’m incredibly grateful to have an amazing partner, a supportive team and solid systems in place that allow me to do that.
Professionally, Power Moves isn’t slowing down. We’ve just opened our second studio in Newstead and we’re excited to keep growing, expanding our community, and building on the strong foundations we’ve created.
If you’d like to check out Power Moves, visit their studios in Brisbane or explore more on their website here, or follow along on Instagram here.