I recently opened a yoga studio in the town of Baker City, which has a population of just over 10,000.
Naturally, the questions arose: Was this the smartest business venture? Did I know what I was signing up for? Was I willing to bear the overhead costs for something that might not survive in a farming community with one grocery store? Our town is so small that even a birth center and an ambulance service were deemed unnecessary – probably why some people looked at me with some concern when I told them I would be opening a studio here.
Still, I took the plunge. While I had a good idea of the many hats I would wear, I was not prepared for how incredibly vulnerable this work would feel, or how much I would learn, lessons that apply to studio owners in towns and cities of all sizes.
Some days I leave class buzzing with gratitude; other days I stare at an empty room and wonder if I missed something. The process hasn’t been glamorous or predictable, but what it has been is hugely transformative – both personally and professionally.
Until now, I am convinced that meaningful work is rarely fully formed. I have had to make sacrifices and believe in my vision even when others doubted it. Every packed class, quiet week, and unexpected challenge has challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, revealing that growth requires more resilience than perfection.
If the doors of my studio remain open, it will never be because of a flawless system, but because I continued to listen, learn and choose my small but close-knit community over security. And to me that feels like success.
6 things I learned from opening my yoga studio
My yoga studio has become one of the clearest teachers I have ever had. These are the lessons that help me stay grounded – and remind me how important it is to keep showing up.
1. Not every class, event, or idea will be a success. Don’t let that stop you from taking risks.
Opening a yoga studio has taught me that failure is not proof that you are doing something wrong. It’s just feedback. And listening to it will bring you closer to what your community really needs.
Because our city is so small, there are a lot of great ideas that have never been tested – ideas like full-day retreats, early morning meditation classes, and midday lunch deals. As a studio owner, I have had to learn to take risks and bravely face the unknown. This is what every good idea that is still finding its foundation requires: the courage to try, learn and try again.
2. It’s okay if you can’t always give 100% of your effort to every role.
You will take on many roles. Some you expected, some you never considered. Owning a studio means being a teacher one minute and a janitor, accountant or social media manager the next. I often remind myself that balance is not about doing everything, but about choosing what is a priority, doing what you can and leaving room for your own self-care.
Letting go of unchecked boxes not only saves you stress, but also reminds your students that you, like them, are doing your best and that the exercise can help you accept your humanity.
3. One day you will feel like you have all the answers; the next minute you feel like a total failure.
Studio ownership is humbling, and there are so many ups and downs. Some classes are so full that you feel like you can’t stop. At others, only one or two students show up.
I have discovered that it is important to keep trying and discovering new things, without letting small setbacks prevail. Schedules are constantly changing and each week brings a unique set of needs. Try not to take it personally. Please know that these changes are normal, and that low attendance, or even no attendance at all, is not a reflection of your value as a teacher or the value of your studio.
4. Tell yourself you’re doing a good job. Because some days no one else will.
In a profession built on supporting others, it’s essential to become your own source of encouragement, even when you struggle to believe in your abilities. This role can feel isolating, especially if you run the only studio in town, and self-doubt and imposter syndrome will take over if you’re not careful. I have had to learn to be a better friend to myself, remembering that keeping the doors open – especially in a rural community – is itself an act of dedication.
You can want to do better while still appreciating how far you’ve come.
5. Don’t lose yourself trying to please everyone.
Your students have great ideas and feedback from the community is invaluable, but chasing everyone’s preferences will exhaust you and dilute your vision. It’s important to trust your instincts and have confidence in your decision-making. The more you trust yourself, the more confident you will become in your new role.
6. Honesty is the best thing you can give to your students and fellow teachers.
Transparency creates trust. I chose to set the tone from the start about policies, mistakes and personal limitations, such as living with a chronic illness.
As yoga teachers, we encourage others to show up as they are, often forgetting that we too are given the same permission. We are not expected to be perfect. Some days I can’t demonstrate as much because of the pain I’m in. There have been times when I have had to cancel class due to family circumstances that required my attention.
Even when it’s hard, I’m confident I’ve communicated these things to my students and fellow teachers because I believe there can and should be a balance between appearing both professional and honest – in yoga and in any career.
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