Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anastasia Kassama, Founder of Amazonia Yoga, located in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Yoga and Movement Teacher. I organize retreats in Greece, I guess because I'm Greek, and teach Yoga Classes "Budokon," "Inside Flow," Hatha, and Vinyasa.
Tell us about yourself
I am 43 years wise, Greek but born and raised in Germany, so also German :). I have a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful kids, aged 4 and 7. Years ago, I was singing and dancing in a German Pop Group with my sister called Danacee. After that, I taught kids and teens performance and singing for 25 years. Then I felt stuck - I needed to grow on my own - yoga was always on my side, so I became a certified Yoga Teacher in 2020.
Just two months later, Covid-19 hit the world. Great timing to make a business switch - but hey, that's life, right :). I got the lemons, so I started squeezing to get the lemonade. I started with online classes. I love what I do. I love connecting with people who are also choosing to grow to question and do the work. I wanna become the best version of myself for my family and me. It's not always easy, but it doesn't have to be. This year I had my first retreat, and I was super proud - everybody was telling me no way - with the war crisis and my spontaneous planning - but I believe if you really want something, then you will move mountains.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I m still new in this Yoga World, but my biggest accomplishment is all these years that passed. I'm not taking no, not possible, or can't do for an answer. When I was 14 years old, I wanted to become a dance teacher, and the career advisor said this was not possible with my school degree and I had to do this and that. I told him that I didn't want to be that kind of a dance teacher - I wanted to teach choreography. He said I couldn't. Well, I started teaching at 17. I was searching for a way, in my way :)
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You are responsible for yourself and your business. If you are employed, at least I can speak for Germany - you are pretty safe- health insurance and sick days, etc. No security, and paper stuff which I don't really enjoy.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't let anyone tell you you can't do this or that.
- Why do you want to do what you do - if you know that - everything is easier when hard days come.
- Do the work :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.amazonia.yoga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anastasia.kassama
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazonia_yoga/
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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