Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lori Charko, founder of Body Harmony Yoga, located in North Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Body Harmony Yoga has been inspiring folks and changing lives for over 20 years. As a central Yoga Studio in North Vancouver, for 10 years it was a pillar in the community, offering yoga to a diverse clientele from prenatal through to baby boomers. The business has evolved into an online community that has been supported throughout the pandemic. It also now specializes in private Yoga Therapy and Retreats, locally and beyond!

Tell us about yourself

I have been teaching fitness for over 25 years and deepening my yoga practice and yoga training for over 20 years. I am Certified in Classical Hatha Yoga, Prenatal, Yin, Mom & Baby, and Kids Yoga, and a couple of years ago was Certified as a Yoga Therapist with the IAYT. After many years of teaching yoga in a group format, I really wanted to be able to help people with their unique bodies and diverse conditions. The general cues that are given in a yoga class usually bring some temporary relief, but our bodies are constantly changing, and it is a bit of science to get to know and understand one’s personal needs. Yoga Therapy allows the space for clients to listen to their needs and then adjust accordingly. The awareness that yoga brings has the ability to change lives, just like it changed mine. It is very empowering for the client to become more self aware, as it means less trips to the doctor, physio, chiropractor, or whatever... They can help themselves. When we manage to get to the core, or root or "why" of an acute or chronic condition, it's truly amazing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would have to say that my most exciting accomplishment is taking groups on Yoga Retreats to India and Peru. Retreats to Peru are once again a consideration, so I am looking at bringing together another lovely group of souls to join me on a special journey!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The most challenging aspect of owning a Yoga Studio was encouraging your staff to grow, only to have them move on to better things. We want the people in our lives to be successful, but often that means "loving and letting go."

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Always be open to feedback.
  2. Listen to and honor that feedback while keeping your personal boundaries.
  3. Take time to dream!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Stay open and positive and believe in yourself. Namaste:)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bodyharmony.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodyharmonyyogalori
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCieD_co9J7Dkvu_nwOmW0Sg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-jo-ann-charko-a95403a/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.