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Behind the green door
Emma Owen-Smith set up her own studio, Green Door Yoga, after years of
teaching in London“Green Door is my home yoga space that I run in Chichester, West Sussex, and the home of
our yoga events and retreat company ‘greendoorgrooves’. I taught for years in London at
various gyms and studios, which I enjoyed for the numbers and diversity - but there are lots
of advantages to having your own space. I am fortunate in that the layout of the front of the
house lent itself well to the venture. The green door is at street level and separate from the
front door; it’s quite old really, with a plaque of a Buddha on it - no other sign. I wanted it to
be a kind of ‘secret garden’ entrance, understated but quite magical. In the summer I often
light the way in with candles.
There are French windows which serve as the studio door and the space itself can, at
a push, take eight mats, but I usually take about six people for an asana class so it isn’t
uncomfortable. I have a small room next to it where people can get changed and leave their
coats, and next door to that is a toilet.
What I have found is that I tend to get to know my students much better than before, and
because of that I am able to tailor-make sessions according to whatever is going on for
them at the time. I am able to be more flexible with when I teach and also around payment
issues. I will often swap sessions instead of take money and this suits my ethos. I believe
my students like the intimacy of the space and also that it is a clear and calming space to
practice in. Not all gyms or halls are!
It doesn’t take much to set up once you have a space, you just need mats, blocks,
reasonable heating, a website and a little advertising. Most of my students come from word
of mouth.
Downsides can be privacy issues: you need to be clear about your space and its
boundaries.
All in all, if you like to run your own show and provide people with a personal touch then
this is perfect for you!”
greendooryoga.co.ukmats, music system and other props. You create the atmosphere you
want to teach in, the environment that brings out the best in you as a
teacher. For me, this is a quiet, empty room flooded with natural light,
a unique and personal space where my students feel safe and can
deepen their practice away from the distractions of their lives. Have a
think what would be your perfect teaching environment and perhaps
you are closer to realising it than you think.
Working from home allows you to forge a balanced quality of life
as you choose the hours you work. For me, this means I work during
school hours so I can take my children to school and pick them up at
the end of the day.
If the character of your property remains unchanged then the use
of your home as a business should be permitted without planning
permission. You can check with your local council, but a few classes
a week are unlikely to be an issue, particularly if there is no impact
on your neighbours.
You should be able to extend your home insurance for home
working, which covers public liability and business contents. You will
still need your teacher’s liability insurance to cover any risk to your
students. The running costs of your home studio can be claimed
against tax and include apportioned insurance costs, utility bills and
repairs. If your home is rented, a portion may be deductible.
And, at the end of every yoga class, I ask my students to bow their
heads and think of what they’re grateful for in their lives...I always
give thanks to my beautiful yoga studio, which is a great blessing in
my life.”