The Works is a sweat studio in Charleston, SC, known for their dynamic methodology. Their approach combines heat, vinyasa yoga flow, cardio, core work, sculpting, strength, meditation, and oh-so-much heart work.
We connected with founder and owner Sarah to learn more about The Works and its rapid growth these last five years, with two Sweat locations, a Renew concept studio, and two Cycle studios (!!).
SARAH’S YOGA JOURNEY
Like many of us, Sarah was introduced to yoga when a friend took her to her first class. The experience was so challenging that it pulled her attention away from everything else, allowing her to fully shift from her head to her body. Unlike the sports she grew up playing—where there is a clear beginning, middle, and end—yoga felt like a continuum. “You will never master it,” Sarah says, “and that’s what makes [yoga] so appealing to me.”
Sarah was drawn to yoga not only for its ability to shift her focus from mind to heart, but also for its continual challenges and limitless growth. Over time, she became a renowned yoga instructor in the Charleston community. Her practice became especially meaningful after the loss of her first child, Grace, in early infancy—a pivotal moment that pushed Sarah to deeply reconnect with her body and heart, helping her find presence and clarity. Through this presence, she formed authentic and vulnerable connections with her students and community, which eventually led to the creation of The Works.
FINDING GROWTH AND EXPANSION
Sarah and her team opened The Works Sweat Studio in downtown Charleston in 2019, followed by a second location in Mount Pleasant. In 2020 and 2021, Sarah co-founded and launched two locations of The Works Cycle. Their newest addition, The Works Renew, opened in May 2024.
Clients are initially drawn to The Works for the workout but stay for the connection, authenticity, and storytelling. The studio's rapid success is evident in its expansion to five locations in just five years, with no signs of slowing down. Growing from 4 to 50 employees, The Works has also partnered with numerous organizations to give back to the community during its short time in operation.
IN HER WORDS: HOW SARAH FINDS BALANCE AS A BUSINESS OWNER
“The word balance is such a tricky word, but one of my non-negotiables is being in the rooms and doing the work. Between the five businesses, three children and a husband who also owns his own business things can get pretty crazy, but I know that if I make showing up for myself in these rooms a priority everything feels more ‘balanced’."
WHAT INSPIRES SARAH AND KEEPS HER GOING
Sarah is inspired by music, people's stories, her children, and trauma-bonding through honest, real conversations. “Nothing inspires me more than connecting with people on a real level,” says Sarah. “When we share our stories we feel less alone, and realizing we are all more alike than different is always inspiring to me.”
For two decades, Sarah Frick has found strength, healing, and connection through teaching power vinyasa yoga. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, she spent 10 years owning and operating two successful power yoga studios in Charleston before selling both at their peak. Seeking to create something beyond 'just' a fitness experience, she founded The Works: A Sweat Studio by Sarah Frick.
On the business side, Sarah excels at hiring the right people and standing by them. As a leader, she values the power of learning people’s names, having tough conversations, and honing her listening skills—qualities that helped her grow The Works to five studios in five years and reach seven figures in the first year.
When she’s not on the mat or in the saddle, Sarah brings heart to tough conversations on her podcast, 'Are You For Real? With Sarah Frick,' which has garnered over a quarter million downloads. Whether in the studio, behind the scenes, or on air, she’s honored to create spaces for women to feel, fight, find grace, and grow.
To learn more about The Works, visit their site or give them a follow on Instagram.
You can also follow Sarah at @sarahlivesyoga and listen to her podcast on Apple and Spotify.
