A Place To Learn, Grow And Practice - Vraaja Yoga

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lori Anderson, Thai Yoga Therapist & Yoga Mentor of Vraaja Yoga, located in Nipomo, CA, USA.

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

My husband and I own a yoga studio, respectfully known as the Yoga Shack, established in 2005. We offer yoga and fitness classes, sauna therapy, Thai Yoga Therapy, certified training, and international yoga retreats. Our customers range in age from 20 to over 80 years in age.

Tell us about yourself

I fell in love with yoga during my very first class. I received my certification and advanced teacher training in Hatha Yoga from world-renowned teachers Yogiraj Ganga White and Tracy Rich at the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, California. I have also been fortunate enough to train with Saul David Raye, Max Strom, and Haula Khouri in the art of Vinyasa flow at the Sacred Movement Center for Yoga and Healing. I have studied Thai Yoga Therapy with Saul David Raye and the techniques of asana, pranayama, and meditation with Rod Stryker. My style of yoga is a mindful flow from posture to posture at a moderate pace to allow the cultivation of awareness of breath, balance, strength, softening, energy, and relaxation. My ultimate goal as an instructor is to have my students become aware of the infinite benefits of yoga at any level. Each person has the ability to embark on a path that leads to self-realization; I believe yoga can help you along that journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We set out in 2019 to offer international yoga retreats. Our first retreat was to Belize. It was an amazing experience for us and our guests. We look forward to continuing our yearly retreats. This year we are headed to Koh Samui, Thailand!

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

One of the most challenging things I have found as a business owner, especially over the past few years, is always being able to pivot your business to address the needs of our clients while maneuvering the climate of operating a small business.

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

My advice to anyone looking to start a business is to:

  1. Walk in faith. Hone in on your strengths and stay true to your passion.
  2. Stay focused. Do not get distracted by the latest gimmicks in your industry. A very successful international business owner once told me to "keep it deep and narrow," meaning find what it is you are good at and develop that skill to the best of your ability.
  3. Strive to be the best at what you do, and never stop learning.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.vraajayoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyogashack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vraaja_yoga_at_yoga_shack/

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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