Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Spearman, owner of R&B Yoga, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
R&B Yoga is a pop-up yoga studio that originated in Chicago and is now based in Los Angeles. Classes are taught R&B and Hip-Hop music. R&B Yoga promotes diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity in the yoga world.
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in Chicago and started doing yoga at the age of 14. I decided to get my yoga certification in Guatemala when I was 21 because I realized that yoga is truly my passion. R&B Yoga is something that I created because I just wanted to teach a class that I would enjoy myself. Growing up, there weren't any yoga classes that played R&B, Hip- Hop or Rap music. So, I would go home and play my favorite music on my speaker and do my yoga flows on my own. I decided to have my first class in a studio in Downtown Chicago at the age of 23. I didn't even know if people would come, but I just knew I was doing what I loved. Over these past five years, R&B Yoga has grown so much into something I could have never imagined. What motivates me is making people feel good and seeing smiles on people's faces after they take a class!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been securing a TV opportunity this year! It was one of my goals to get my business featured on a TV show, so I am very proud of that. I am also proud of my current partnership with the TENTEN WILSHIRE apartment complex in DTLA. I have never partnered with an apartment complex, and I have been really enjoying it! I have been teaching yoga on their helipad, which has amazing views of Los Angeles!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a Black woman and also starting my business at a young age brought challenges because I felt that some companies or studios would not take me seriously. I would make EXTRA sure that I kept it professional and had all my business and insurance documents together. Another challenge is when you own something; YOU have to advocate for yourself. Almost every opportunity I have gotten is because I asked a company directly, or I put myself out there to be noticed by potential partners. It can be exhausting and defeating because you can hear a lot of No's, but all you need is that one YES! So, when you feel defeated, don't stop!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay consistent, and don't stop! Growing a business takes time and consistency. It's not going to come together overnight.
- Make sure that you set yourself apart from other people in your field. What makes your business different? Why should someone come to you over someone else?
- Do not compare yourself to someone else's journey. With social media, it can be hard not to compare yourself with other people's successes. You have to keep a "tunnel vision" and stay focused on your purpose and passions!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rnbyoga.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RnBYoga/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnbyoga/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/r&byoga/
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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