the JOURNEY of the Studio!

Embarking on the journey to open a yoga studio is an exciting, scary, and a roller coaster of an adventure. It’s a chance to create a space dedicated to wellness, build community, and to share my practice that will change the lives of people that will bring balance and peace to our hearts!

This post explains the key steps I took to open up my yoga studio and the lessons I learned along the way.

Defining My Vision

Before diving into logistics, I knew I had to clarify my vision for the studio...which is somewhat a train wreck for me to do! CLARIFY? My vision? What??!?

What kind of experience did I want to create? Should I focus on traditional practices, modern interpretations, or a mix of both? What classes would change peoples lives?

And how to bring people into this world of mine, so that their lives might be transformed?

I envisioned a tranquil space that would bring OPEN-mindfulness, comfort, and connection. I wanted students to feel empowered both on and off the mat.

By establishing a clear, but somewhat crazy just "GO WITH THE FLOW" type mantra...

I believe in my heart that I have successfully built a strong foundation for bringing YOGA and other mind/body classes to all different types of people.

Our front door!

Location

This is a pretty miraculous story about how this studio came into my existence!

Long story short...my youngest child went to Kindergarten and this was the first time in my life that I had the whole house to myself with no other little ones still around. A bit sad of course, but yet liberating!

My intention was NOT to open my OWN studio. NO WAY! I am awful at business, technology, marketing, finances, and everything else associated with owning a business.

I was simply looking around at other established studios to possibly rent out their space

for my classes, workshops, massages, and for my loyal students.

Surprisingly, the very FIRST studio I went to check out...ended up being MINE!

The universe works in mysterious ways! And evidently, I was aligned with it in someway.

Making a true dream come TRUE!

A small, intimate, warm, and simply lovely space that was both inviting and beautiful.

The location not only had high foot traffic but also exuded positive energy, which is vital for building an inviting yoga environment.

And only 1.1 miles from my home! YAY!

Here it is! My space of MAGIC!

Class Offerings

Having a diverse class schedule is crucial for attracting a wide array of bodies and souls.

Our Yoga classes include a blend of Yoga styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Bikram, Beginner's, Flow, Grateful, HOT, and one we can all use at this time...Restorative yoga.

Other classes we offer : Pilates, PiYo, Barre, Dance, and Ballet.

FUN!!!!

I also introduced workshops focused on meditation and mindfulness. Recruiting skilled instructors was vital, as each brought unique energy to the studio.

Inside the MAGICIAL studio!

Creating a Supportive Environment

A supportive environment is essential for any yoga studio's success. I focused on building a sense of community among students.

I initiated programs like "Family and Friend Group classes," allowing students to invite their own group for personalized classes designed specifically for their needs. This not only created camaraderie but also encouraged new practitioners to join. Implementing regular feedback sessions helped me understand students’ needs and continuously improve the offerings.

Emphasizing Wellness Beyond Yoga

While yoga is fundamental at Soul Good Yoga...we emphasized overall wellness.

Collaborating with empowering women that have blessed me with their talents as SGY instructors, Merissa, Megan, Teneshia and Sammi, has enabled the studio to offer a holistic approach to well-being. This greatly positioned the studio as a "wellness center", attracting individuals interested in a comprehensive lifestyle, not just yoga.

Ballet Class

Marketing and Community Engagement

Marketing played a significant role in introducing the studio to the community.

Rather than relying solely on digital methods, I focused on local engagement.

This has been a bit tricky, but luckily I had a strong foundation of loyal students whom I have attracted over the 8 years that I have been teaching around the triad.

I organized a grand opening event, inviting people to explore the studio, and attend free classes on January 3, 2025.

NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE!

I haven't been the same since...in a good way though ! Wink, Wink!

A strong online presence was also crucial...although I was terrible at this, and still am.

In fact, I don't even or ever have owned a cell phone!

 I know this is crazy, in this age of technology and cell phone dependence...but my husband and I have stuck to this promise to never have one. (VERY trying at times, especially without a GPS to get places...I am the worst!)

 But with the help of many... somehow in this madness of technology, have built a user-friendly website with class descriptions, schedules, instructor bios, pictures and videos of our classes, special events and workshops, and now this here Blog.

 Never even knew what a Blog was until now.

DANCING QUEENS taking it to the Greensboro Cultural Center

Celebrating Milestones

As the studio opened to students, it was important to celebrate achievements, big or small. Each class filled with participants, every successful workshop, and positive feedback from students reinforced the studio’s mission.

I made it a point to have regular check-ins with the staff and community, fostering motivation and celebrating our collective accomplishments. This effort has contributed to a culture of support and joy in the studio.

GLOW PARTY!!

Reflecting on the Experience

Opening a yoga studio is a rewarding journey filled with lessons and experiences. Combining a clear vision, careful planning, and genuine community engagement creates a nurturing space for personal growth and connection.

Building a thriving studio takes time, but witnessing students flourish on and off their mats makes every effort worthwhile. Whether you are a long-time yogi or new to the practice, creating a welcoming space can significantly impact the community. With passion and dedication, the dream of opening a yoga studio can become a beautiful reality

Giving some LOVE to the friends

that made it possible!

First of all, I obviously could NEVER do this thing on my own!

HUGE thank you to my husband, Toby, for believing in my dream...and me.

Then to my niece, Madison and oldest son, Noah for getting me

started into the WEB world.

My nephew, Jacob for designing my business cards and flyers.

And the most important, perhaps...my TRIBE!

Pam, Rebecca, Julie, Charolette, Amy, Sarah, Mary J., Camryn, Phil,

Vera, Nancy, Kathy, Debra, Mary O.

And the many more that have made my dream even better!

THANK YOU!!!