Tips from the experts to help you grow the yoga business of your dreams
This month’s mentor:
Charlotte Montgomery, 33, Satya Sanctuary, Knutsford, Cheshire (satyasanctuary.co.uk)
Can you make a living from yoga?
Yes, but it takes hard work, resilience, and a lot of behind-the scenes effort that most people never see. From the outside, it can look like matcha lattes and yoga retreats, but the reality involves constant reinvention to stay relevant and sustainable, especially in today’s economic climate. If I have a secret, it’s that I’m powered by ADHD. While it can be my biggest challenge, it’s also a huge asset. It allows me to see things differently, to find energy when I’m running low, and to connect with people on another level. It’s also given me the ability to pivot quickly. When I was about to move to Cornwall, the perfect studio space suddenly became available. Within three months, Satya was open. That impulsive energy and adaptability have been key to our success.
“I truly believe we achieve more when we work together”
What’s your niche?
Our niche is that we have no niche. The tagline on our website — Exclusively inclusive — captures this perfectly. Our logo, featuring the phases of the moon, symbolises our mission to support people at every stage of life. Our youngest student is just six weeks old, and our oldest was 98. This creates a beautiful sense of community where all ages, abilities, and experiences come together to practice. That inclusivity is what makes the studio so special. It’s also rare in the yoga industry to truly cater to all ages. Many groups, pregnant women, older adults, and children, are often sidelined into community centres or church halls because they’re perceived to be less financially fruitful. By embracing these groups within our main studio offering, we’ve created a natural flow between life stages. Students stay with us through pregnancy, parenthood, midlife, and beyond, each phase feeding into the next. This continuity means we rely less on marketing, and more on word of mouth as our community sustains itself through genuine connection and long term loyalty.
Your hardest lesson?
The toughest lesson I’ve learned is that nothing lasts forever. Classes change, students move on, and it can be hard not to take it personally when you’ve built close bonds. But it’s rarely about the quality of your teaching, life simply shifts. Schedules change, budgets tighten, or studios evolve. The key is to adapt without losing your spark or passion for teaching.
“I think the future of yoga lies in a renewed focus on community”
Social media tips?
Social media has become a necessary part of running any business, whether you’re a solo teacher or a studio owner, but it really is what you make it. From the very start, you need to be clear about your purpose. For Satya, our channels are a way to showcase the heart of the studio, its community and its energy. That’s why we deliberately chose not to go down the slick, heavily-curated route. Our socials are raw, real and natural. I manage our social channels myself, and I like to mix educational content with glimpses of the people behind the studio, our events, and a good dose of humour. In terms of engagement, it’s a tie between our community-based and humorous posts. People buy people, and now more than ever, audiences respond to how you make them feel, rather than just how things look.
Do you work with a business coach?
I don’t have a business coach or mentor in the traditional sense, but I’m incredibly fortunate to have two team members, Stuart Pilkington and Jenny Roche, who have run their own studios and bring a wealth of experience. They’ve been an amazing source of knowledge and support. Having trusted people to bounce ideas off is invaluable. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed more competition and less collaboration in the yoga world, but I truly believe we achieve more when we work together. Sharing experiences and lessons helps everyone grow, and saves a lot of unnecessary struggle.
Future trends?
I think the future of yoga lies in a renewed focus on community. People are craving connection more than ever. It’s not just about getting people through the door, it’s about giving them a place where they feel they belong. At Satya, we’ve hosted everything from coffee tastings to kirtans to bring people together, and it’s created a truly beautiful community. Many students who met here now socialise outside of class, and when we ask what they love most about the studio, the answer is always the same: the community, a place to call home.
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.
