Stephanie Ball-Mitchell, the founder of Online Yoga School, reflects on her 30 years of teaching yoga and how the industry has evolved. She notes the increased diversity in styles and methods, larger class sizes, and the shift towards marketing and branding in the business. Despite these changes, Stephanie emphasizes that some lessons have remained constant over the years.
One key lesson that Stephanie has learned is that you can’t please everyone. She acknowledges that not every student will have an ideal experience, and it’s important to stay true to your core mission and brand identity. Stephanie focuses on making training accessible and affordable to her core demographic, which tends to be older than average. By staying authentic to herself and her teaching style, she is able to effectively meet the needs of her students.
Stephanie warns against getting caught up in the latest trends and fads in the industry, known as “shiny object syndrome.” She advises staying true to your approach and philosophy, even if it means not following what competitors are doing. By setting limits and staying focused on your core values, you can avoid distractions and maintain consistency in your offerings.
Emotional sensitivity is a significant aspect of yoga, as it can bring up deep-seated emotions and trauma for students. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for students to express themselves authentically. Teaching through a trauma-sensitive lens can be empowering for students, allowing them to feel supported while staying within the scope of yoga practice.
For those looking to launch a yoga business, Stephanie advises focusing on marketing and getting the word out about your offerings. It’s essential to have a clear and concise message that resonates with potential clients, along with information on how to find you. As the industry evolves, it’s important to be open to change and adapt based on new information. For example, Stephanie has shifted towards giving students more choices in their practice, rather than traditional hands-on adjustments.
Overall, Stephanie’s insights offer valuable lessons for yoga teachers and business owners in the industry. By staying true to your core values, focusing on marketing, and creating a safe space for students, you can build a successful and authentic yoga business that meets the needs of your clients.
