Meet Cheryl Brause and Stephanie Falk, Co-founders of Pause to be Present

Cheryl, a mindfulness expert and instructor, and Stephanie, a business and operations professional, combined forces to create Pause to be Present, an oasis of calm located in Mamaroneck, New York. The meditation studio is an open community centered on finding physical and mental calm, greater balance, better health and happiness. 

How did COVID impact their business?
When Covid hit, Pause to be Present had to close their physical studio.  The founders needed help making decisions about the future of their business and what reopening would look like. They had questions about their optimal service mix, and other necessary changes they needed to make to operate during the pandemic. 

How did TAP help?
TAP consultants Natsuko Murakami, who has a background in finance and operations, and Claire Shields, who has expertise in project management and communications, worked with Cheryl and Stephanie to adapt their existing business and expand their offerings to corporations and other organizations. 

The consultants analyzed client surveys and the customer database to help define the Pause to be Present brand and gain insight into the competition. They suggested focusing on corporate clients which would add more sessions, and to leverage existing connections to gain new patrons. And, they helped the studio target their marketing towards these new goals. They also reorganized the company’s financials to better identify revenues and costs associated with different services.
​
Where are they now? 
Cheryl and Stephanie decided to temporarily close the physical studio, but the virtual studio is brimming with offerings. There is unlimited access to daily live streaming meditations, an on-demand video library and many workshops. 
The business retained 100% of existing corporate customers and added many new clients, including a major organization and a school community.  Program offerings include mindfulness workshops, support sessions and guided meditations, all designed to support people in managing the changed environment. Pause to be Present has adapted to a new reality and has provided a rare spot of calm to help many others navigate the challenges of living in a pandemic.

---