Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bill Ades, Founder of Llamaste, Inc., located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a neighborhood family yoga center that caters to people of all levels who are both enthusiasts or who are adding yoga into their lives for the first time. We feel that yoga is for everyone - people of all ages from infancy through senior age and our mission is to provide an uplifting experience for all through friendly and non-competitive practice.
Tell us about yourself
I had been an avid runner for several years. After experiencing a knee injury resulting in a torn meniscus and a medical procedure, I turned to yoga as a source for both healing and staying healthy. The more I practiced, the more I fell in love with it. Around the same time, my family had a running joke about llamas. One day my son - age 12 at the time asked me to draw a llama in a yoga pose, so on the back of an envelope, I drew my first sketch with the word "llamaste," and became inspired to start a yoga product brand. As I learned more about the needs of yoga teachers and enthusiasts, I decided to become a teacher myself. From there, I enrolled in a teacher training course in which I received my 500-hour certification, and the rest is history! I love what I do and the interaction with both my students and the roster of dedicated teachers. What motivates me, especially, is knowing that everyone who enters my studio leaves with an uplifted feeling and a smile on their face. Another plus is that I get to be barefoot all day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking a brand and turning it into a household item, making it the go-to place for schools and families who want to bring yoga into their kids' lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things - as a startup is the uncertainty of being able to pay your expenses each month and finding new creative ways to bring in additional revenue.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Research your market and become an expert in it as well as what you do. Believe wholeheartedly in your product or service and own it. Customers can tell the difference! Treat each of your customers and staff with utmost appreciation and gratitude.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://llamaste.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/llamasteinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llamaste_inc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/llamaste_inc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billades/
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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