Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Victoria Sutherland, co-founder of The Yoga Lab, located in Regina, SK, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an online yoga and fitness studio. Everything is pre-recorded so that users can watch classes on-demand based on their schedules. Our customers are anyone who wants a flexible workout schedule from the comfort of wherever they are.
Tell us about yourself
I started teaching yoga as a side job after getting my teacher training certificate about seven years ago. In that time, I've taught a lot of places and almost every kind of class there is. There was a point in time where I was teaching 11 classes a week and working a full-time job and quickly came to realize that it wasn't fun anymore. I cut back my teaching schedule, but it all still felt like work - I was working for someone, and I had so many ideas of what I would do if I were in charge. A couple of students were pushing me to open my own studio, but the timing never seemed right, and the overhead costs were overwhelming. In steps COVID... I approached a colleague/friend about starting an online subscription-based studio, and the rest is history.
Every day I am motivated by our students - they are the reason I do this. They are our biggest cheerleaders and give our best constructive feedback. I am so grateful for the people that trust me to do this for them every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a brand that is reflective of myself and my partner and not compromising our integrity. When it comes down to it, we're all a bunch of weirdos - other weirdos will see that and appreciate that we aren't trying to be something that we're not.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Not taking things personally - this is a big one. You are sharing a piece of yourself with the world for people to critique. Some days you look at the books and realize you aren't making the money you were hoping you were, but you have to keep going.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be patient - growing a business takes time.
- Be adaptable - the world and people are constantly changing - if you stay the same as things ebb and flow around you, you will make yourself obsolete.
- You're not going to please everyone - focus on the pack you want to create for yourself and make sure you acknowledge your biggest supporters.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We're so grateful for the opportunity to share what we love doing and hope that maybe other people love it too.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theyogalab.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyogalabyqr/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyogalabyqr/
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.