Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Herring, Owner and Founder of Tifton Yoga Center, located in Tifton, GA, USA.

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

Sarah Herring is the owner and founder of Tifton Yoga Center, a yoga studio in Downtown Tifton, Georgia. Sarah and her team strive to share the practice of yoga with every individual through empowerment, body awareness, healing, and personal transformation. They share the power of yoga in a space that allows practitioners to explore what is possible safely, and they welcome all, regardless of age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation. Yoga is accessible to all!

Tell us about yourself

A native of Tifton, Sarah wanted to create a space of healing and empowerment for the community. She considers herself a yoga pioneer, as her studio is the only yoga access within 60 miles of the area. Sarah started practicing yoga in 2016 when she was struggling with depression and anxiety. The practice gave her the space to explore her thinking patterns safely, and it has transformed her life. When she moved back to Tifton in 2017, she became certified to teach and has since completed over 1000 hours of training. She opened Tifton Yoga in 2021 after much consideration and support from the community. Sarah holds a BS in Psychology and an MS in Health Promotion and Education. She is a certified health coach and health education specialist.

Sarah stays motivated by her own yoga practice and the way that it continues to impact her life. She is also inspired by her students’ journeys and the community that has been beautifully built as a result of her dedication.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Sarah’s biggest accomplishment is starting her business in an uncertain environment. Tifton Yoga opened during the COVID pandemic in a small, conservative, southern town. The success of the studio is truly a blessing to Sarah, and it continues to grow.

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

The most challenging lesson Sarah has experienced in owning the studio is becoming a business owner first and a yoga instructor second. She opened the studio for her love of yoga, not for the love of owning a business. She has learned a lot since she has become an entrepreneur, and her passion for the teachings keeps her going. From doing payroll to brainstorming marketing, Sarah wears many hats to keep the business successful.

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

  1. Just take the leap! Sarah spent years talking and planning for the studio, but it wasn’t until she actually did it that she truly learned what it takes to keep the doors open. It won’t be perfect, and that’s ok!
  2. Be prepared to do every job. Sarah quickly learned that she was constantly on the clock. If a teacher couldn’t show up last minute, Sarah had to stop what she was doing and go teach. There will be times when you’re short-staffed, and that’s when you need to know how to do the job or teach the class to continue serving your clients.
  3. You will become a business owner. It is now less about the product or service and more about the ins and outs of running a business. Having your personal practice and staying grounded in your WHY is going to keep your balance. You will have to do budgets, payroll, social media, all of the things, so stay connected to why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tiftonyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.j.herring.9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithsarahh/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-herring-ms-b34555116/

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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