Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ana Barreno, founder of Atai Yoga, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

I am a yoga and meditation teacher running classes in Vancouver, mostly in Kitsilano. My students come to class looking to create a healthy relationship between their bodies and mind. They find hands-on adjustments, meditation, music, and a friendly environment were chatting and laughing come easy!

Tell us about yourself

After years of practicing yoga and with a big lack of time as a new mom, I decided to take a YTT to practice safely on my own. It was then that I realized I LOVE to teach, finding as well a great opportunity to run my own business and be a mom.

It is truly rewarding to see our community growing. I have known some students for years now, and every season I have the opportunity to meet new and interesting people.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I own a small business, and that is how I like it! For years I thought I would have to choose between my job and my children, but fortunately, I was wrong! I have found a healthy balance that sometimes tilts more to one side and sometimes to the other but always provides a happy relationship with my business and my family. My biggest accomplishment is not giving up anything I love.

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

I dance “solo” in my business, and that means that I take care of absolutely everything. Sometimes I schedule emails at midnight because I don’t have time during the day. I teach yoga, but I can’t overlook the very important task of administration, promoting, marketing… One of the hardest things for me is marketing new classes and targeting different students.

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

  1. See what is around you and learn; nurture yourself.
  2. It is nice to have a partner or collaboration. It can be during a campaign, a workshop, or for life!
  3. If something doesn’t work, try something different. Try, and try again.
  4. Talk and get inspired by friends with different careers.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Having your own business is hard working. I always joke about having three kids, Matt, Maya, and AtaiYoga, but it is truly rewarding to do what you love, how you love it. Good luck!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ataiyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Atai.YogaVinyasaFlow/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ataiyoga/

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.