Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angie Follensbee-Hall, Co-Owner of Jai Studios LLC., located in Brownsville, VT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I co-own and run Jai Studios in Brownsville, VT—a Yoga, Art, and Music studio at the base of Mt. Ascutney. I am a visual artist and a yoga teacher. I lead yoga workshops, weekly classes, coaching sessions, and yoga teacher training, and I have a gallery of my unique handmade paper and mixed media creations on display at the studio. We also offer art classes, retreats, and music lessons.
Tell us about yourself
It is my mission in my teaching work, coaching sessions, and artmaking (and really all that I offer) to awaken in you a sense of connection, belonging, and soul purpose through self-care, artful living, and empowered intentions. I have been doing this work for over 20 years. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and have been exhibiting and creating art since I graduated college. I am a 500-hour Experienced, Certified, Registered Yoga Teacher, and I have certificates in Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counseling, Herbalism, Reiki, and Attunement Healing. I am motivated to bring these healing practices to the world, to share in the beauty and energy, and to help us all reconnect with our natural and optimal alignment with the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For me, this question isn't about a specific financial number or some kind of economic goal. It's about living a lifestyle that I choose, that feels important to me and to the world. I consider it an accomplishment that I can support myself by doing work that makes people feel good about their bodies and all that they do and bring into the world. I have owned multiple yoga studios, and I feel good about bringing this ancient healing art into the world while offering a deep love, respect, and reverence for the land of India, where these practices originated.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Trust. Trust that it is all going to work out. Trust that the people will show up and the clients will arrive. Trust that I can do this work. It's all on me. Some days, I just have to show up even when I don't want to. I always say the magic equation for working for yourself and being a business owner is persistence over time. You have to come back, day after day, and trust that it will all work out the way it is supposed to.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Doing work you love makes every day feel purposeful. When you feel passionate about something, it makes it just a little easier (a little) to keep at it.
- Keep showing up. It won't be easy, and there will be days you want to give up. Show up anyway.
- Get support when you need it. Whether that is hiring employees, assistance, or maybe just a bookkeeper or a housekeeper, you don't have to do it ALL by yourself. We live in community, reach out for help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://angiefollensbeehall.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angiefollensbeehall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiefollhall/
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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