Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Terry Gardner, owner, and director of Rehoboth Beach Yoga, located in Rehoboth Beach, DE, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Rehoboth Beach Yoga, where students learn a style of yoga that everyone can do, including seniors! Classes are small, 10/12, so every student is guided through the poses until they are proficient. I’ve been teaching for over twenty years and have developed a fun and diverse, dedicated community.
We also offer meditation, private sessions, yoga therapy, and workshops. In addition, I teach yoga retreats around the world, taking students from our community to places like Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Peru, and more!
Tell us about yourself
I was a yoga student for many years before I began to teach in 2001. Practicing several styles until I took a Svaroopa® class and had a profound experience in my body and mind. That experience inspired me to teach so I could share this style with others. Teaching yoga and meditation is my passion, my favorite subject, and my joy in my life, so I am easily motivated!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say the establishment of our Traveling Yogis. We have traveled for over 16 years now, making one or two trips a year. It has created a deeper bond and a more meaningful practice with the students! The second huge accomplishment, with the help of my teacher team of 7, was to stay in business through COVID. We were closed for four months, our teacher/manager started Zoom classes, and three of the team taught online. That and applying for the PPP and working with our landlord kept us going. Once we opened back up to in-person classes, it was slow but kept growing, and our wonderful student body made donations and paid in advance. It was heartwarming and encouraging. They made it clear that they wanted and needed us to still be there for them.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It’s a serious commitment. So many details, from the actual teaching to the budgeting, bookwork, cleaning, meetings, and a long list of responsibilities. You have to be there, even after hours. If you believe in your product, it will be worth all the hard work!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make a very detailed plan and get help with it.
- Know all the costs and your demographics; who will your clients be?
- For success, make sure to ask yourself if you love this work because the first five years will require a lot.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I believe in small business. I go out of my way to support them. They give charm to any community. They offer the dream of independence and allow people to have a career they love.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rehobothbeachyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rehoyoga/
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.