Mastering the Business of Yoga

Welcome back to Episode 5 of the Send-Off Series! In this episode, we're talking about all the essentials of running a yoga business. Starting a yoga business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. We'll break down the key foundations every yoga teacher needs to know to confidently step into the business side of teaching. From taxes, accounting, and bookkeeping to marketing and branding to money mindset, continuing education and more, you'll learn practical tips to help you build a sustainable and heart-centered yoga career. Everything you'll learn in this episode will also help you grow with confidence, stay organized, and feel empowered as a business owner. Enjoy! 

Have you ever dreamed of opening your own yoga studio but weren't sure where to start? Opening a studio is exciting, but it's also a big undertaking that goes far beyond just teaching classes. In this episode of the podcast, we walk through everything you need to know before opening your own studio, from clarifying your vision, to budgeting, to creating a welcoming studio environment. Whether your dream is to build a community space, a lifestyle business, or a long-lasting brand, this episode will help you connect with your deeper "why" and start turning your dream into reality. Enjoy! Download OfferingTree's Studio Success Checklist here. Think of this free guide as your most organized, seasoned business mentor, ready to walk you through every single step. Don't let overwhelm hold back your vision.

Welcome back to episode 3 of the Send-Off Series! In this episode, we are discussing taking your yoga business online! We'll explore how the yoga industry has evolved since 2020 and the growing opportunities for teachers to move their businesses online, as well as why online teaching makes sense, what essentials you'll need (from tech to backdrop to legal protections), how to grow your business in the virtual space, and tips for choosing the right software for classes, courses, or memberships, and more! If you've been considering an online element to your business or taking your business online, this episode is for you! Enjoy! 

We're back with episode 2 of the Send-Off Series! This episode is all about taking your business to the next level and expanding your offerings outside of group classes. Once you've been teaching yoga for a while, it's natural to start thinking about how to grow your business beyond group classes. While group classes are an amazing way to practice teaching, connect with students, and build community, they aren't the most sustainable way to make a full-time living as a yoga teacher... at least not on their own! In this episode, we dive into how you can take your yoga business to the next level with additional offerings, how to create a signature offering, what it takes to build a sustainable business you love, and more. Enjoy! 

Welcome back to the podcast! In this first episode of the Send-Off Series, we're diving into an important topic for new yoga teachers: what's next after you finish your yoga teacher training. If you've just graduated your yoga teacher training and are wondering how to get started, what opportunities are available, or how to navigate the business side of being a yoga teacher, this episode is for you. We'll cover business essentials, ways to gain teaching experience, and practical steps to set yourself up for success as a new yoga teacher. Whether you're dreaming of teaching in a studio, running workshops, or building an online business, you'll walk away with clarity and inspiration for your next steps. Enjoy! 

After a long maternity leave hiatus, we're back with a brand new episode of Mastering the Business of Yoga! In this week's episode, I'm giving you a life update and sharing how the last year on maternity leave has been, as well as giving you an update on the podcast and some information on the new episodes we'll be releasing this fall! Enjoy! 

Welcome to the last episode of the season... and the last podcast episode of 2024! In this solo episode, I share that I am currently pregnant and getting ready to welcome a second baby girl to our family. With the transition from 1 to 2 kids, I've decided to take the rest of the year off to focus on motherhood and my family. In this episode, I share how and why I'm structuring my maternity leave differently this time around, when we'll be back, ways to continue following and supporting MBOm, ways to keep in touch and more! Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Being due for a second baby in June Wrapping up this season of MBOm and heading on maternity leave How I did maternity leave last time vs. how I'm doing it this time What's next for MBOm

This week on the podcast I am joined by Manu Molina. Manu is originally from Andalusia, Spain but has lived in many places and spent most of his life as a globetrotter. He is on a mission to help yoga and wellness professionals to radically transform their marketing and biz game so that they can navigate the industry fearlessly, with clarity, and achieve sustained success. A big part of Manu's focus is on retreats, both organizing and running his own, as well as supporting other retreat leaders who need logistics, marketing, and organizational support, and this is what we dive into in today's episode. Manu shares his top tips for running successful retreats, including how to choose a length of retreat, a destination, a theme, as well as how to price so that you are profitable, marketing and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Manu's yoga story and how he was first introduced to yoga Manu's career in yoga and when he made the decision to teach yoga Top tips for running successful retreats How to choose the length, destination, and theme of a retreat Making your pricing profitable Other business lessons from Manu Guest links: Website: https://yogabizmentor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoga.biz.mentor/

