Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wendy Obstler, Owner of Divine Spark Yoga, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

I am a Certified Yoga Therapist specializing in women's reproductive health, musculoskeletal issues/conditions, corporate wellness, and working with older adults (one of my current clients is 91 years old!). I am in private practice in Los Angeles, as well as online via Zoom through my solo business, Divine Spark Yoga.

I also specialize in teaching mind-body practices for fertility, pregnancy, and overall well-being with my "work wife," Dr. Deborah Anderson. We co-founded Living Lēla, home to Soulful Conceptions™. Our expertise in teaching mind-body wellness tools for over 15 years, along with our own struggles with infertility, has culminated in a whole-body approach and comprehensive methodology, coaching program, and support group for women and their partners navigating the path to parenthood and beyond.

Tell us about yourself

I had been working in Corporate America for 15 years and really felt the pull to do something that I not only loved but that in some way helped make a difference in the world. I went part-time at my job, began laying the groundwork for Divine Spark Yoga in 2006, and built up my yoga business over the next several years. Then once I had my son, I decided it was time to take the leap into teaching yoga full-time.

Witnessing the transformation of my clients, and seeing what's possible, is really what motivates me to do what I do. I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity on a daily basis to connect with and guide individuals — sometimes during some of the most challenging times of their life!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the fact that I started the business in the first place (and have maintained it for over 15 years)! It's easy to dream and have ideas in your head, but to actually take the leap and implement all the practical actions it takes to start and maintain a business is something to acknowledge and for which I am proud. Particularly as a solo business, it can all feel very daunting.

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

Very similar to the journey of fertility (and life, for that matter), the biggest challenge for me is when I feel I am doing all the "right" and "necessary steps" towards the "goal," but it's not quite panning out in the way that I had hoped, or as quickly as I wish. When you invest so much into something you believe in (time, energy, money, effort, heart, and soul), it can feel defeating when things seem stagnant or aren't gaining momentum.

My biggest lesson from this is to trust the process and to be in the flow rather than trying to push and force things to happen. Sometimes you do absolutely have to change course or have a different strategy. And that can be a hard one, for sure! But when I surrender to what is in that moment and create space, things tend to shift, usually for the better.

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

  1. Time management is important. Map it out each week/month.
  2. Know your strengths (and weaknesses). Ask for help. Delegate and hire someone who can do it for you when possible.
  3. It's okay to take breaks. Find some breathing room. Practice self-care. It will ultimately increase your productivity and spark your creativity when you are feeling off or stagnant.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.divinesparkyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divinesparkyoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyobstler/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-obstler-divine-spark-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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