Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cat Butterfield, Founder of Cat Butterfield Yoga, located in London, England.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run an online yoga membership and online yoga programs for women who want to improve their health and well-being. I also coach yoga teachers on how to market themselves online to create an online yoga membership of their own.
Tell us about yourself
I have COVID to thank for starting my business - I have always had a passion for yoga which led me to complete my yoga teacher training in India in 2016. Back then, it was more to learn about yoga philosophy and experience yoga in India. It wasn't until the pandemic, when I was in lockdown in a hostel on an island in Mexico, that I started teaching full-time. There was a group of 25 of us in the hostel for three months over the first lockdown, and we each had different roles in the community. I taught daily yoga classes to keep us all sane and healthy, and that was when I realized that when I got home back to London that I just couldn't go back to working in an office again. So, when I returned, I luckily had some savings left over that I had saved up for my planned year away, and I invested in a business coach to help me develop an online yoga membership. It had to be online as we were in lockdown, but also I knew that I wanted the freedom to travel again, so developing an online business made sense. I also wanted to share yoga with those suffering in lockdown as I knew what a lifeline it could be for mental and physical health.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment, I think, was taking the leap to invest in myself and pay for a business coach. It was scary, especially as I had no idea if it would work or not, but I realized that if I didn't try, then it would never happen. I think having a positive and brave attitude has really helped me get to where I am now, although I understand I was in a very privileged position being able to afford the support, to begin with.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think it's been all of the hats you have to wear - I started off just wanting to teach yoga, but now I'm also the marketing manager, accountant, graphic designer, salesperson, tech support, etc. But it's been amazing learning it all along the way and now being able to share that knowledge with other yoga teachers who want to create a sustainable business for themselves.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Define your niche - which it is you are helping with your product/service. Especially when marketing online, it's so important to have a clear idea in your head of your ideal client. This is something that I didn't do at the start, and it definitely made things harder!
- Map out a timeline of when you want to start/finish certain projects - it's so easy for time to slip away, especially if it's just you in the business. Also, schedule time off! I tend to slow down a bit over July and August as they are quieter months for yoga anyway, and then I can be ready to go for the Autumn.
- Invest in yourself!! If you can, invest in a business coach - I've had three over the last couple of years, and they have been invaluable. If not, then invest in developing your skills or personal development. There are also loads of free challenges/courses online for marketing and podcasts too. Constantly challenge yourself to learn and grow all the time because that is what will make your business grow.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.catbutterfieldyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catbutterfieldyoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catbutterfield_yoga/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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