Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yvonne deGorter, Owner of Yoga Off Broadway, located in Eagle, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Yoga Off Broadway is a yoga and barre studio located in Eagle, CO. Our mission is to provide a welcoming studio for all people. Whether you are a first-time student or an advanced practitioner, you belong at Yoga Off Broadway! At YOB, we are committed to offering a variety of classes, styles, and instructors to serve people of all ages, cultures, and fitness levels. We believe that we elevate and participate in our community by creating conscious, fit, and healthy individuals through yoga. ALL of our instructors are certified in at least 200 hours of Instruction, and many have 500+ hours of specialized continuing education. We believe in offering quality yoga and barre instruction to our community.
Tell us about yourself
I began teaching yoga in 2005 after working as a music therapist for people with disabilities. I am a mom of two children living in Eagle, CO, with my kids and husband Tony. In 2005, I moved to Colorado and began teaching yoga at various studios in my community. Then in 2011, I had the opportunity to purchase YOB. I am motivated by my students. I believe that yoga can help create a healthier lifestyle for all people across all ages and demographics. My students and our community are so welcoming and supportive. I feel so blessed to have a job that allows me to help others feel their best.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I didn’t go out of business during the pandemic. In all seriousness, COVID required significant modifications, creative thinking, and perseverance. We navigated studio closure, mask mandates, online classes, mandatory reduction of class sizes, inflation, and more! We are still here, and our ability to pivot and stay positive kept us going. During the pandemic, I started a new Yoga online platform called Stay@OM Yoga on Demand. This program features a variety of yoga and meditation classes from 10-90 minutes. This particular pivot was an excellent way for us to stay connected to our students during the shutdowns. In addition to making it through the pandemic, we have been the recipient of the Vail Valley Best Yoga Studio since 2017 and winner of the Eagle Chamber Business of the Year (2 times).
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I believe the hardest part of being a business owner is learning to stay flexible, adapt to the ever-changing landscape of doing business and learning to protect your own boundaries and limits.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research your market. Find out if there is a need for your product and figure out how you will fulfill that need.
- Learn to prioritize your day and take care of the needs before the wants. Leave room in your day for self-care.
- Stay patient. Opening a business is like having a baby. It will go through stages and grow at its own pace. The first few years require a lot of care and attention.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yogaoffbroadway.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaoffbroadway/
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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