5 Ways to Start a Yoga Studio

[ 3 minute read ]

You've always wanted to start a yoga studio, but you don't know how to take the first step.  You often find yourself day-dreaming about making your own schedule, living a healthier lifestyle and sharing your yoga practice with your very own community.  Yes!  This is the life you want to live! 

But how are you going to start a yoga studio? You don't know the first thing about business plans and the thought of owning a business, and all the risk that goes along with it, stops you cold in your tracks.

Here are 5 ways to start a yoga studio without previous entrepreneurial experience: 

1. Find a business partner

So maybe you're a kick-ass yoga teacher but you've never took a business course in your life.  That's okay, as long as you have (or seek out) a business-savvy partner who can take on the heavy lifting. 

You'll want someone with at least the following 3 areas of expertise:  

• Financing 
• Accounting and payroll
• Sales and marketing

 2. Take business courses 

There are lots of business courses you can take to get a foundation for business 101.  This won't make you an expert or provide you with real-life experience, but the education and general understanding won't hurt.

In addition finance and accounting, here are some specific courses to look for:

• Business 101
• Management
• Promotional Strategies

 3. Buy into a franchise 

The benefit of a franchise business for you may be that many of the decisions have already been made.  But lots of folks prefer operating an independently owned studio.  Some things to consider include:

• Fees and Royalties
• Marketing Support and Training
• Creative Program and Design Flexibility

Check out the pros and cons of owning a yoga franchise and take the quiz to determine which business model is right for your future yoga business.

 4. Hire a business coach

Starting any company is challenging and starting a yoga studio is no exception.  Contracting with an business coach or consultant with specific yoga studio knowledge will set you up for success, whether you have some business experience or none at all. 

Here are some of the services a business coach or consultant will offer:

• Business plan development
• Securing a business loan
• Finding the best studio location
• Designing your studio
• Sales and marketing execution

5. Opt for virtual

If you love to teach yoga but cringe at the idea of opening a studio, you may want to consider another path.  Online learning has revolutionized the yoga industry and offering online classes is a great way to build a following.  

Remember, you'll still want to establish a business and think about creating your brand.