Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elora Herberick, Owner and Director of EVOLVE Yoga Wellness Nutrition, located in New Milford, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
EVOLVE Yoga Wellness Nutrition is a Yoga studio located in historic downtown New Milford, CT EVOLVE is dedicated to serving our community, providing a genuine and sustainable yoga practice and healthy lifestyle integration that will continue to evolve the physical and emotional health of our students. We work with everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners in our beautiful airy studio. Learn from our weekly classes, workshops, and events- Restore your body and soul with our incredible classes – where every student at every level has the opportunity to explore, connect, and evolve. We believe that the path forward is through community connection and healthy lifestyle choices for our bodies, minds, and our planet. We are committed to sharing the wisdom of yoga and other healing modalities, thus evolving the state of human existence and interaction with nature, ourselves, and each other. We aim to enrich and enhance New Milford through yoga classes, nutrition counseling, community service, and authentic relationship building.
Tell us about yourself
With a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Political Science, I had my eyes set on the Peace Corps and the United Nations at a young age. With an internship at the State Legislature under my belt, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand from 2015-2017. That experience taught me about the importance of grassroots and where real change begins. So my path changed; no longer did I want to become a policy maker- I instead decided to become a change maker. Having spent the majority of my twenties traveling and experiencing different cultures, amazing food, and ways of life – I've gained insight and knowledge I share daily with my students at EVOLVE Yoga and the local community.
I have practiced yoga on and off the mat since I was six years old. I studied Ashtanga Vinyasa through an intensive 200 hr training at All Yoga School in Thailand in 2017 and received my 300 hr training in Yin and Restorative Yoga with My Vinyasa Practice in 2020. As a 500 hr Yoga Alliance Registered Instructor, I have been teaching in New Milford, Connecticut, and surrounding areas for the past six years. I aim to bring together the ancient yoga discipline with modern science and sustainability. This is my lifestyle and my business- I stay motivated by the people I serve and the difference I see in their lives, mindsets, and perceptions.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For two years in a row, we have been voted the Best Yoga Studio in Litchfield County, CT, through the Litchfield Magazine Reader's Choice Awards. We have grown substantially since our opening in February 2021, and our community is such a joy!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
That said, "I didn't want to work a 9 to 5, so now I work all the time" rings true. Being an entrepreneur in the wellness sector can take a toll, so I'm extra conscious of my time management so that my business and my practice are sustainable. But still, dang, it's tough sometimes!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you want to do it, go for it. Some of my best decisions in life and in business have made me uncomfortable and made me grow at a crazy rate. Starting a business during a global pandemic where no one could even be together was kind of crazy. But I felt it, so I did it.
- Learn as you go. Mistakes or "failures" are inevitable. Learn from them - utilize them to push you further, and lean in when it gets hard.
- Community, community, community. Give them what they need. And they will keep coming back. Bring people together, and magic happens.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://theevolvemindset.yoga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theevolvemindset/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theevolvemindset/
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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