Secrets of successful yoga studios

By: Christine Russell, co-founder 889 Yoga + Wellness Spa

Hi there. Thought I would share a series of articles I was interviewed for by a wonderful online Toronto Yoga + Meditation resource, Toronto Body Mind. They sought out the “secrets” of successful yoga studios featuring the lovely owners of five studios in Toronto. The intention was to share the business of yoga for those looking to open a studio. There is a video component I was not involved with, as well as a written component which I was featured in.

The business of yoga is a great subject; one I enjoy tremendously as it marries two of my favourite things: yoga and business. The article doesn’t dive deep, rather grazes over a few subjects. Opening a studio is a business, and the needs of your business are just like any other business. I think the biggest secret is to be a nut-job about yoga and a nut-job about business. I believe that as an entrepreneur, whatever line of business you choose, you will be significantly more successful if you are NUTSO about your business. Being an entrepreneur requires alignment within. Your business becomes you and you become your business. At least that’s my experience…and I LOVE IT!

One recommendation I have to you if you are looking to open a yoga studio would be to make sure you love business. Running a yoga studio is about yoga and it’s about business. It’s a beautiful marriage because business can be a beautiful thing, too! Business offers the possibility to impact a community and foster and promote social change and progress. With it of course comes challenge - many of the challenges any business encounters. Maybe I will write a book about all this one day.

Check it out:

Secrets of Successful Yoga Studios Part 1

Secrets of Successful Yoga Studios Part 2

Secrets of Successful Yoga Studios Part 3

Since we’re on the subject, I thought I would share some of the answers to my interview questions that didn’t make the final cut. Especially important, which didn’t get written in, was “to ignore they people who tell you you can’t do it.” You can’t even imagine the number of people who told Emily and I we were crazy and were not going to make it; even some people in the yoga community. It’s a great lesson for life - go for what you believe in. No one will stop you if you believe enough and have tenacity. Is it hard? Of course it’s hard. It’s work; work is hard. It’s your attitude towards work and effort that defines the way you see and value your work. That’s where the magic lies.

1. What does your studio do to engage and develop the community?

We focus on supporting and inspiring our community. Every guest comes in to 889 to leave feeling healthier and happier. Our team works to meet each guest wherever they are at - to support and inspire them. From this place guests will engage and develop from within and our community will do the same, organically.

2. What is the secret to our success?

Our absolute commitment and belief in the power of yoga and the possibility yoga offers to transform, connect and raise the vibration of a community. I probably sound like a total hippie; I just really believe.

3. How do you attract and retain great teachers and staff?

We have a beautiful, tightly knit set of values interwoven throughout our business (yes, businesses can have values, too!). These values provide the powerful energy which attracts incredible people to our team. To retain our team, we are committed to enlivening these values and providing a supportive community for our team to be part of and a place we all love to come to every day (or almost every day!).

4. What do you do to build and maintain a strong student base?

We love to spread yoga wider and further into our community and experience the impact - the world needs more yogis. Similar to our values attracting incredible staff, the same goes for building and maintaining our community. Like attracts like!

5. General advice on starting a Yoga studio.

Abundance will flow where the heart goes. My sister and I believe that. Be prepared to grow beyond your wildest dreams and beyond any capacities or limitations you thought you have. Be ready to sweat it out (BIG TIME) and most importantly ignore the people who tell you you can’t do it.