Interested in starting your own independent business as a yoga teacher, but feel like most yoga business are too mainstream? Then read up on our interview with Nyk Danu, founder at Nyk Danu Yoga, a yoga community focused on making alternative folks feel safe in their practice. Based in Victoria BC, Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

I'm a Yoga Therapist with a speciality in Back Pain and Anxiety. I work with Yoga MisFits, Gen Xers (and sometimes y) who don’t feel at home in mainstream Yoga circles, alternative folks, rebels, underdogs, punx, introverts, geeks, and bookworms.

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

I became a Yoga teacher because I believe Yoga has the power to transform lives and change the world.

I believe if you can breathe you can do Yoga.

I believe Yoga makes life better.

I’m on a mission to make Yoga less intimidating.

It’s my honor to share this practice with others.

As a yoga therapist, what does success ultimately mean to you?

Making a good livelihood while living fulfilling my purpose and being of service.

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

Not working all the time HA! When you love what you do it can be difficult to turn off the work brain and just go have fun.

What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a business today?

Find a niche. Be of service. Be strategic.

If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help grow your business, what would it be?

Regular valuable free content in emails to nuture my email list.

What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?

I make sure to have 2 days off with no work. 95% of the time I stick to that ;-)

Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and best business resources/books?

I don't really have favorite entrepreneurs except for maybe Danielle Laporte who's able to have an empire and be soulful all at the same time.

Books and authors that have helped me in my solopreneur journey are:

Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgn
Tribes by Seth Godin
The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's my personal mission to break down the lie that you need to be flexible, fit, strong, or woo woo to practice Yoga.

A good Yoga Teacher/ Class meets you where you are.

No spandex is needed. Just a willingness to try.

Where can people find you online?

Here's my website nykdanu.com and you can find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a small business owner or yoga instructor that you'd like to share then email bethany@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.