Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey as a yoga teacher and a copywriter, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leanne de Araujo, the founder of Calmer Copy and Prioryoga. Leanne is a Yoga teacher, a writer and a mom from London.
Tell us all about your business...
I think that your readers might be interested in the story of how I set up a yoga business and then a few years later a Copywriting business. I would love to offer value by sharing some of my top tips of what helped me to keep going even though COVID restrictions are in place.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
My big why is my son who is now 7. I wanted to be able to work around him whilst feeling that I'm still contributing to our home financially. I started teaching yoga because I love to learn and teach and wanted to teach something that would be of great value to people. I then trained as an editor and proofreader because I'm a complete bookworm! and then as a copywriter where there is more money to be made.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
These are great questions. For me, I feel like it's perseverance and being able to pivot during the lockdown. I was still able to earn the grants available during the lockdown, which has helped.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
As a yoga teacher, it's been knowing when to give up a class and as a copywriter, it would be pricing, which many people struggle with. The rates are more set as a yoga teacher though it's seen as a hobby business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up your main job until you have enough saved under your belt to keep you going.
- Consider where your strengths and weaknesses lie and build a team to help you with your weaknesses.
- Similar to the above consider your hourly rate and as your rate increases consider hiring people who are on a lower rate to do the jobs that you don't want to do. The easiest example that I can give her is that I would love to hire a cleaner and the time that they spend cleaning I could spend writing.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
I teach yoga classes at the weekend though I don't tend to write and edit at the weekend. I've structured my writing business so that I am working much less over half term.
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and why?
Definitely, Vishen Lakhiani who runs Mindvalley and one of my favorite podcasts. I also am a big fan of Sheryl Sandberg. I'm interested in what they have to give back especially if they are a philanthropist.
Where can people find you?
Website: https://calmercopy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalmerCopy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannedearaujo/
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.
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