STARTING OUT
I was already working as a music
psychotherapist when I completed my yoga
teacher training in 2011 having practiced for
many years. So I was already self-employed
and experienced in running groups, pitching
for business and so on.
BUSINESS PLANS
I am rubbish at this! If I have a plan, it’s to
teach, disseminate (via academic and other
writing) and to keep on learning.
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE
I thank and honour Michael Stone (Centre of
Gravity) who tragically died this summer. He
was an amazing teacher, thinker and writer.
WHAT’S YOUR SECRET
I have no secret: I just keep on and scrape
by! I am lucky to have several strings to my
bow (so yoga is not my only income stream),
which helps, plus a partner who also earns.
SELF-CARE TIPS
Practice, practice, practice (especially the
sitting, watching the breath kind)! I get
enough sleep, go swimming in the river, say
“no” to stuff, enjoy being with my kids and
two dogs, and have the odd glass of wine
and Netflix.
MyYogaBiz
WHAT’S YOUR NICHE
I specialise in using techniques from the
traditions of yoga and mindfulness to help
people live well with chronic, long-term and
life-threatening illness. I have spent seven
years working in palliative care. I completed
an MSc in Palliative Care last year and am
continuing with a Phd in 2018. I offer a
yearly course, ‘Mindful Yoga for Supportive
& Palliative Care’ at Yoga Campus and I
will also be teaching on their yoga therapy
training modules on living with long-term,
chronic and life-limiting illness, pain, grief
and trauma modules.BUSINESS MENTOR
I have a psychodynamic psychotherapist who
I see for clinical supervision. It’s essential.
I also go to my yoga teacher, Sarah Perry,
weekly - she is absolutely brilliant.HARDEST LESSON
Don’t set out to make friends with students.
Boundaries are the most important thing
and help everyone to feel safe. Same with
money for classes. Be clear.FUTURE TRENDS
I hope yoga will become an evidence-based,
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care
Excellence) recommended intervention.This month’s mentor: Kate Binnie, 48, of Yoga-Voice, Oxford (yoga-voice.com)
In which case it needs more regulation,
governance and protocols for different
conditions. This is what I am trying to help
move towards in a tiny way with my research.Written and compiled by Claudia Brown
(yogabyclaudia.com)Tips from the experts to help you grow the yoga business of your dreams.