Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey by launching a yoga business but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelli Ingersoll, owner, and instructor of Mantra Yoga NY, based in Kingston, NY, USA.

Tell us a bit of yourself and your journey to where you are today...

I am an independent RYT200 Yoga instructor. I offer classes at a local studio and teach individual or private group sessions. All you need is an interest in yoga and your body! I provide the rest, customized to your requests, and come to you, at your home, Airbnb, a park, wherever! I like to hope that my students are individuals looking for clarity and peace.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?

It was in 2013 that I was searching for some clarity in life and physical and mental awakening. Turns out Yoga was the answer to all my questions! My love and passion for the practice were overgrowing, and it only made sense to take the journey from student to teacher, completing my YTT in 2016. Yoga changed my life; you have heard that before, right? And you thought, yeah, how clique, but it did! I became the absolute best version of myself after Yoga found me. It has changed my entire outlook on almost every single thing I think, say, or do. I have become more mindful of others and kinder to myself. I've learned how to practice Seva (selfless service performed without expectation of result or award for performing it) and permit myself to feel proud without the ego component. I decided that I wanted every single person I encountered to feel this way, to experience the magic of Yoga. The physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, all the lineage has to offer. This concept drives me, brings me to my mat (almost) every morning in hopes that others will follow! BKS Iyengar best sums up my past, present, and future journey, "Yoga does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being available to my community, providing a service that I so desperately needed years ago to people who need that now.

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

Feeling confident enough in your offering to charge a fee that suits your expertise, inclusive of providing your services, so they are accessible to the masses.

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

  1. The service or product you're going to provide, can you or someone you love NOT live without it? If the answer is yes, consider starting that business.
  2. In 5, 10, or 20 years will the service or product you're offering still be a "need"?
  3. What are the environmental impacts of each aspect of your business?

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

After receiving my Teacher Training certificate, someone I loved very much encouraged me to start a business. That idea scared me, and that fear made me feel incompetent. Know this, with approximately $35; you can go to your local city council building or sba.gov and start a DBA (Doing Business As, the most straightforward way to get a business up and running). It's that simple, DO NOT let fear stand in your way, you're excellent and capable, believe in yourself and what you have to offer!!

Where can people find you online?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellismantrayoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mantrayogany/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2BI__ZoqytgZY3mpR42xA

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.