Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eryn Kirkwood, founder of Eryn's Yoga, located in Stittsville, ON, Canada.

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

I'm in the JOY business! I sell the opportunity to feel good, move the body, focus the mind, breathe deeply, nurture optimism, and connect with our innate state of fearless inner peace and contentment. That's all ;)

Tell us about yourself

I graduated with a Master's degree in English Literature and was a managing editor for some medical journals here in Ottawa. I did one yoga class with my mom, and something happened. From that moment on, I devoted every waking moment to determining how I could make a living teaching yoga and doing what I love. Motivation? My students. They're my community. I invest a lot of time (all of my spare time, really) in studying this art, and the natural response is to want to share it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Surviving COVID lockdowns is my biggest accomplishment—but I didn't do it alone. Together with my fiancé, we pivoted from a face-to-face yoga offering to a fully online platform overnight. Literally. I love technology but am pretty traditional when it comes to yoga, so this was a huge leap for me (and for my students, who are predominantly 55+ and seniors!)

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

Knowing when to stop working. Because what I teach is also my personal passion, "work" really blends into life, making the two indecipherable. Finding the elusive work-life balance has always been a struggle for me. I have post-it-notes on the bathroom mirror and computer screen workshop ideas on the fridge, "don't forget" in the console of the car, positive affirmations about wealth and abundance as pop-up reminders on my phone, lists, lists, and more lists (ad nauseam, really) of how to "improve." Knowing and accepting the value of what I am offering. I've definitely had to adjust my thoughts around money. Sometimes it's hard to believe people pay me to do something that I'm so passionate about.

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

  1. Ask yourself, "Can I dedicate my life to this topic/product/service?" Do I believe in it?
  2. Start. Now. No matter how small the action or effort, start now and keep taking steps forward.
  3. If the ability to "make your own schedule" is your primary motivation, you're in trouble.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Go for it! There are challenges, and you have to be able to live with uncertainty, with life's ups and downs. You have to be okay with a fluctuating income. But in the end, nothing is more rewarding.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.erynsyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErynsYoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erynsyoga/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErynsYoga

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.