This week on the podcast I am joined by Amy Ippoliti. Amy is the co-author of The Art & Business of Teaching Yoga and cofounder of Vesselify (formerly 90 Monkeys), an online resource for yoga professionals. She teaches on YogaInternational.com and has been a presenter at the Omega Institute, Esalen, and Kripalu, as well as the Telluride Yoga Festival and Hanuman Festival. In this episode of the podcast, we're diving into Amy's background with yoga, how she has grown a thriving career in yoga, and what inspired her to write The Art & Business of Teaching Yoga. She also shares some of the major updates to the book that were released in 2024, and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: How Amy first got into yoga, and what inspired her to become a yoga teacher Making the decision to do a yoga teacher training after college Becoming a new yoga teacher at 26 and how Amy's yoga career evolved over time Whether or not the yoga industry has had "waves" over the years Where the inspiration to write The Art & Business of Teaching Yoga came from Major updates to Amy's book that were released in 2024 Tips on how to flourish as a yoga teacher Guest links: Visit Amy online at www.amyippoliti.com and www.vesselify.com.

This week on the podcast I am joined by Maria Waag. Maria is a yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher with more than 19 years of experience with yoga, and 11 years of mindfulness. She decided to change her career path and become a teacher after almost losing her life. Now, she runs her own yoga and mindfulness business, and loves to bring yoga out of the studios, to where people are, and has been teaching in a variety of settings such as teaching for FENDI in Rome, to Wanderlust 108 in Milan and the Buddhist Temple in Oslo. With a very thorough education and many specializations she is focusing on helping 1-on-1 clients learn to use yoga and mindfulness to help with specific needs, such as pain, trauma, concussions and much more, and uses her deep understanding of anatomy and biomechanics to help her students with injuries and challenges. In this episode of the podcast, Maria shares how she got into yoga and what inspired her to start teaching, as well as how she started specializing and working with students 1-on-1. She share her top 10 tips for specializing in yoga for anyone who is looking to dive deeper in their business and support their students on a personalized level! This episode is jam packed with goodness. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: How Maria got into yoga, and what inspired her to become a teacher An overview of Maria's seven years of teaching experience Finding private clients who are interested in what you have to offer Tips for specializing and working with students one on one Other important yoga business lessons from Maria Guest links: Website: https://www.mariawaag.com/ Download these 10 tips as a PDF here: http://www.mariawaag.com/mbom 

This week on the podcast I am joined by Renee Clair. Reneé takes woman-owned businesses from chaos to clarity using her holistic 3-pronged approach: Streamlined Business, Motivational Mindset, and Clear Purpose. With a Masters Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and decades of experience across marketing, sales, operations, and wellness, Reneé brings a diverse skill set to her work. Drawing from expertise in recruiting, project management, marketing strategy, and human resources, Reneé empowers entrepreneurs and their teams to thrive and serves as a consultant for small businesses and a coach for service providers, fostering growth and resilience. In this episode of the podcast, we are talking all about how to empower yourself through self-care. Renee shares 4 non-conventional ways that you can do this is in your life and business, including time management, goal setting, self belief, and networking, plus her top tips for implementing these into your life. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: What Reneé has been up to since we last talked in 2022 Defining self-care and how it can be used in your business Using time management as a form of self-care Using goal setting to empower yourself The importance of belief as a tool for self-care Networking as a self-care strategy Tips to implement these strategies Guest links: Reneé's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneeclair/ Website: https://www.renee-clair.com/

This week on the podcast I am talking all about the process of self-publishing my book "How to Master the Business of Yoga". I released my book in September of 2023 and wanted to share the entire process from idea to creation to actually publishing it. In this episode, I talk about what the writing process was like, why having help was key for me to actually getting this project done, editing the book, finding someone who could format and design the cover, releasing and marketing the book, and everything that I learned along the way. Writing and publishing a book is a goal for many people, but the idea of publishing a book can be really daunting. I hope this episode leaves you feeling empowered to turn your idea into reality! Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Where the idea for the book came from Why I decided to self-publish right from the get go The writing process Why help was so important for me to actually get the book published The editing process Formatting and title page design Putting it all together Publishing the book and sharing it with the world

