The Business of Yoga: A Guide for Mindful Ashtanga Practitioners
Are you an Ashtanga yoga practitioner who is considering becoming a yoga teacher? Or are you already a yoga teacher who wants to improve your business skills? Then this guide is for you! In this article, we will explore the business aspect of yoga teaching and give you tips on how to run a mindful business.
The Importance of Your Niche
As a yoga teacher, it’s important to find your niche. Your niche is the area of focus within yoga teaching that sets you apart from other teachers. For example, you may specialize in teaching Ashtanga yoga for beginners or yoga for athletes. By choosing a niche, you can build a brand around your expertise and attract students who are looking for that specific type of yoga.
Applying Mindfulness to Your Business
As Ashtanga practitioners, we know the importance of mindfulness in our yoga practice. But did you know that mindfulness can also be applied to your business? By running a mindful business, you can be ethical, mindful, and successful. Mindful business means treating your work as a yoga teacher like a business while at the same time supporting yourself in a way that is both ethical and beneficial to society.
Teaching Part-Time vs. Full-Time
When it comes to teaching yoga, you have the option of teaching part-time or full-time. Part-time teaching can be a great option if you have other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities. However, if you want to make a livable wage as a yoga teacher, you may need to consider teaching full-time.
Strategies for Making a Livable Wage
If you decide to teach yoga full-time, there are strategies you can use to make a livable wage. One option is to teach private sessions, which can be more lucrative than group classes. Another option is to create online courses or sell merchandise related to your yoga practice. You can also consider partnering with other yoga teachers or studios to offer workshops or retreats.
Being a Business Person
Whether you teach group yoga classes at a studio or run your own business, you are a business person. This means you are responsible for filing your taxes, promoting your classes, and managing your finances. By embracing your role as a business person, you can make smart decisions that will help you grow your yoga teaching career.
Final Thoughts
As an Ashtanga yoga practitioner and teacher, you have the opportunity to share the benefits of yoga with others while also making a living. By finding your niche, applying mindfulness to your business, and making smart decisions, you can create a successful and fulfilling yoga teaching career. Remember, being a business person doesn’t mean sacrificing your ethics or values. With a mindful approach, you can create a business that supports both your financial and spiritual well-being.
