Making Ashtanga Yoga Fun and Accessible

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen René, Founder of Ashtanga Central, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I teach Ashtanga Yoga in a way that makes it fun and accessible for all body types - stiff, flexible, old, young - literally everybody!

Tell us about yourself

Yoga has had such a positive impact on my life that I want to share it with more people. The beautiful thing about yoga is that there is a ripple effect: the more people who practice, the more people all over benefit. The benefits of yoga reach beyond the person who is doing yoga. It changes the way we interact with others in the world and leaves a positive impression.

I want to share the amazing practice with as many people as possible. I want to open all the doors to yoga so that all people, regardless of experience or level, feel comfortable, safe, and challenged on their yoga journey. I'm inspired by my own yoga practice and constantly motivated by my students, who make me want to be a better teacher every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's really hard to pick just one. I'm most proud of the students who I have impacted. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a student learn Ashtanga yoga and then go on to teach it and share the message with even more people.

Another big accomplishment was taking my teachings and turning them into online courses that students can benefit from that can also support me financially.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

For me, the hardest thing is the ups and downs of sales. When people sign up for courses, events, or workshops, I am like, "woohoo!!!". Happy dance! When people cancel memberships or if a product flops, I am like, "what the heck!" It's so easy to be hard on myself, and I think that, yes, sometimes I do miss the mark, but also, this is a natural sales track. It can't all be an upward trajectory.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Don't wait until it's perfect. If you wait until it's perfect, you'll miss your chance, or someone else will swoop in. Start today.
Pick something that you are passionate about because it's going to consume you.
Write down all of your ideas, no matter how big or small. Try to write down at least ten a day. This helps train your brain to be creative, and you are going to need to be coming up with new ideas constantly.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jenrene.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenreneyoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenreneyoga/

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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