A Chat with Katy Richardson of Neighborhood Barre
Let’s talk about an elephant in the room that so many business owners think about, but rarely actually talk through: selling your business.
Whether you’ve been building your brand for two years or twenty, the idea of handing it over to someone else can feel massive. That’s why this episode of The Friday Society was a conversation that I knew I needed to bring to you. I sat down with the brilliant Katy Richardson — founder of Neighborhood Barre — for part two of our conversation, and this time, we got real about what it actually looks like to sell a business you’ve poured your heart into.
(If you missed part 1 of her story, check it out here.)
If this is something you’ve considered, even just for a second, keep reading to hear more about Katy’s story.
Start Preparing Before You’re Ready
One of the biggest takeaways from my chat with Katy was that selling your business doesn’t start with a for-sale sign. It starts way before that — with your operations, your numbers, and your mindset.
Katy talked about the importance of thinking like a buyer. Is your business actually ready to hand over? Do you have your systems in place? Are your financials clear, documented, and accurate? She made a strong case for running your business as if you were going to sell it one day — even if that day feels far off.
But it wasn’t just about the spreadsheets and systems. Katy also emphasized doing this with intention. She didn’t just want to offload her business; she wanted to make sure it would thrive without her. (It;s her baby, afterall!) That meant stepping back, empowering her team, and getting super clear on what her business stood for — without her day-to-day involvement.
If this is something that feels completely lost to you, The Friday Society Membership just did a whole month all about Time-Saving Tech that can really help you automate systems in your business and give you back your freedom and sanity.
What Buyers Are Really Looking For
Spoiler alert: it’s not always about revenue. (Okay, it’s a little about revenue.)
Katy shared how surprising it was to learn what buyers actually care about. Things like:
- Recurring revenue streams
- Documented processes
- Team structure and autonomy
- Customer retention
Buyers want to know the business can run smoothly without you — which is both a little scary and a powerful motivator to build something truly sustainable. Katy also mentioned that having a clear brand and strong niche made Neighborhood Barre especially attractive to the right buyer. So yes, your brand voice matters here too!
If you need to dive into your brand’s messaging, check this out.
Documenting Systems = Peace of Mind (for Everyone)
Okay, if there’s one practical thing I hope you walk away with from this episode, it’s this: document your systems. Seriously — even if selling isn’t on your radar right now, future you will thank you.
Imagine trying to show someone how your entire business runs — from onboarding to customer service — while you’re also navigating contracts and big emotions? No thanks.
Instead, Katy made sure every process was written down, repeatable, and crystal clear. And not just for the buyer’s sake — doing that actually made her day-to-day life smoother long before she sold. It was such a good reminder that solid systems aren’t just about being professional — they’re about giving yourself space to scale, delegate, and honestly… just breathe.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Letting Go
This part of the conversation got me right in the heart. Because here’s the thing — no matter how strategic or business-savvy you are, selling something you built from scratch is deeply emotional. Your business isn’t just a business. It’s late nights, big dreams, personal sacrifices, and so many moments no one else ever sees. It’s a piece of you. ❤️
Katy opened up about what that emotional process looked like — the doubts, the “who am I without this?”, the “what now?” that lingers in the background. But she also shared the beauty on the other side: the relief, the pride, the peace of knowing she had done what she came to do… and done it well.
One thing that really stuck with me was how intentional she was about finding the right buyer — someone whose values matched hers, who would continue the legacy she built with care. This wasn’t about walking away and wiping her hands clean. It was about passing the torch with integrity, and making sure her team and community would still be in good hands.
Final Advice from Someone Who’s Been There
Katy was so generous with her wisdom but I want to leave you with one final thought: don’t wait until you’re burnt out or desperate. Start preparing sooner than you think.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to step away from the business you built — or even just want a peek into the behind-the-scenes of a business sale — this episode is one to cozy up with.
Tune in here:
Let’s keep the convo going — would you ever sell your business? What questions or hesitations come up for you when you think about it? Shoot me an email or DM me — you know I love chatting about the real stuff.
Follow Katy Richardson HERE.
Follow her studio HERE.
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