Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in yoga, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with April Jones, the founder of Yoga Central, an outdoor yoga studio, in Indian Wells, CA, USA.
Tell us all about your business...
We are an outdoor yoga studio offering classes 7 days a week. We have a spacious lawn with an amazing view of the desert mountains, lots of cool breezes, sunshine or shade - as you wish - and an abundance of good vibes. Not to mention, top notch functional alignment based yoga instruction. Classes range from beginners to advanced practitioners and students are always encouraged to work at their own level.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?
A self proclaimed "movement junkie”, April has been studying movement since the age of 4 when she took her first dance lesson. By 17, she was a professional dancer and at 23, a choreographer and dance instructor at the University of Michigan. Early retirement from dance, led April to competitive sports where she raced in marathons, triathlons and mountain biking for 2 decades. Constantly seeking knowledge about the human body, it’s functionality, biomechanics and injury prevention and rehabilitation, April has continued her education in anatomy, kinesiology and yoga teacher training through countless workshops, retreats, college courses and personal research.
In 2011, April created the concept and brand of Yoga Central in La Quinta, CA. A thriving studio for 10 years with annual international yoga retreats, monthly workshops and Teacher Trainings, the studio continues to be central force in the local yoga community. Her unique style and brand of yoga is alignment based yoga that incorporates creative and intelligent sequencing so students are encouraged to challenge themselves in a safe environment. Creating an art form between the sequencing, the messaging, the verbal cues and the playlist ensure a deeply personal sensory experience in April’s classes that allow the yogi practitioner to explore their potential.
As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
Navigating the unchartered territory of the pandemic is something I am very proud of. We were in a good position in that we already had a library of videos to offer our clients during the initial days and weeks of the pandemic. I got busy with offering live online classes but once restrictions began to lighten up, I found a temporary outdoor space to offer live in person classes. Connecting in person, especially with something so personal as yoga, was important to me. Online classes became readily available so I began searching for a way to have a yoga business without 4 walls and a ceiling (and a lease!). By Sept 2020, we partnered up with a luxury wellness resort and began operating our public studio on their gorgeous property. It was an immediate win-win. It comes as no surprise in that the resort is called the Renaissance and that's what I think we've transitioned into........ an adaptable, fluid, new way to operate a yoga business and maintain our community.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
My biggest challenge as a business owner is trying to please everyone. Which of course is impossible so I try to find solutions that make the best business sense yet also maintains the intimacy and connection we have cultivated with our clients over these last 10 years.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
1. Keep your day job and work like a maniac at both businesses until you can support yourself exclusively with the new gig.
2. Make friends with your competition. Networking and supporting your community is good karma.
3. Have a small circle of trusted people you can confide in, ask advice and vent. Keep your issues away from customers and staff.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Owning my yoga studio has been a pure labor of love. I feel so grateful that I found something I am passionate about, good at and still very committed to improving upon. There is rarely a day when I can't wait to get up, get going and see what happens.
Where can people find you online?
https://yogacentralca.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Yoga-Central-180153538729356
https://www.instagram.com/yogacentralrocks/?hl=en
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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