This week on the podcast I am joined by Brett Larkin. Brett is the founder of Uplifted Yoga and the author of Yoga Life: Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos. Her training has set the standard for quality online certification since 2015 and has matriculated thousands of yoga teachers. Brett's award-winning YouTube channel with over half a million subscribers and Uplifted Yoga Podcast empowers listeners to actively design their lives using yoga's ancient wisdom. Yoga enthusiasts love her courses on Kundalini, Prenatal Yoga, and the Uplifted Yoga Academy. In this episode, Brett updates us on what she's been up to since she came on the podcast in the fall of 2020, including the shifts and updates that she's made to her business and programs. We also discuss the changing online yoga industry and how that's impacted her business, as well as what it was like to write and publish a book while being a business entrepreneur and mom, and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Catching up since we last spoke with Brett in Fall 2020 Setting yourself apart in an online space and establishing a business prior to the pandemic How the online yoga industry has evolved over the last few years, and how that's impacted Brett's business The power of valuing yourself as a yoga teacher and your product Tips for executing quality online yoga training Harnessing the skill of creating content online Writing and publishing a book while being a mother and business entrepreneur Guest links: Website: https://www.brettlarkin.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrettLarkinYoga Mentioned by Brett - Uplifted Yoga Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-get-an-agent-write-your-wellness-book-and/id1097989571?i=1000637658621

This week on the podcast I am joined by Mary Bugg. Mary is an accomplished Yoga teacher, neuro-muscular therapist and reiki master. She is mum, wife, friend and sister. Having spent 25 years in the film industry as a producer Mary brings her rich experience to all her teaching. She understands we may all come from different directions, but ultimately we are all aiming for the same outcome, happiness with acceptance. Mary has run multiple trainings and workshops in the Middle East and is one of the owners and studio director at the The Path Yoga Studio, Bali. In this episode of the podcast, Mary shares a bit about her journey as a yoga teacher, what brought her to Bali and how she became a co-owner in The Path. She shares what it's like to run a business in a foreign country, as well as her top tips for marketing your own business and growing a company, and more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Mary's yoga story and history working in the film industry Making the shift from being a producer to an accomplished yoga teacher Moving to Bali and opening up a yoga studio Operating in a foreign industry and understanding how to run your business differently Growing a yoga studio in a small town Mary's top tips for marketing your own business and growing a company Guest links: The Path Yoga Center: https://www.thepathyogacenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundance_therapies/

This week on the podcast I am joined by Amanda Hughes. Amanda is a brand photographer based in Scotland, UK. She works with all types of small businesses, including yoga teachers. In this episode, we're talking about why it's important to have great brand photos for your yoga business and the benefits of hiring a photographer. Amanda also shares some of her top tips for getting great photos for the yoga teachers just starting out who can't afford a professional photographer just yet. We talk about equipment, lighting, selfies and more! Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Amanda's background and career history How Amanda shifted to working jobs in photography Why it's important to have great brand photos for a yoga business Taking your own photos over using stock photos online The two different ways to create your brand photos and how to approach both methods The benefits of hiring a professional photographer Tips for creating great photos yourself or from someone that isn't a professional photographer Amanda's top business lessons over her experience with branding and photography Guest links: Shot by Amanda: https://www.amandahughes.uk/

This week on the podcast I am joined by Michelle Leotta. Michelle is a yoga teacher turned health coach! She's spent the past 13 years as a practicing, certified health coach while acting as a mentor for health coaches, a presenter at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and partner of Primal Health Coach Institute. In this episode of the podcast, we're talking about Michelle's journey as a yoga teacher, why she pivoted from teaching yoga to being a health coach, how she's built her business over the last decade, and why becoming a health coach can be a great addition to a yoga teaching career. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: How Michelle got into yoga and her initial journey Michelle's introduction to teaching yoga while working in advertising Making the pivot from teaching yoga to being a health coach Running a yoga coaching business while pregnant and raising a child Going back to practicing yoga after having a child Operating an online business prior to the pandemic Why becoming a health coach can be a great option for your yoga career Guest links: Website: https://healthcoachpower.com/

