A Nurturing Soul and a True Yogi - Melissa Fine Yoga Therapy
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Fine, owner of Melissa Fine Yoga Therapy LLC, located in Lambertville, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a private Yoga Therapy practice and offer boutique-style gentle asana classes, workshops, retreats, and other events. My Yoga Therapy clients are individuals looking to make changes to their health and well-being using methods beyond traditional medicine and therapies. They are willing to take a look at all areas of their lives, including but not limited to nutrition, hydration, physical activity, stress levels, personal relationships, and relationship with self. Yoga Therapy uses this information with all eight limbs of a complete yoga practice to facilitate change one goal at a time. My asana students are typically looking for something different from a traditional studio. Classes are small, personal, and follow a traditional intention.
Tell us about yourself
I stepped on a yoga mat for the first time at age 43, intimidated and very self-conscious. My first teacher was a dear friend who made me feel comfortable and safe. Fast forward 15 months, and I was enrolled in my first teacher training. I had no intention of teaching, I simply wanted to deepen my practice. A year and a half later, I had an unrelated knee injury and subsequent surgery that had me leave the hospitality industry. At this point, I decided to research Yoga Therapy and began a three-year journey to receive my IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists) certification, which I completed in June 2020. (great timing!) I love what I do and am motivated to share my love of a complete yoga practice because so many of us feel we are too old, chubby, not flexible enough and just not the yoga "type." Yoga is for everyone, and had it not been for my friend, I could have missed out on something that changed my life. I want to keep that from happening to others in that situation. The portrayal of yoga we typically see on social media is not yoga.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking a chance on myself as I was turning 50. It's never too late to find your passion and follow your dream! The first time a class went on a wait list simply from word of mouth felt pretty good too!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being disciplined to do the "not yoga" stuff.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Have a plan and know your numbers. Especially for someone in a creative field, this can be hard. Find help in areas that aren't your strongest. Marketing was that for me but I found a great online course just for Yoga Therapists. Believe in yourself and cut out the negative self talk!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.melissafineyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFineYoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafineyoga/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-fine-6895621b7/
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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