Zen Riot Yoga & Wellness

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenn Crawford, Owner of Zen Riot Yoga & Wellness, located in Boise, ID, USA.

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

I am the owner and operator of Zen Riot Yoga & Wellness, a community-based yoga studio in Boise, ID. We opened our studio in the Bench neighborhood of Boise in 2016 and invited our whole community to join! We have become a yoga hub for our neighborhood and proudly serve many people from all over the city. Our students are our friends and neighbors; they come from a wide range of backgrounds, collectively coming to get here to bring compassion, peace, and understanding to ourselves and our city.

Tell us about yourself

I came to yoga because I was stressed! My job was overwhelming; my mental health was suffering. I came to yoga, laid on the mat, and cried, and that was exactly when I knew this practice was the best thing I could do for myself at the time. Yoga has taught me to release judgments, embrace curiosity, and offer myself the same kindness I would offer a dear friend. I took my first yoga teacher training in 2012, wanting to deepen my understanding, and as most who say, "I probably will never teach," I ended up wanting to share the same practice that helped me with everyone I know.

I taught in yoga studios for a few years before opening Zen Riot. It was a true labor of love, opening in 2016 in a small space with no business plan whatsoever. I threw spaghetti at the wall, and luckily, it stuck! Since then, we have expanded and grown our community so much. I have learned a lot as a business owner over the last few years, and each day, I arrive with gratitude in my heart that I get to share this magic with others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I began this business as a co-creator with my amazing sister. Having that support was so helpful and inspirational as well. My sister decided to step away from the business in 2018 to pursue her own dreams (shout out to Boise Tonic Co.), and at first, it was so hard I thought I might just close up shop. Even small tasks like buying supplies felt daunting. When I realized that even though she was gone, and I didn't have to do it alone, it was a major shift. Finding people who love this business and want to share their passions opened a whole new ease and flow for my business sense. It was a proud moment reaching year 4 as a solo business owner.

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

Making decisions has never been easy for me. Sometimes I miss having a partner to bounce ideas off of or validate my decisions. Jumping in with faith that I know what is best and trusting that I know my business and can do hard things is certainly one of the most empowering things about being a business owner, but it is also one of the most difficult.

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

You have to trust yourself and be 100% honest with what you are working with and what your goals and needs are.
Know who you want to serve. Knowing your ideal client helps you focus on nearly all aspects of the business, from marketing to performance. It is so important to know your audience.
Days off are not a luxury; they are a necessity to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.zenriotstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenriotstudio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenriotstudio/

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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