Tips from the experts to help you grow the yoga business of your dreams
This month’s mentor:
Sophie Reed, Soulbox Pilates and Yoga Studio, Whitehaven, Cumbria. soulbox.co.uk
Setting up a studio
I developed Soulbox from nothing to everything! From scratch, studio creation (from a complete shell) to logo design, own website development, an app, administration, management and running of the studio. Soulbox is a hub of healing. I want my work to be felt and not seen.
Business plan
In truth, I suppose I treat my business plan how I treat my life. Momentarily. I do have future visions, but also know my ever-changing nature. My ‘plan’ is to show up as me daily and go on a journey with my members. For me, following a sure path would mean limiting my customers potential for the sake of my own end result. At my heart, Soulbox isn’t about me, it’s about the community and how I can make a difference. We are all different; my way will horrify some and inspire others. I have respect for everyone who may prefer facts, figures and timelines, that’s just not me.
Challenge #1: Trust
There is so much emphasis on opening our hearts and trust in the yoga industry. After so much exposure to this I’ve been guilty of giving too much trust and being hurt, let down and had my business (and sanity) at risk. I let someone in personally and professionally, which led to my first experience of narcissism. This is something I’ve never publicly spoken about and won’t do so. It’s not the brightest subject but if highlighting it can prevent a single person going through the pain it can cause it is worth putting it here. Of course, taking support in business and trusting other instructors is also important, but I’d encourage everyone to only do so if it feels true. Not for the sake of ‘because we should’. It is important to take support running a business but I believe it’s also okay to keep some things safe. I often give this advice to my students too: to balance an open heart with boundaries.
Challenge #2: Always being ‘on’
Constantly checking messages and managing bookings is draining. I think the amount of time required for this is underestimated. I want more than to stay connected to my customers as they are my world.
Self-care tips
If I’m ever depleted, messages of thanks, seeing my customer’s bodies transform, hearing them take a deep breath and having their dedication, keeps me strong. I have learned, however, that we can be strong and still need a break. We can be certain and things can change. We can be resilient and still need help. It’s all a paradox. My self-care would easily be confused with excessive time alone. I need a lot of time to decompress and I don’t sacrifice this. Setting boundaries is hard especially with a huge heart that loves connection. It is a balancing act of reaching out and drawing inwards and, admittedly, I don’t always get it just right.
What fuels you?
It’s my intention to have a significant positive impact on at least one person’s life each day.
Last word
Get clear on your ‘rules’ and don’t bend them. Have a cancellation/ no show policy and make no exceptions. It becomes impossible to say ‘yes’ to this, ‘no’ to that. One of the best things I ever did from day one was to stick to this.
Written and compiled by Claudia Brown (yogabyclaudia.com)
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