This week on the podcast I am joined by Kaya Mindlin. Kaya is a trusted teacher guiding many of today's yoga teachers and longtime practitioners. Yogic seekers from around the world resonate with her authentic and mothering approach that threads the mystical and practical. She integrates the full-spectrum of the Vedic tradition in her work including Therapeutic Yoga, Mysticism and Philosophy, Storytelling, Ayurveda, Vedic Astrology and Vedic Counseling to reveal the body and life as a vehicle for spiritual awakening. In this episode of the podcast we are diving into all things dharma! We discuss what dharma is, how we know what our purpose in teaching is, what the "friends" and "enemies" to dharma are, advice for someone who is just starting out and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. This episode is also sponsored by MagicMind. MagicMind is the shot of productivity that everyone should need to get their day started, without all the caffeine. MagicMind has adaptogens and a mixture of twelve ingredients that help to boost your energy and focus, crush procrastination, and elevate your mental clarity. Head over to magicmind.com and use code MBOM20 for 20% off. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: What Kaya has been up to since we last had her on the podcast How Kaya's business has continued to shift since the days of the pandemic Preventing burnout while running your business online Knowing what your purpose is in teaching Defining dharma, and the "friends" and "enemies" to dharma Determining what you want to teach or offer based on information from your dharma Navigating purpose and balance between work and life outside of work Guest links: https://yogawithkaya.com/online-programs/ and code MBOM20 to get a discount off any online programs!

This week on the podcast I am joined by Alexandra Charles. Born and raised in Sydney Australia, Alexandra has been a professional dancer her whole life, with her performance career bringing her to the USA in 2014. Alexandra found yoga early on to help heal some injuries, and meditation to assist in centering and finding balance. Her approach to both is with wholistic real world tools and practices, and most of all to make things enjoyable and accessible for any body. She opened her studio, Soul Tribes Yoga and Meditation, in Houston Texas in 2019, where she strives to help people cultivate self awareness, strength, stability, mind and body balance, a heart centered yoga practice, compassion, tools for breath work, and mindfulness. In this episode of the podcast, we're talking about what it was like to open a yoga studio just months before the pandemic, how Alexandra and her team were able to keep the studio afloat, what her experience as a studio owner has been like, especially running a studio that offers the gentler forms of yoga, as well as her tips for running a yoga business and a yoga studio, and much more. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. This episode is also sponsored by MagicMind. MagicMind is the shot of productivity that everyone should need to get their day started, without all the caffeine. MagicMind has adaptogens and a mixture of twelve ingredients that help to boost your energy and focus, crush procrastination, and elevate your mental clarity. Head over to magicmind.com and use code MBOM20 for 20% off. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Alexandra's yoga journey and background The inspiration to open Alexandra's very own yoga studio Opening a business in 2019 and surviving the impact of the pandemic Embracing hybrid classes in the yoga studio Finding success with gentler and slower forms of yoga Tips for those trying to open their own studio Biggest business lessons Alexandra has learned as a teacher

Welcome back to another season of M.B.Om! We're kicking off 2024 and this new season by doing some goal setting and manifestation work for the year. We start with a series of prompts to help you brainstorm your goals in various areas of your life and business before diving into brainstorming a word that can act as your theme or intention for the year. Finally, we end this episode with various tips for how to actually achieve your goals, including staying organized, staying motivated, reviewing your goals regularly, and making sure that you are setting clear and tangible goals for yourself. I hope this helps you start the year off strong! Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. This episode is also sponsored by MagicMind. MagicMind is the shot of productivity that everyone should need to get their day started, without all the caffeine. MagicMind has adaptogens and a mixture of twelve ingredients that help to boost your energy and focus, crush procrastination, and elevate your mental clarity. Head over to magicmind.com and use code MBOM20 for 20% off. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Reflecting on the past year, the challenges we faced, and what we learned from them Improving on areas of personal development, health and wellness, and more Meeting financial milestones that you set for yourself Reflecting on your values and principles Tips to help you achieve your goals for this year

It's that time of year again! I'm sitting down to reflect on 2023! In this episode, we cover this year on the podcast, including the new format of the show and that went. I also share some career updates, what I worked on this year, what went well in my business, and things that I let go of. I share where I spent this year and how my travels went, what it was like self-publishing my first book, as well as a bit about what to expect from the show in 2024! Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree. If you're interested in finding an all-in-one platform for online or in-person teaching, then you should check out OfferingTree. OfferingTree has been supporting M.B.Om for over a year now and I not only love the product but I also love the people. OfferingTree is providing special pricing for M.B.Om listeners, so be sure to visit offeringtree.com/mbom. My new yoga book is out now: www.mbomyoga.com/book In this episode: Reflecting on this year on the podcast, and using a different format for episodes Career updates and what I've been working on throughout 2023 What went well in my business, and what I let go of What it was life self-publishing my first book Things to expect in 2024