Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rosalinda Chacon, CEO of West Coast Sweat, located in Long Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi! We're West Coast Sweat, and we are all about therapeutic heated yoga, movement, and fitness. We're compassionate yogis who help people heal and grow. Anyone can start where they are and become their best self through the powerful teachings of original hot yoga and more. Our work is devoted to uniting and healing people through sweating, breathing, and being still together. We see our community as a sacred place where our students love and respect themselves and others. Our students are anyone who is ready to step into discovering the power within.
Tell us about yourself
The year was 2007, and I was working 12-hour days, living in stress, and my relationships, both at home and work, were suffering. A friend of mine invited me to my first yoga class, and she was like, "you need to come to take class." Oh, I hated it! I could not believe the class was 90 minutes! I walked out of class with 20 minutes to go, and I thought I would never be back. I found myself back on my mat the next day. A few years later, my love of yoga evolved into becoming a teacher, and then 4 years after that into becoming a studio owner. I was motivated by my desire to keep this sacred space open for all to hear and for all to receive what they need, as I had experienced. This is what still motivates me today.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
At West Coast Sweat, a connection is a very important value to us. It's a great feeling when you start to get to know people you practice with and are familiar with and know the staff. I love it when I see our students becoming friends and doing things together, posting pictures together. At the core of what we do is our messaging that we need each other as people.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Yoga is a business of love, uniting, and healing. We are in a beautiful shopping mall on the Marina with many other businesses like Starbucks, Nordstrom Rack, etc. We are a business of love and healing; we must pay rent, equitable wages, and everything else that comes with owning a business. Finding a balance between this all has really helped us become a strong conscious business. I've also had to learn that sometimes the most loving I can be is, to be honest when situations or circumstances fall out of alignment with our values. Paths move and change, and accepting this was once challenging, but not so much anymore!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Just start where you are, take action, and create! I still wish someone would create a "one-pager" on how to start a good business news is that with a little footwork, you can find much information to guide you along the way! Whenever possible, work with a coach or have a mentor. Like life, things can feel overwhelming when we try to do them on our own. Finding good support along the way can help make the journey so much more joyful!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.westcoastsweat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastSweat/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west.coast.sweat/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rchaconlauper/
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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