Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jane McCullough, founder of 'TIS YOGA FOR YOU (The Inner Sanctuary), located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I work with individuals seeking to decompress from life's stressors by offering a Yin yoga practice of quiet power and mindful movement infused with both original "live" drum and vocal music and artfully chosen music to enrich the balance of the mind and body flow.
Clients with both active and inactive lifestyles fully embrace the balance and benefits of this slow-paced style of yoga that helps to keep our connective tissues healthy and is highly therapeutic for the joints. The Yin practice offers a functional approach to yoga, increases spinal stability, and promotes body awareness and flexibility through effective variations adapted to the unique body, bones, and mobility needs of every client, developing a good foundation and an authentic yoga experience.
Tell us about yourself
Finding new ways to cultivate stillness and greater awareness in my life has become a driving force in these challenging times. When I began seeking a better work-life balance from the busy corporate world, I was drawn to yoga for both its sustainable physical and meditative qualities.
After my first yoga class, I remember a feeling of deep confirmation that "this yoga was for me," and I literally skipped home. I had found a refuge to decompress and reset the balance of my mind and body while awakening and rediscovering my own inner sanctuary of awareness.
Over the years, I've learned to trust these gentle inner whispers. My desire to pursue teaching and specialize in the functional and meditative style of yin yoga was compelled by a yearning to merge both my love for music with my passion for yoga to help others decompress by bringing relaxation and tranquility into people's lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To date, it is not only seeing a wide demographic of clients (30-80 years) attending my classes, but it's the joy of witnessing the growth and transformation of these students from week to week, settling into breathwork and meditation, cultivating a deeper awareness of their body, and the reward of seeing their own inner teacher arise as they skillfully find the variation of a pose that works within the limits of their unique body to increase and maintain optimal health levels.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management. Carving out time to juggle all aspects of your new business can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming. With the added pressure of social media constantly expanding, finding time to explore these new platforms and work through learning curves can also be daunting.
Time is one of the main ingredients of the Yin practice; holding poses for longer periods of time in stillness and learning to just "be" with a little discomfort promotes both physical and psychological benefits. I remind myself of this principle on a regular basis, and when I feel like it's too much, I remember why I got into my own business and why I love what I do, and then I take a mindful pause, and that's when the breathwork comes into play!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your niche and your voice. Coming from a musical background, it's important to be your own artist, and the same principle applies to your business. It is wonderful to learn from others and even to mirror successful techniques, but in my experience, it is equally important to find your own voice and authenticity; this will keep you grounded, inspired, and open to the journey ahead.
- Dream big, but start small. For me, taking a leap of faith does not necessarily mean jumping over all the hoops or stepping stones before you get there. Continue to dream big, be patient and positive, and enjoy the ride!
- Cherish those who support you and support and encourage the success of others who are building their own business!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tisyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tisyoga/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tisyoga4u/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur 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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