Today is the first day of a new session at my studio. That means that for the last month or so a lot of my work (aside from actual teaching) has been focused on putting together the new schedule, advertising (such as it is - most of my students come from referrals), trips to the printers, and taking payments. This is the kind of "behind the scenes" work that keeps a studio running. In my case, it is my not-so-favorite aspect of running this particular small business.
I never dreamt of owning a yoga studio; I just wanted to teach! Shortly after moving to Seattle - where yoga studios are almost as prolific as coffee shops - I realized that in order to teach what really speaks to me, I needed to open my own place. I also wanted to condense my teaching...rather than running around all over town to teach a class here, and a class there. I much prefer to put my energy and love into one small (but thriving) studio, rather than being just another face in a line-up of "up & comers" at a large studio.
To me, being a professional yoga teacher means running a small business - whether it's an actual studio or not. We have to have business licenses, most of us work as independent contractors, we have to get our names/faces "out there" to attract students. It is very much a business. How I choose to run my business, however, is completely up to me. So, even though my dream was to be a yoga teacher, by stepping up and creating a space in which to plant that dream, I have learned - and grown - a great deal. I understand the value of staying small, especially when so many places are going corporate (I kid you not - corporate yoga studios - sigh). I know all of my students by name, face, and disposition (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual). I am learning to let go of the fear of failure, and enjoy this creation as it is, each and every day. My passion is teaching, but by putting all of my effort into the building of a studio, I have sparked a flame that glows beyond my wildest imagination.
So, anyway, that's what I've been up to. This week is lots of teaching, and making sure the payments are in order, etc. so that we can all get down to the nitty gritty.
Oh! Here are some pretties for your perusal:
In the background we have Barney (still needs some finishing and blocking, but almost done!). On Barney's shoulder rests the beginning of Clapotis, and over the torso, the skirt of Anouk.
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