Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristine Erickson, Co-Owner of Bluebird Sky Yoga, located in Washington, D.C., USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Bluebird Sky Yoga (BSY) in Washington, DC, a yoga studio, art gallery, and community space in a sweet neighborhood called Brookland in Northeast DC. Our customers are our neighbors, residents of DC or surrounding neighborhoods just outside of DC, who are looking for a welcoming place and joyful experience to practice yoga in all aspects, appreciate local art, and enjoy community events.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Filipina-American, mom to the best kid ever, wife to the best partner in life (and business) ever, and first-time business owner. My husband and I bought BSY from the founder in March 2022. It was not on my bucket list of things I would be doing in my mid-forties post-pandemic. The reason I decided this was something I wanted to do was to make sure the community we loved and loved us back could continue to thrive. We did not want to see this special place disappear. We also love yoga and see the value of learning the yogic way of life. It has helped us get through some challenging times.
What motivates me each day is our community members who strive to find a little peace, a little strength, and a little more connection with others by showing up, whether it's early in the morning, after a long day of work, or steadily coming each week. I am given hope of a better world by seeing members of our team who help each other out and continue to show up for each other because they genuinely want to help. Each day I see the individuals that make up our community, and that keeps me motivated to work even harder. I live two blocks away, so I really am in the studio every day, and I love it!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
After hearing that so many businesses closed during or after the pandemic, our biggest accomplishment is keeping the doors open. Being able to host classes and events that people need to maintain both physical and mental health during this time is something I am so proud of.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
This one is easy, making tough decisions. As a manager, you will always have to make tough decisions that you know will make people upset or even angry. You have to be steady and accept the consequences of your decisions. You just hope this doesn't happen too often.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build resilience. Find time to feed your soul and do things that will make you happy and healthy.
- Get help with your blind spots. Find a partner, friend, or mentor you can talk to honestly and share details of the work to help you gain different perspectives.
- Pace yourself. You don't have to finish everything all at once because you can't. There will always be work to do, and this is true for most people.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bluebirdskyyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdSkyYoga/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebirdskyyoga/
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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